Top Tip: Do not forget to prepare your camera for the event. Here are some great photography tips.

Below are some tips to consider when travelling by car, this is not a complete list, and if you think we have missed something or you have found something works for you, get in touch and we will add it on.

You may feel that you will need an extra truck, aircraft or boat to cater for your baby whether you are going abroad or holidaying in the UK. You can enjoy the adventure but try to stick to a few simple rules and your journey should go smoothly.

Have Baby, will travel by car

• ensure your child's car seat is the right one for their height, often sold on a weight basis for babies, car seats for older children are based on their height
• check that your car seat is secured properly in the vehicle
• try and pack the car so that you have clear visibility and that there is no risk of anything loose falling on your child if you need to stop quickly
• organise and plan your route, don't leave it to the last minute and become tense and anxious before the journey even begins. Part of the planning should include stops, children get very bored in the car!
• if you have a baby try to plan your journey so that the baby can sleep
• for older children, portable DVD players are brilliant, just ensure that they are securely fixed in the vehicle
• it is a good idea to pack your children a "goody bag", I use their lunch boxes and put in fruit, drinks, snacks and, if you allow your children them, sweets. Try to avoid chocolate!!!
• handy packs of disposable wipes and tissues can be included so that they can keep themselves clean and also freshen themselves up on the journey
• books and colouring can be ideal for motorway journeys, as the car is fairly still avoiding pencils flying everywhere
• make regular stops, especially for little ones, as a 10 minute break can mean a very peaceful journey. You don't need to stop at service stations, just pull off in parking areas and let them stretch their legs and yours!
• put a potty in for those wee wee stops, it helps, especially girls, I have had a few accidents with my daughter
• if travelling abroad, make sure you have an up to date first aid kit, spare bulbs, GB sticker, warning triangle, fire extinguisher and a headlight kit if you are driving on the opposite side of the road, check the rules for the country you are visiting and bring yourself up to date on signs. You may also need to check with your insurance company and notify them that you are taking your vehicle abroad
• invest in a new map book, you can get European and UK map books quite cheaply, using a ten year old map book will only cause frustration
• have plenty to drink and rest regularly if you are on a long journey
• If you are travelling with your baby, try to sit in the back with them so that when they are awake you can entertain them, take a mobile and soft toys to hang over the car seat.
• ensure you have adequate shade cover on the windows, don't forget the sun can come through the rear window as well
• keep the car temperature as cool as comfortable to avoid becoming too sleepy
• take your child's cushion for added comfort, it can be used if they doze off. I also take a light blanket for each child so that we can keep the car cool for us, so we don't get sleepy but they are snug and comfortable.

This list is certainly not complete, and if you have any other tips please share them with us.

Don't Forget! Do not forget to prepare your camera for the event. Here are some great photography tips.

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