Car journeys with baby
Travelling in cars is a normal part of everyday life, and the sooner your baby learns about it the better. Car journeys can be easier than public transport with a young baby as you can keep changing kit in the car - and you'll have somewhere you can feed in peace.
Car safety
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The most important aspect of travelling by car is the safety of your baby. Never sit in the front or back of the car with your baby on your lap. Always use a car seat suitable for your baby's age, weight and size and make sure that the seat complies with current standard and safety regulations. Before choosing a restraint, seek independent consumer and safety advice.
Car tips
- Never leave your child alone in the car.
- When the temperature is very hot, avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke by only taking your baby on essential short journeys early in the morning and at night when it is cooler.
- Secure a sun blind or piece of thick cloth on the car window to protect a baby from the sun.
- Remove all loose objects from the back ledge in case of accidents.
- Always keep a bag with spare nappies and changing equipment in the car.
- Have a rug or cot quilt to put over the baby when he falls asleep.
Feeding your baby during car journeys
Obviously feeding is much easier if you're breast-feeding. If you're bottle-feeding, however, you must never try to keep a made-up feed warm because any germs will quickly multiply. If you can't get hold of disposable bottles and feeds, mix the formula, when you need it, in a sterilized bottle with some boiled water that you've kept in a thermos.
Once your baby's weaned you'll need to take baby food, a feeding dish, a plastic spoon and a drinking cup with a spout. You can feed your baby from the jar, but remember to throw away anything he doesn't finish because the food will be contaminated with saliva, and germs will grow in it very quickly.
Changing your baby during car journeys
Disposables are by far the easiest to use when you're travelling. There's no need to do more than top and tail your baby when travelling so all you need are some baby wipes and a plastic bag for dirty nappies.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 03.11.2010
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