Today, for the first time, I did something I feared. My son has always hated his car seat since he was born. And after many trials with toys in the car seat, he still hated it. He always wanted me sitting next to him in the backseat. As a result, I stopped driving for more than a year and had to rely on friends and family, or taxis, to go around.
“Make sure you have already created a playlist with the nursery rhymes your kids like.”
I also never drove to or from Sahel ever. That is until today! Today, I drove alone with my son from Sahel to Cairo. Even though it was not easy, I feel really proud of myself. That’s why I decided to share some tips for when you’re driving alone, not necessarily traveling, and your baby is in their car seat in the backseat.
“Do not be shy to sing your lungs out and look goofy in front of other drivers; a mama has got to do what a mama has got to do!”
1) Try to arrange it so that they take their nap during the ride (if it’s a long ride).
2) Take their favorite snacks and water with you.
3) Make sure there are sun shades on both backseat windows to keep the sun away from their eyes and skin.
4) Buy an AUX cable to connect to your iPhone or iPod. Make sure you have already created a playlist with the nursery rhymes your kids like. Also, keep a phone charger cable in your car.
5) Buy a mobile/iPad stand (the one that attaches to the window or the front seat to play cartoons on it for your kids).
6) Have a sound machine for younger babies (white noise), to help soothe them and make them fall asleep.
7) If you have older kids you can buy the travel tray which attaches to their car seat so they can color or eat on it.
8) If your baby is inconsolable, it is okay to stop over and soothe them.
9) Try to stop at a rest house for them to run around and release some energy.
10) Do not be shy to sing your lungs out and look goofy in front of other drivers; a mama has got to do what a mama has got to do!
11) Get the mirror to check on baby if they’re rear facing, I tried loads, but the best is Hauck Watch Me 1.
12) Have faith in yourself and be sure that you can do it!
Most importantly, make sure they are buckled up in their car seats correctly and that you’re wearing your seat belt. Put your phone on loudspeaker or buy a phone stand ( an accessory which enables you to have your phone on a higher level – at an arm’s reach)
Featured Image: Shutterstock/ ZouZou
