Traveling with a Newborn: How to Plan a Safe and Stress-Free Road Trip

Hitting the road with your newborn to visit friends, family, and favorite vacation spots can be an exciting and memorable time for everyone involved. Baby vacations are often the most fun– and most challenging– experiences for new parents; when traveling with a newborn by car, there’s a lot to consider.

How soon can a newborn travel long distances by car? Is an 8-hour car trip with a newborn a good idea? And what can parents do to make their road trips as pleasant as possible for their baby?

We’ll answer all of these questions (plus, give you a few key tips and tricks for traveling with newborns) in this guide to short trips and long-distance vacations for parents with infants. While we go over many concerns about vacations with infants, we’ll offer up a few key pieces of gear that may make the road even easier for the whole family.

When Can You Travel with a Newborn by Car?

So, how soon can a newborn travel long distance by car? Quick trips around town, to the doctor’s office for example, are safe from the time you leave the hospital with your newborn. Much longer, and traveling with a newborn by car can get challenging for little ones and parents alike.

Experts recommend limiting travel time to 30-minutes during the first few months of life to allow for frequent feeding, changing, and stretching opportunities for newborns. 

How Soon Can a Newborn Travel Long Distances by car? 

But what if you want to go to the beach? Or visit Grandma Jones out in Montana? How soon can your newborn safely –– and comfortably –– make the trip? Parents may want to listen to the experts before taking that road trip with a newborn.

Baby vacations take a lot of patience, as well as a lot of awareness of the risks involved. Experts say to wait two to three months minimum before traveling long distances by car with your newborn, for two major reasons. 

First, prolonged time in car seats can lead to developmental issues and exacerbate growing pains for newborns. Secondly, newborns’ immune systems are still rapidly developing during the first few weeks of life. Before the two to three-month mark, your baby may not have the immunity needed to safely travel outside your local area. Vacations with infants should always strive to be fun for everyone– no parent or baby wants to deal with extra stress on the road.

Once your newborn hits the three-month mark, you can safely travel three to four hours at a time with 15-minute breaks scheduled every two hours for changing, feeding, and stretching.

How Can I Choose the Best Newborn Car Seat? 

Choosing a car seat for newborns is one of the most important decisions new parents make for the safety of their baby, and doubly so for parents considering long road trips. Picking the infant car seat could lead to issues like delayed motor control, flat spots on the head, and tightness in the neck.

To choose the best newborn car seat for baby vacations:

• Check the safety score - all car seats for newborns come with a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test and safety rating. This can help you compare car seats to find the safest option for your baby.
• Double-check sizes - Ensure safety seat straps fit snugly, your newborn fits comfortably into the padding and cushions, and your baby’s weight and height align with NHTSA recommendations before buying a car seat.
• Test the car seat in your car - If possible, it always helps to get a clear image of what your loading and unloading process will look like with a new car seat. You’ll be taking your baby in and out of their car seat multiple times during a trip, so easy access will be a serious benefit.

How Long Can a Baby Be in a Car Seat on a Road Trip?

If you’re hitting the road with a little one in tow, it’s important to know how long your baby can safely stay in their car seat. Experts recommend following the “2-hour rule,” meaning your baby should be taken out of the car seat at least every 2 hours. Prolonged time in a semi-upright position can restrict airflow in young infants and increase the risk of positional asphyxia, especially in babies under 6 months.

To keep your baby safe and comfortable on a road trip:

• Plan frequent breaks - every 1.5 to 2 hours, for feeding, changing, and stretching.
  

• Limit total travel time to about 6-8 hours per day when possible.
  

• Ensure the car seat is properly reclined and installed according to your child’s age and size.
  

• Avoid letting your baby sleep in the car seat once you're out of the car; always transfer to a flat sleep surface for naps.

How can I make my car seat more comfortable for a long trip?

While safety always comes first, there are several parent-approved ways to improve your baby’s comfort during long drives, without interfering with the car seat’s design or functionality.

• Dress Baby in Breathable Layers
  Car seats trap heat, especially during long periods of sitting. Dress your baby in soft, moisture-wicking layers so you can adjust for temperature changes easily. Avoid bulky coats, which interfere with proper harnessing—use a blanket over the straps instead.
  

• Use Only Manufacturer-Approved Inserts
   While it’s tempting to add extra head or body cushions, stick to inserts that come with or are approved by your car seat’s manufacturer. Aftermarket products that have not been crash-tested with your seat can compromise safety.
  

• Adjust Harness and Recline Angle Properly
   A too-tight harness can cause discomfort, but a loose one is unsafe. Ensure straps are snug (you shouldn’t be able to pinch slack) and that the seat’s recline angle is correct, especially for younger infants who need additional head support.
  

• Add Shade and Reduce Glare
   A window shade or removable sun shield can protect your baby’s eyes and skin from sun exposure. Keep in mind that it should be securely attached and not within reach of your baby.
  

• Keep Favorite Comfort Items Handy
  A soft toy, pacifier, or teether clipped to the seat (but not hanging loose) can help soothe fussiness. Just be sure nothing in the seat becomes a projectile hazard in case of sudden stops.

• Plan Comfort Stops Strategically
  Build in time every 1.5–2 hours to take your baby out of the seat, stretch, feed, and change. This helps reduce fussiness and prevents discomfort from prolonged sitting.

