Last month we set off to sunny Queensland for a week long trip. Our car was packed to the roof (quite literally), with all essential items included. I didn't think I realised how much stuff one little human could possibly need, but once you start collecting and making a list, the items just go on, and on, and on. Could we have flown instead? Absolutely. But we knew how many things we needed to take, and it seemed to just be easier driving. Yes, it took a lot longer, yes, there was a lot more packing and unpacking, but was it worth it? Definitely. I'm all for road trips, especially when the 'Spirit' theme song is on repeat for the next 500km.
So my first bit of advice when travelling via car with a baby would be to work out your travel times based off his/hers meal and nap times. This will make it a lot easier for you, and them. For example, after stopping in Coffs for the night, we were heading to Twin Waters, so another 5+ hours away. I fed Kaiden milk when he woke up around 5, and then we went to buffet breakfast about 7am. So he's now fed and content - great start! I made sure he had a clean nappy prior to putting him in the car around 9:00am to avoid any other upsets. He fell asleep not long after we left. Our goal was to drive as far as we could without needing to stop for Kaiden. Even if he woke up, but was happy, we would keep driving. The closer we got to our destination, the better. You really want to avoid getting them in and out of the car constantly, because they don't like it. Once they are out, they would rather enjoy their freedom.
We were able to make it to the Gold Coast before stopping for lunch, and continued on to Twin Waters. Obviously, you can't always help when to leave. On the way to Coffs, we had planned on leaving at 5, as Kaiden usually wakes up then. I was going to feed him milk, and then put him straight into the car so he would sleep until 7am (his usual breakfast time). Of course, however, Kaiden decided to sleep in until 6:15am that morning, which delayed everything, and which meant he wanted his breakfast earlier. So do not go into this thinking your trip will go exactly to plan, because most likely, it won't.
Secondly, some important items to have in the car at easy access include the following:
- Full packed baby bag (with nappies, spare clothes, spare dummies, burping towels, bibs, extra toys, baby medication). This will save you searching the car for items when you stop for a break.
- Lunchbox filled with food for the day, including snacks, drink bottle, bowls, spoons and bibs. Obviously if your Bub isn't on solids yet, you won't need to pack this item :) When we stopped, I only had to grab Kaiden's nappy bag and lunch box, and then I had everything I needed
-A bag full of different toys. You will definitely want this. When Kaiden woke up from his nap, and was starting to get unsettled, I just needed to pass over another toy, and he was good for another half hour. That's a half hour closer to QLD :) Winning!
-A bag of snacks for you and your partner, or whoever you are travelling with. This will save you having to stop for food and risk waking the sleeping baby/child. Shaun and didn't stop for us, only for Kaiden, so be sure to go to the bathroom before leaving.
Thirdly, some items to definitely take on your trip for the baby (these items may not be necessary depending on your location or if you're flying) include:
- Portable cot: This was great, of course. We would set it up as soon as we arrived at our destinations (and we did have a few during our week long trip), and that way it was ready for Kaiden's naps and bedtime.
-Pram: Even if you bring a smaller one than what you have, it definitely saves you carrying the little human around everywhere. It is also meant Kaiden was able to have some of his naps when we were out.
- Ingenuity baby base 2-in-1 booster seat: It was the best decision bringing this item. It allowed Kaiden to have all his meals as normal, with a tray to hold his food. It also meant one of us didn't need to hold him while the other fed him. As Kaiden eats a lot of finger foods independently, bringing the booster seat meant he could still do that without creating much mess. We would just put it on either the floor or dining room table. When we were at restaurants, we would place him on the table (also resulted in the mess being easier to clean up).
-Multiple bibs: I took all of Kaiden's bibs. Although I knew I could have washed there, I wanted to make sure I had enough to get me through days at a time. I change Kaiden's bib 3-4 times a day due to all his dribble so he needs a lot :) I also packed Kaiden's large food bibs/smocks so that he could still eat foods on his own like he does at home without ruining his outfits.
-Clothes: I definitely suggest packing more clothes than you need for the little one. This is particularly important if you are going somewhere where you may not be able to wash for a while, or where the weather is a bit over the place. I brought back a lot of clean clothes for Kaiden, but I would rather have more than not enough., and you never know when a poo or vomit explosion is going to occur.
-Nappies + nappy bags: We brought a packet of nappies with us (obviously driving makes it easier), but it saved us going to the shops all the time. On that note, we also brought all of Kaiden's toiletries to also save us having to go buy them all. This included his body lotion, body wash and shampoo, Sudocrem, Vicks, powder, hair brush, tooth brush, and nail clippers.
I'm not going to sit here and write how easy it it to travel with a baby. It's not. It's hard, its exhausting, and a lot different than just travelling with your partner. However, it was memorable, and I wouldn't change it. I love making memories, and although Kaiden won't remember the trip, he will see photos as time goes by, knowing that we went on a family adventure. That will be what matters the most. Toys and clothes disappear and become just 'stuff', whereas experiences last forever. I personally don't remember the 100 barbie dolls I was gifted (although I loved them at the time), but I always have glimpses of our family holidays and bike rides to McDonalds as kids. So don't be turned off from travelling with kids, you're a parent now, it's life.
I would love to go camping for our next holiday! Any advice? :)
Sending love always,
Jessica xx
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