How to Enjoy Road Trips with a Baby

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on how to enjoy road trips with a baby.  While we are sure you will have a wonderful time, there will be stresses.   Especially, when your baby kicks up a fuss while you’re trying to navigate the highways and byways.  However, you trip doesn’t have to be entirely stressful or ruined.

 

road trips with a baby

 

 

 

Here’s a few tips on surviving road tips with a baby:

 

#1: Keep your baby supplies nearby

Don’t cram all of your luggage into the trunk of your car. When it comes to the items your baby needs, you are going to need them at hand.  Pack them into a large diaper bag that can accommodate most of your baby necessities.  For example, diapers, ready-made bottles of breast or formula milk, blankets, wipes, and toys. With everything you need in close proximity, you will quickly have what you need should your baby get bored, hungry, or both!

 

#2: Enlist a back seat passenger

Other than your baby, you might have a back seat passenger ready if you’re bringing other family members or friends along.  But, if it’s just you and your partner, you might want to tag team driving duties.  For example, one of you can sit in the back with your baby.  As a result, the back-seat passenger can take on the duties when crying or tantrums arise.  Additionally, this will ensure the driver isn’t overly distracted.  Duties can included feeding the baby to reading baby books or playing peek-a-boo.  Furthermore, the back seat passenger will be invaluable when it comes to keeping the baby quiet and entertained.

 

#3: Plan for breaks

Unless you want a smelly car, you will need to plan for breaks to give you the opportunity to change your baby’s diaper. You might want to change their clothes too if they have become sweaty or stained with food.  And, you all may need a little respite from the confines of your car.  Before you set off on your journey, download a rest stop locator app on your smartphone. This will be useful when planning where to take stops.

 

#4: Avoid the scenic route

We know road trips are often about taking those roads less-traveled.  But, when you have a baby to look after, you don’t want to run the risk of getting lost on your journey.  As we suggested, you will need a route that includes places to take a break, gas stations and food courts.  So, you might find traveling the highway is more practical than taking detours into the countryside.  Plan your route in advance; if you can find a scenic route with plenty of rest stops, then fine.  But if not, stick to the main roads for convivence sake.

 

Finally, traveling can be a fun when you learn how to enjoy road trips with a baby.  By following our tips, you should be able to minimize stress for both you and your baby.  Let us know what you think, and if you have any other useful tips for any road trippers this summer.  Please leave a comment below.

You may also like:  Family Travel Tips With Kids

 

What Not to Wear for a Passport Photo

passport photos

Have an international trip coming up, and you need a passport photo?  First, obtaining a passport photo is a major step to getting your passport.  Second, not following the State Department’s rules will certainly qualify you for a returned application.  So, before you head to the photo store to obtain a passport photo become knowledgeable.

Don’t count on the photographer knowing the rules.  Most don’t, so educate yourself before you leave home.  I had to have my passport photo retaken because I wore a headband.  I was so glad the photo shop was close to the passport application office.  However, it was frustrating and time consuming to have it done twice.

Here are a few tips:

Hats – No baseball caps, fedoras, straw hat, cowboy/cowgirl hats or any other head covering is allowed.

Head Scarves – Scarves worn for religious purposes are allowed.  However, scarves worn for fashion are not.

Headband – Avoid anything that will obstruct your hairline.  This includes headbands and/or scarves.

Glasses – Glasses are not allowed.  This includes prescription or sunglasses.

Uniform – Military, scrubs, police or security guards and/or pilot uniforms are not allowed.  Religious clothing is allowed.

A Smile –  As of 2016, the State Department does not allow passport applicants to smile in their photos.

Electronic Headgear – This includes earphones, Bluetooth or other electronic devices.

The State Department requires that an applicant’s picture not be older than 6 months. Why, because the State Department wants the photo to reflect your current appearance.  Furthermore, your photo must be 2 x 2.  Therefore, wherever you have your passport photo taken, they should return to you in the correct size.  As a result, it will need to fit into the appropriate area on your passport application.  You will want to implement the following too:

  • The background of the photo must be solid white
  • The photo must be in color
  • Photo paper should be glossy or a matte finish
  • Lay infants on a white sheet or infant blanket.  Next, place the white sheet or blanket in the carrier or on the area provided.  Most importantly, your child should be able to look into the camera, and their eyes must be open.

Finally, you may also like How to Obtain a Passport in 5 Easy Steps.