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You’d like to take a vacation, but now that your baby has arrived, booking flights to faraway places just seems too complicated. Quebec has no shortage of attractions, and you can get there by car: the little one doesn’t have to be grown-up to enjoy beautiful landscapes!
To ensure you will enjoy a long car trip with baby, some planning is essential. What follows is a handy guide to make this easier so that everyone enjoys the travel experience.
1. Plan to keep your baby comfortable
Before you hit the road, give some thought to your child’s well-being. If baby is less than six months old, a cushion to support the head will keep him or her more comfortable so that you can all enjoy some quiet time together! Most support cushions are reversible, with breathable fabric on one side and warmer fabric on the other side for cold-weather journeys.
Summer sunshine can quickly become a nuisance when travelling by car. Use a window shade to protect baby from the sun’s rays.
2. Plan breaks
When travelling with a baby, you have to take your time. An overnight stop is one way of ensuring that the journey does not become an ordeal. A good rule of thumb is not to exceed 500 km a day on the road. For young children, frequent breaks are necessary. According to Quebec’s public health authority, the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, during baby’s first month of life, he or she should not spend more than an hour at a time strapped into a car seat.
As baby grows older, a break of about 15 minutes every two hours is suggested, so that baby can get some fresh air and everyone can stretch their legs. This is the perfect time for a diaper change and a feed.
3. Encourage sleeping
Chances are that your little one will sleep at least some of the time. Try setting off at what is usually nap time, so that baby falls asleep in rhythm with the normal routine. This will also give the parents a break!
Baby is more likely to fall asleep if you bring a blanket and a favourite cuddly toy. Dress baby comfortably in the usual sleepwear for maximum comfort.
4. Think about some entertainment
While Quebec’s landscapes are wondrous to behold, the very young can find hours spent on the road very long. You could provide familiar music that your baby enjoys, or recordings of stories for children.
If there is another passenger in the vehicle, they can interact with the child to provide a distraction and make the journey more pleasant. Sometimes, having one parent in the back seat with baby can head off a crisis!
Bring some games or toys to distract baby. Books and action figures are old reliables that will not take up too much space. Another good idea is to plan a surprise, with some new toy that will arouse baby’s curiosity and keep him or her occupied for at least part of the journey.
A long car trip also requires a supply of snacks. Try to choose things that will not make too much mess if dropped or spilled
5. What to take: a few essentials
When travelling with a young child, it’s hard to travel light. Keep your diaper bag handy and include a few extra. It’s also a good idea to keep a change of clothes on hand.
Try to plan ahead for the minor upsets or emergencies that will arise. Since a few are inevitable, keep paper towels, tissues, wet wipes and a few dry cloths within reach. Think about taking along a health kit tailored to the very young
For peace of mind when you travel, be sure to contact one of our brokers to discuss an auto insurance policy that will cover every eventuality. It only remains then for us to wish you a safe journey through our beautiful province of Quebec!