Keep baby safe and happy during long trips with car seats, strollers and other travel accessories.
Get On-the-Go Gear
Your baby enjoys getting out and about as much as you do. Even the smallest trips provide constant sources of amazement for your little one. Whether you’re taking baby out for an hour of errands or for a week-long vacation, their comfort and safety requires preparation.
Car Seats and Safety
Before you leave home, be sure to install the proper baby car seat. Buy one a few weeks before your baby’s expected arrival date. Select a car seat based on factors like the type of vehicle you’re driving, your personal preferences and your budget.
Car seats are based on a child’s height, weight and age. And despite their wide range of styles and prices, every new model has passed the same safety standards. However, proper installation ensures your baby’s protection.
Choosing a Stroller
Strollers transport your little one easily. A sturdy
stroller should stand up to wear and tear. That’s important as you’ll most likely use it daily. Want maximum convenience and portability? Choose a model that folds easily and fits in your car’s trunk. A full-size stroller is ideal if you plan to do some shopping or run errands, because purses, bags and other items can fit in the area beneath the stroller. You can also purchase a miniature, lightweight umbrella stroller that will make quick errands a breeze.
Car Seat and Stroller Combinations
Many moms purchase strollers and car seats together as part of a package. With these travel systems, the seat of the baby stroller detaches and becomes a car seat. You can pull the car seat (also called a “pumpkin seat”) straight out of your car and then secure it back into the stroller again. This is a big time-saver, and you won’t disturb your sleeping baby as easily.
If you're considering one of these travel systems, make sure that it's easy to pull the pumpkin seat out of your car and install it properly again with a baby in the seat. A car seat is only safe if it's installed and used properly every time.
Sling Baby Carriers
A sling keeps baby in close contact to your body. You can monitor your infant’s comfort and level of wakefulness easily. Want to take your baby out where strollers are hard to maneuver? The sling is a perfect replacement. There are many styles of “baby-wearing”
slings, including front-facing carriers and backpack-like transporters. Choose one that accommodates your baby's size and your comfort.
Other Travel Necessities
Don’t forget your
diaper bag (with plenty of diapers and wipes), burp cloths, a changing pad, teething toys, baby food, bibs, plastic bags for soiled diapers, changes of clothes and other travel necessities. You’ll want a water- and stain-resistant bag big enough to hold everything you need. Now you and baby are ready to hit the road.
