Traveling With Baby Checklist
Once you know she’s got a clean diaper and is fed, you’re ready to get a move on! You’ll likely use these necessities every time you’re road tripping. Tip: For convenience, keep a second stowaway diaper bag in the car.
[] Extra baby wipes
[] Diapers (pack two more than you think you’ll need)
[] Change of clothes for baby (One set with multiple layers should do it. Don’t forget extra socks, which go missing, like, all the time!)
[] Snacks (Quick tip: Don’t pack anything that baby could potentially choke on if there’s a sudden stop. Fruit squeezers, yogurts and Cheerios are good go-to snacks on the road. Ask your pediatrician if you’re not sure whether or not your snacks could pose a choking threat.)
[] Car “fun” pack (Keep toys and goodies with you in the front seat. You can parse them out along the drive. We all know baby throws every toy down and then cries for another. Been there!)
Make sure you have these in your car too. You never know when you’ll need to use them, so stick them in your trunk.
[] Flashlight with extra batteries
[] Tire gauge
[] Umbrella
[] Bottled water
[] Granola bars (in case you’re stuck somewhere and you get hungry)
[] Blankets
[] Gloves
[] Hand-cranked radio (If your phone loses power, you can use this to hand power a mobile device.)
[] Extra tire
[] Jack (and know how to use it!)
[] Seatbelt cutter and glass breaker (If you’re in an accident, these tools will help you and baby get out of the car quickly.)
[] First-aid kit with Band-Aids, gauze, an ice pack and antibiotic spray or ointment (You can make your own kit or buy a premade one from your local drug store.)
[] Safety flares (most come in packs of three and will last for 30 minutes.)
Finally, do these important safety checks before any big—or small—road trip.
[] Check your tire pressure. Depending on the vehicle, pressure should be at 30–45 PSI.
[] Stash away all loose items (we’re talking to you, purse!). A hard toy can hurt you or baby even if your car hits something at a low speed. If you have a trunk cover, use it. Put sippy cups, toys and other loose items in backseat pockets, the dash compartment or between the front seats.
[] Check your car seat installation. Ideally, you should reinstall your car seat and check all safety straps and slots every three months. Adjust the straps every time (yes, every time) baby gets in the seat so they are taut and not twisty or loose.
Updated November 2016
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