Happy holiday travel with a baby or toddler
Travelling by car with a baby during the festive season can be stressful at times, but if you're well prepared, it can be a breeze!
Are you going on holiday with a baby or toddler? Whether you are going on a short or long-distance holiday trip this festive season, getting to your destination safely is one of the most important factors to consider.
Babies can be fussy at the best of times but more so when confined to a car for several hours. You want to keep your baby happy during your trip to avoid on-the-road meltdowns. After all, a happy baby means a happy driver!
We chat with Lesego Mashishi-Matlala, Huggies expert in occupational therapy, on how to make travelling with a baby easy-peasy this festive season.
Prep the car
Make sure your vehicle is safe and ready for the long ride. Fill up the tank with petrol, check the tyre pressure, and change the oil if needed. The last thing you want is to break down with your baby in tow.
Always ensure your baby is in a car seat
Ensure that you have a car seat into which your baby can comfortably fit, with padding and adequate head and neck support. A neck cushion offers your baby extra support and padding when they dose off to sleep. A collapsible stroller and cot are ideal to save travel space. Provide baby with different durable toys that offer sensory stimulation and keep baby’s bottles and pacifiers within reach.
Make nappy changes hassle-free
If you have the right nappy for your baby when travelling, nappy changes can be hassle-free. Huggies Gold nappies offer an ultra-soft dry touch liner that absorbs wetness in seconds, ensuring your baby’s comfort. A nappy bag with waterproof lining and a shoulder strap will add to the ease of nappy changes. Small bottles of disinfectant gel are crucial when changing your baby’s nappies while travelling. Sealing bags are also essential for baby’s medicine and toiletries to minimise spillage in the bag.
Make regular stops
If you know your baby gets motion sickness a lot, it can be a good idea to have a container, plastic bags, wipes, and a spare change of clothes handy, in case of an emergency. Make regular stops during your trip so you – and your baby – can get some fresh air and “stretch your legs”.
Pack enough clothing
Multiple hats and multiple outfits, two to three per day, are essential. Huggies Pants are ideal for babies who have started walking. They are as absorbent as your regular open nappy but are uniquely designed to fit like underwear, giving babies the freedom to wriggle, crawl, climb and roll, enabling them to comfortably explore their surroundings.
Don’t forget the first-aid kit
Do not forget to pack a basic first-aid kit with infant pain relievers and supplies for treating minor injuries and have your baby’s health care provider’s contact details for emergency medical advice.
Invest in an inflatable baby bathtub
Having an inflatable baby bathtub can make bath time more convenient at your destination. At night, strategically place baby’s portable crib within proximity and depending on the destination, cover the crib with a mosquito net. Bring along a night light to keep the room lighting soothingly low during middle-of-the-night nappy changes.