How Can I Get My Baby to Sleep in the Car?

If you’ve ever driven laps around the block hoping your baby would drift off, you know car naps can be both a blessing and a gamble. To increase your chances of a peaceful snooze in the backseat, timing and setup are everything.

• Sync Drive Time with Nap Time
  Plan longer stretches of driving to align with your baby’s regular nap schedule. A well-timed departure, after a feed and diaper change, sets the stage for drowsiness. Try to avoid starting a trip when your baby is overtired, which can lead to car-seat meltdowns instead of naps.
  

• Create a Sleep-Friendly Car Environment
  Dim the light with sunshades, turn down loud music, and maintain a calm atmosphere. A white noise machine (or app) playing steady, soothing sounds can mimic their sleep routine at home. If they use a pacifier or lovey, keep it clipped or secured within reach.
  

• Keep the Ride Smooth and Steady
  Avoid stop-and-go traffic and bumpy roads when possible. Babies often fall asleep faster with steady motion and consistent speed—think highway over side streets. Cruise control becomes your best friend here.

• Don’t Overstimulate Before the Drive
  Try to keep the pre-trip routine low-key. Overexcited babies may struggle to settle, even with the gentle sway of the car. Instead, stick to familiar nap cues like dim lighting, quiet time, and cuddles before loading into the car.

How can you safely store formula on road trips?

Safely storing and accurately mixing formula can be a struggle on the road, so knowing a few tips and tricks when traveling with baby formula is key. Rather than attempting to make bottles on-the-go, we recommend making bottles ahead of your trip and storing them in your diaper bag for convenient travel feeding. 

The easiest –– and most accurate –– way to make bottles ahead of your road trip is with the Formula Pro Advanced Baby Formula Dispenser. The Formula Pro Advanced makes perfectly blended bottles at the ideal consistency for your newborn with just the push of a button.

How Can You Safely Store Breast Milk on Road Trips?

Vacations with babies can get a lot more stressful when the liquid gold runs out! If Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, or any other caretaker is looking to hit the road with a breastfed baby (sans mom) they’ll need to safely and securely store breast milk for the trip. 

This can be easily accomplished with a well-stocked cooler or diaper bag and access to warm water for reheating the stored breastmilk. While traveling with a newborn by car, keep your cooler or diaper bag at or below 40℉, then warm stored breast milk to 99℉ before feeding.

To reheat breast milk on-the-go, try the Superfast Portable Bottle Warmer. It’s a rechargeable bottle warmer that can fit in your car’s cupholder. It warms 8 oz in 3 minutes, and can safely and even warm formula or breast milk without destroying nutrients or causing hot spots.

How Should You Store Homemade Baby Food on Road Trips?

Steaming, blending, and mixing fresh vegetables and fruits into ultra-healthy homemade meals can seriously simplify feeding time and help you save money on a road trip with your newborn. Be sure your newborn’s food is securely stored at or below 40℉ to ensure freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

If you’re new to making homemade baby food, you may want to start by using Baby Brezza’s One Step Homemade Baby Food Maker. The device will allow you to quickly blend your baby’s favorite fruits and vegetables into your own homemade baby food, which you can either serve right away or store for future meals! If you’re going to bring the baby food with you on the go, consider using our reusable baby food pouches. These high-quality baby food pouches are easy to fill, dishwasher-safe, and can be thrown in the freezer for prolonged storage.

What Else Do I Need To Take on a Road Trip with a Baby?

Packing for a road trip with a baby is like preparing for a mini expedition—only the terrain is your backseat, and the stakes are keeping everyone fed, dry, and (hopefully) calm. Beyond the basics like diapers and wipes, here are key items that can make your trip smoother, safer, and more efficient:

• Feeding Supplies
  Bring pre-measured formula or ready-to-feed bottles, burp cloths, bibs, and a cooler bag with ice packs for expressed milk or snacks. Time-saving tools like the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Mini or Portable Bottle Warmer are great for on-the-go feeding stops—no guesswork or delays.
  

• Diapering Kit
  Include more diapers than you think you need, disposable changing pads, a portable diaper caddy, and a wet bag for soiled clothes. Pack at least one full outfit change per car leg, not just per day.
  

• First-Aid and Safety Musts
  Baby-safe pain reliever, gas drops, a digital thermometer, and any prescribed meds should be close at hand, not buried in a suitcase. Also, pack hand sanitizer and extra pacifiers (because the first will inevitably hit the floor at a gas station).
  

• Comfort and Entertainment
  A rotating set of soft toys, board books, or stroller-friendly teethers can prevent mid-trip meltdowns. If your baby uses white noise to sleep, download a reliable app or bring a travel sound machine.
  

• Cleaning Essentials
  Travel-sized dish soap, bottle brushes, and a portable drying rack come in handy at hotels or rest stops. A Sterilizer Dryer Mini will help your baby safe on your trip.
  

• Weather and Emergency Gear
  Pack sunshades, extra blankets, a baby-safe bug repellent (if age-appropriate), and a backseat mirror so you can keep eyes on your baby while driving.

Pro Tip: Keep your most-used items in an easily accessible bag or organizer, not buried in the trunk. You’ll thank yourself during that emergency roadside diaper change.