Americans are known for taking long road trips, especially during summer. The Vacationer recently released survey results that show 82% of Americans plan to travel in 2024. Moreover, some 75% are planning to take a road trip.
However, many people avoid taking these trips with their infants or toddlers. Many people wonder whether traveling for long hours in a car seat will be safe for their children. It can be challenging but not impossible if you know your toddler’s routine and behavior. Here’s how to keep it safe and fun.
A couple shared their experience on The Strategist about taking a 3,000-mile road trip with their 11-month-old. They say the key is to know what works and what doesn’t with your child. You can get an idea of this by taking your baby for several smaller rides before going on a road trip.
Despite all the planning, things can go wrong on the road, so it is best to be prepared with smart safety tips.
Here are some expert tips to help you enjoy safe road trips with infants and toddlers.
Choosing the Right Car Seat
The foundation of road trip safety starts with selecting the appropriate car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height. Infants require rear-facing car seats, which offer better protection for their developing necks and spines.
The reason for using a rear-facing car seat is to spread force throughout the body. Dr. Hoffman explained this very well, as cited in an article by Parents.com. He says that your baby can be thrown at a force of 450 pounds during a crash.
In the case of a rear-facing seat, the force is spread throughout the baby’s body, which helps protect the head and spine. On the other hand, in a front-facing seat, the harness clip is the only protective surface area. This area is not enough to handle the force of the impact.
Toddlers can transition to forward-facing seats when they outgrow the rear-facing seat’s specifications. It is essential to ensure the car seat is installed securely and correctly. Many local fire stations or child safety organizations offer free checks to confirm proper installation.
Once the car seat is in place, double-check the harness straps to make sure they are snug but not overly tight. The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level to avoid injuries in case of sudden stops or impacts.
Packing Essentials for Comfort and Safety
When traveling with a baby, you must first consider their comfort and safety to ensure the trip is peaceful and enjoyable. Extra diapers, wipes, and clothing are must-haves, as accidents and spills are common. It is also wise to pack enough food and snacks that are age-appropriate and easy to eat on the go.
Consider sticking a baby on board sticker on your car. This will give a clear hint to other drivers to keep their distance when driving past you. It is important to keep distance from other vehicles, especially on highways where you will easily find multiple larger vehicles than yours. Another place to be cautious is at intersections, as they are also a common place for accidents to occur.
Consider the example of a case in which the driver was recently sentenced on two counts of involuntary manslaughter. According to First Alert 4, the driver was driving a car at 60 miles per hour (mph) in a 25 mph zone. He overran a signal and hit a curb, which caused the car to go airborne. Two passengers, a woman and her 1-year-old child, died due to the accident in St. Louis.
The Impact of Truck Accidents on Passenger Safety
In the case of a truck, the impact can be more severe due to its sheer size. Due to the size and weight of trucks, your car and the people within can experience an even bigger impact force. In such cases, you have the right to hire an attorney and seek compensation.
For example, a truck accident recently occurred on Highway 2 in August 2024. A St. Louis county judge signed a warrant to collect blood samples of a semi-truck driver involved in the crash. It was a fatal crash in which an international truck drove into four other vehicles stopped due to construction.
If it would have been a car, the impact would have been less severe. However, since it was a truck, six people in a Honda Pilot were killed. A few others were injured with non-life-threatening injuries.
Considering the above case, a St. Louis trucking accident lawyer can fight for the injured victims. A personal injury lawyer with ample experience can help the victims collect evidence and help them throughout the procedure.
According to TorHoerman Law, an attorney can consider all the aspects to calculate the right compensation amount. This ensures that you don’t get underpaid for the troubles you have faced. Moreover, the lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies and other people to get you the right settlement amount.
Planning for Breaks and Stops
Long periods in a car can make children restless, so planning regular breaks is a good idea. Stop every two to three hours to let toddlers stretch their legs and allow you to attend to an infant’s needs. Rest areas or family-friendly restaurants often have changing stations and play areas, which can provide a welcome change of pace.
Avoid leaving your child unattended in the car, even for a few moments. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise or fall dramatically, creating dangerous conditions. Always take your child with you when exiting the car, even for a shortstop.
Ensuring Entertainment and Distraction
Keeping young children entertained during a road trip helps maintain their comfort and minimizes distractions for the driver. Age-appropriate toys, books, and preloaded music or videos can hold their attention for extended periods. Rotate toys periodically to keep their interest fresh.
As stated by MomJunction, you can also use sticker books, screen time, worksheets, and audiobooks to keep your toddler entertained. Some other options you can go for are flashcards, counting activities, storytelling, character toys, etc. It can be challenging to plan the right activities for your child, but a little preparation can make your trip much more memorable.
Interactive games and songs involving the entire family can also keep toddlers engaged while fostering a sense of togetherness. However, avoid overwhelming them with too many stimuli, as this can lead to irritability.
Frequently Asked Questions
During a hot road trip, how can I keep my toddler cool in the car?
Use sunshades on the car windows to deflect direct sunlight and keep your toddler cool. Keep them hydrated by giving them lots of water and dressing them in light, breezy clothing. It might be dangerous to leave the car running with the air conditioning on while you are away. For extra comfort, think about using cooling towels or small fans made for automobiles.
If my infant becomes car-sick, what should I do?
Prepare ahead of time by bringing wet wipes, disposable bags, and an additional change of clothes in case your child becomes car-sick. Light snacks might be helpful before a trip because nausea can be exacerbated by an empty or overfull stomach. To give your youngster some fresh air, think about taking pauses. In extreme situations, seek guidance or medicine from your doctor that is safe for young children.
How can I feed my infant securely when traveling?
When feeding your infant, it is preferable to stop in a secure area, particularly if you are nursing or using a bottle. To avoid choking dangers and to make sure you are not distracted, do not feed newborns while the car is moving. To preserve freshness, make sure pre-packaged baby food is kept in a cooler.
The benefits of road journeys with young children can sometimes exceed the difficulties, but they do take planning, patience, and attention to detail. Your whole family may have a safe and happy road trip experience if you consider the tips mentioned above. You may create enduring memories while keeping your children safe and content if you take the proper approach.
