Useful tips for road trips with infants: complete guide

Get some tips for road trips with infants before setting off on your next van life adventure!

Welcoming a new baby into your life is a huge adventure in itself. While caring for and getting to know this tiny human is a big adjustment for your family, it doesn’t mean you need to give up that camping holiday because of them! Here are some top tips for road trips with infants to help your journey go as smoothly as possible.

But first, what is the best age to road trip with a baby?

Honestly, you can go on a road trip with a baby of any age. Newborns tend to feed and sleep, which makes them extremely portable. Not to mention, they don’t take up a lot of room either! Though they do come with a lot of stuff, so you need to be selective about what you bring on the road with you. More on that below!

Top tips for road trips with infants

1. Only pack the necessities

This is a hard one for many new parents - after all, isn’t everything necessary? While newborns and infants don’t take up a lot of space, their things certainly do. Before you know it, your campervan will be overflowing with baby things and you won’t even be able to move through it. Here’s a good start on what we consider the essentials:

• Nappies, nappy bags and wipes: don’t go overboard as you’ll be able to pick these up on the way. Nappy bags are for all those smelly numbers, so they can go straight in the bin without stinking out the whole campervan.

• Backpack: we highly recommend a backpack, so you can go off and explore the places you stop along the way. It’s the easiest way to carry all those essentials you need for the trip.

• Breast pump/bottles: depending on which way you’re feeding your baby, make sure you bring everything they need, including a steriliser.

• Changing mat

• Beanie & sun hat

• Baby Sunscreen

• Baby carrier: if you’re going to be hitting the trails and getting out into nature then a baby carrier will save your hands. It’s also a lot more versatile than a pram and takes up a lot less space as well.

• First aid kit: thermometer, Panadol, antiseptic wipes, bandaids, tweezers, nappy rash cream (Camplify vans always come with a first aid kit but you may need to bring these infant-centric items!).

• Bassinet/travel cot

2. Have a child safety seat fitted

Before you head off on a road trip, you need to make sure you have a seat for your baby ready to go for the trip.

Get it fitted by a professional before you hit the open road, so you know your baby is safe for the trip.

3. Pack some toys

While you want to make sure you don’t go overboard, having a few key toys will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Grab a small basket and fill it up with rattles, teethers, and other small toys that will excite your baby and keep them entertained while on the road.

4. Maybe skip the scenic route

While most road trips, the scenic route adds to the trip, when there’s a baby involved it might be best to skip it. Babies can be unpredictable, so you don’t want to head off track for some scenery, only to find yourself stuck with an inconsolable little one and hours until you reach your destination.

Map out your route in advance, plan some stops around your baby’s feeding schedules, and know that you’ll get there when you get there. Forget the time that Google maps tells you and let your baby dictate that instead. Part of the fun of road trips is that you can go at your own pace.

5. Pack a picnic blanket

This is one of the best tips for road trips with infants. Once you arrive at your campsite, you can set the blanket up outside and pop your baby down for some fresh air.

You’ll love having free hands to unpack and set everything up, and after being cooped up in a car seat, your little one will love being able to stretch out as well.

6. Baby proof the van

If your baby is on the move, then baby proofing is a must! Here are some things to think about in a campervan:

• Make sure all cupboards in their reach have locks on them.

• Check there’s nothing your baby can climb and explore.

• Put covers over all the sockets.

The same way you would babyproof your home, give the same level of attention to detail to your van. If you can’t secure everything, then make sure your baby is never left alone inside unless they are strapped into their seat.

7. Time it right

When you’re on the road, plan your breaks around your baby’s needs. If your baby feeds every two hours, then make sure you plan a stop where they can do just that.

It’s the perfect way to break up the trip for the driver as well.

This also means timing when you take off in the morning for your trip. Work it all around your little one to create as little fuss as possible. You want them to be well-rested with a full belly.

8. Be a backseat driver

While it’s always nice for the driver to have some company upfront, don’t be afraid to jump in the back when the baby is unsettled.

You can sit right next to them and offer a friendly face, and a smile or two, to help settle them until your next stop. Even if it’s just to put the dummy back in or help them fall asleep. Don’t underestimate the importance of that backseat.

9. Get the music ready

Babies love music. It can help with their mood – just like adults, too. The best thing you can do for the whole family is put together a playlist of calming songs.

These will help your little one drift off to sleep, while also keeping them nice and calm as they look out the window and play during their awake hours as well.

You can even try out some podcasts that you enjoy. Just hearing someone’s voice can be enough to soothe a baby.

10. Choose The Right Van

This is one of the most important tips for you to follow. There are manyfamily-friendly campervans, caravans and motorhomes out there for you to check out, so make sure you choose wisely.

You can also narrow your search around your needs. For instance, you’ll want a larger van that has plenty of room for all your infant’s things, as well as room for them to move around or have a kick around on the floor.

There are also plenty of benefits that come with choosing a van on Camplify, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurances

• 24/7 breakdown cover

• Dedicated customer service

• All members are verified

Plan a journey equipped with our tips for road trips with infants

While road tripping with an infant sounds daunting, it’s lots of fun as well if you equip yourself with all the tips and tricks you need. As you settle into life with a new baby, you also get to explore the world around you and open yourself up to some amazing experiences with your little one.

And if you’ve also got some not-so-little family members, check out our tips for long road trips with kids. Lastly, remember that the most important thing you can do for an enjoyable getaway is pick out the perfect family-friendly van rental with all the space you need!