How to Travel With a Baby in Cold Weather

Wintertime means snow, wind and freezing temperatures. With a number of important holidays in the late fall and winter, many people have extensive travel plans to spend time with friends and family. It can be difficult to travel during this type of winter weather, and planning ahead can make a long journey much easier. Traveling with your baby during the cold winter months is a challenge, but keeping everyone warm and cozy can be accomplished with some preparation and forethought.

Instructions

1

Pack an emergency kit for your vehicle. Your emergency kit should include jumper cables, cat litter or sand for traction, a small shovel, food and water, blankets, flashlight, a small radio and extra batteries. Place these items in a large waterproof container and carry them in your vehicle at all times.

2

Schedule your vehicle for a service. Winter driving can be tough on your vehicle, and having your car serviced before a trip can help avoid problems. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your fluids are all filled before hitting the road.

3

Prepare your baby's diaper bag the night before you leave. You need to include enough diapers for one or two extra days, wipes, plenty of warm clothes, formula and bottles or a breast pump if you are breastfeeding, baby food, necessary medications and toys to keep your little one amused. Pack the bag in advance to give yourself time to look over your packing and make sure you included all necessary items.

4

Dress your baby appropriately for cold weather. A long sleeved bodysuit, pants, socks, shoes and a jacket should keep your baby warm enough while moving to and from your vehicle. Include a hat for your baby if he is very young, or if it is extremely cold and windy.

5

Warm up your vehicle before placing your child inside. The temperature inside your can be nearly as cold as the weather outside, so starting your car in advance and running the heater will allow your car to be as warm as necessary for your trip.

6

Buckle your child in her car seat and cover with a blanket. Be sure to cover the entire car seat if it is windy to keep your child from getting chilled. Remove the blanket once in the warm car so that you can see your baby, but replace it before exiting your car.

7

Stop every few hours to feed and change your baby. If your child is fussy, you can pull over and give him a quick meal in the car, but a break every few hours will allow you to take him out of the car seat and let his little body relax.

8

Move your child quickly between the car and your destinations. Going from warm to cold can be stressful on your child's body and can cause illnesses if your baby is not properly covered.