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Expert Q&A
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| By Stacy A. Robarge Parent Educator | ||
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What can I do to make a long car trip easier on my newborn?
Fortunately traveling with a newborn is easier than traveling with a toddler. First consult with your pediatrician to be sure that the child is healthy enough to travel in a car seat for long distances. In some cases infants cannot be at that angle for long periods of time. Buy a good quality car seat that fits your car well and have it installed by a car seat technician. To find a seat that fits well in your car you are going to have to ask the store to allow you to try the seat in your vehicle before you buy it. In my area Babies µR Us is very helpful to parents who want to try the seat first. If you can, take the child with you and try the seat to see if the child fits, and if the seat is comfortable. After you find a seat have it installed by a professional. For a list of car seat technicians in your area go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/Contacts/index.cfm.
Once you have your seat in nice and safe there are a few things to remember when traveling with an infant. Even though it may seem easier to just feed or change the child when the car is moving do not ever do this. Take the time to stop the car feed and change the baby, then put them back in the car seat before you move the car again. It is never safe to have a child unrestrained in a moving vehicle. The baby should sleep most of the trip, but even sleeping this is going to be a difficult transition. If possible take the trip slowly, stop for the night early and allow the baby to stretch and sleep comfortably before starting out again. This will also help make the trip safer for everyone if the driver is well rested and alert. Good luck with your move ? be safe!"
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More Answers by this Expert
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- Do all states have the same laws regarding how old a child has to be before they can stop using a car seat?
- When traveling a long distance by car, my husband will sometimes lean my daughter's car seat way back so she can sleep better. Is this safe?
- I am flying to visit in-laws soon. Should I take my own car seat or is it OK to borrow my sister-in-law?s?
- What can I do to make a long car trip easier on my newborn?
