10 tips for keeping your child cool on a summer road trip
By Mim Jenkinson
Heading off on a road trip is a great activity for families all year round! They’re a fabulous way to spend quality time together and enjoy the sights and scenery as you get from A to B.
Whether it’s visiting friends and family or exploring together, many parents like to travel in the summer months when the weather is great in many states, and there is less of a risk of bad weather disrupting the journey.
If you’re travelling in the warmer months, we have some tips on how to keep your child cool during your road trip.
1. Avoid peak heat
Check the weather forecast for your journey in advance and if possible, aim to travel at the coolest parts of the day.
Avoiding the midday sun and heat can make the journey much more comfortable if this is possible. Early mornings are a good time to consider travelling or later in the day when the sun has started to set, and it isn’t as hot.
2. Cool down before you leave
If your vehicle has air-con, you might like to turn it on a few minutes before you pile the family into the car to set off.
Get some cool air flowing throughout the car so that everyone is comfortable and relaxed from the get-go.
3. Choose the right car seat
Choosing a car seat with breathable and non-irritating fabric will help to keep your little one comfortable during the trip.
You can also look for car seats with fabric that helps prevent your baby from getting hot and sticky in their seat.
4. Stay hydrated
Keep the car cool and fresh (hello, air con!) and help to keep your child hydrated by having a bottle of water within their reach. The same goes for the drivers, so don’t forget to pack drinks for all passengers.
For babies, keep them hydrated and fed before starting your journey and in stops along the way.
When you do stop, check which bottles need refilling or even replace the water with fresh and cool water again.
You might also consider packing a cooler or small esky in the car to keep drink bottles extra cool along the way.
5. Plan for some stops
To break up the journey, stretch your legs and get some fresh air, plan for a few stops along the way.
Depending on how long your journey is, you might need to add more frequent or longer stops, and if you can, plan for where they will be.
During these breaks, stay hydrated, visit the bathroom or change your baby and allow you and your baby some time to stretch and move around.
If your child is older, you might want to let them burn a little energy at a play area or park before packing everyone back in the car to continue your journey.
6. Park in the shade
When you stop along the way, try to park the car in shaded areas, so the temperature of the car inside stays as cool as possible.
Park inside if you can!
7. Layer up…and down
When it comes to dressing your child, layers are a great way to cater to all temperatures.
Light, cotton and breathable layers such as onesies and t-shirts can be added and removed, depending on the temperature of the vehicle and outside when you leave the car.
A lightweight blanket might also be placed over your baby and removed if they get too hot.
8. Stay in the shade
If your car doesn’t have window shades, invest in some removable ones to add to the windows to protect your baby.
Window shades come in all different shapes and sizes and can stay in place with suction cups. They help to block out, or significantly reduce, the suns’ glare and keep the car cooler for everyone.
9. Keep an eye on your children
If your baby is rear-facing, you might like to either sit in the back with them or install a baby mirror so that you can keep an eye on them during the journey.
Many mirrors can be easily attached and removed from your car and will give you and your baby reassurance.
10. Stay with your child
Never leave your child by themselves in the car. They are at risk of overheating or being locked in the car.
Ensure that you always stay with your child or if you must leave the vehicle, take them with you.
Road tripping with babies and toddlers can be a great way to travel during the holidays and with a little planning, the whole family can be comfortable and cool on your journey.
Happy travels!
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