Aaah, holidays! The suitcases are packed, your out-of-office is set and the car is gleaming ready to transport you to a sunny destination. Does your travel party include a baby? Then your holiday jitters might be spiced with extra stress. But don't worry: with these handy survival tips, you'll ensure a relaxed start to your trip.
Tip #1: choose the right departure time
Some parents like to travel late at night so that the children can sleep through the night. Big plus: there is also immediately less traffic jams in the background. This is a good option if you can alternate driver duties with your partner.
Prefer cruising in daylight? Then leave early in the morning. Then your little one can take a nap in the car for the first few hours. First stop: breakfast!
Whatever you choose: try to start your drive as rested as possible and don't start your journey after a heavy meal. This applies not only to the driver's stomach, but also to that of the passengers.
Tip #2: take a break regularly
During a car journey, nothing is more sacred than the break. So try to include a rest every 2 hours at least. Not just for your legs: a child needs exercise too. If possible, find a parking space near a lawn or playground so your baby can spend 15 minutes playing around on a blanket.
You can fill your break in many ways: a sanitary stop, eating, breastfeeding... The only obligations: always stretch your legs, drink a few sips of water and check whether the temperature in the car is still bearable. Is the car still adequately ventilated?
So prepare the itinerary as best you can. Where can you pull the car over? Will you come across a petrol station with a playground on the way? That variety will keep morale high for the rest of the trip.
PS: Doesn't your partner have a driving licence? Then take extra lots of breaks in between.
Make car journeys more fun for your little one with our special car bingo card. This card features recognisable figures that your child can tick off as they pass them – from trucks to cows and traffic signs. This keeps your baby or toddler actively involved in the journey, reduces boredom and makes long journeys much more enjoyable for you as a parent.
Tip #3: keep it safe
A safe car holiday starts before you set off. Have your car checked beforehand at the garage (tyre pressure, oil, air conditioning, etc.), so that you can hit the road with peace of mind. Also double-check that your child's car seat is correctly and securely installed. Babies are best seated against the direction of travel. With a baby car mirror attached to the headrest of the back seat, keep an (endearing) eye on things from time to time.
But safety goes beyond the seat alone. Check the weather forecast beforehand to gauge the temperature in the car. Is it cold? Don't let your child wear a thick coat in the car, as the seatbelts will not fasten properly. Work instead with layers, blankets and soft clothing (such as sweatpants). Scorching hot outside? Use sunshades against bright sun and make sure there is sufficient ventilation.
And finally: don't leave loose items lying around in the car. Anything that can fly into the air during a sudden braking movement is a risk. So store toys, water bottles and other items safely. A pacifier flying around is less dangerous, but attach it to a pacifier ribbon to be sure.
Crying fit in the back seat? Emotions can quickly subside if you stay calm yourself. So don't immediately grumpily evade to the breakdown lane, but try to distract the pouting passenger. Sing a song, direct their attention to the scenery (‘Ooh, a horse!’), or outsource that task to your co-pilot - if you have one.
Tip #4: pack your luggage smartly
Advantage of travelling by car: you can pack a lot more luggage than on a plane. But how do you organise all those bags? ‘Divide and conquer’ is the message. Split your luggage into two parts: one for on the road and one for at the destination. That way, you won't have to search through your overstuffed suitcase for that one beloved cuddly toy during the trip.
The bag for the road
This luggage (often a spacious diaper bag) contains everything you want to have to hand quickly during the trip. What should definitely go in there? Think diapers, wet wipes, a changing mat and spare clothes for accidents on the road - for the little ones and their drivers.
Also keep a place for spare pacifiers, a neck pillow, the favourite teddy bear, a blanket and some entertainment. Books, CDs, audio books, small toys (preferably without too many parts) and a play mobile can work wonders during endless stretches on the motorway.
Choose healthy nibbles (wholemeal crackers, raw vegetables ...) and pack them in a well-sealable snack bowl. A cooler is ideal for yoghurt, sandwiches, fresh fruit and bottles of water.
Is your baby bottle-fed? Then take a thermos of hot water with you, and possibly a RapidCool to get the bottle to the right temperature quickly and safely.
The luggage for your destination
Anything you don't have to unpack until you arrive is for in the suitcase. Some examples:
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Care products
- Baby monitor
- High chair
- Baby cot (if your holiday home does not have one)
- ... and lots of extras - extra food, extra water, extra bibs....
Does your child have specific food or grooming preferences, for example due to allergies or sensitive skin? Then buy a larger stock at home and take it with you, as those products may not be as easy to find at your destination as they are at home.
Tip #5: take enough medication with you
An accident never comes alone, not even across borders. So bring a first-aid kit with the medical essentials:
- Paracetamol (the right dosage for your child)
- Something against motion sickness
- A thermometer
- Ointment against insect bites
- Plasters
- Disinfectant
- Any prescription medication
Before you leave, also visit the pharmacy. There, especially in summer, you can find handy travel packs.
Babies and children also need a passport (or Kids-ID), depending on where you are going. So inform your local council well in time, as sometimes the application can take a while. Also apply for a European health insurance card.
Are you travelling alone with your child? In some countries, you need a travel permit for this.
Bonus tip: make a checklist ...
... and complete it after each trip. That way, your travelling and packing will become more and more of a familiar routine.
A good start is half the battle (?)
Even with the most sophisticated preparation and eight precious hours of sleep, you cannot expect everything to go smoothly. Sometimes you have to stop five, eight, ten times. Sometimes snacks end up everywhere in the car except in the mouth of the ranting little consumer. And sometimes you are already over your head when your holiday has yet to begin.
But no need to panic. With a little planning and the right stuff in the luggage(s), that car holiday with your brood will be a great memory.
