Just because you’ve got a new member of the family doesn’t mean your RV adventures have to be put on hold. In fact, it’s all the more reason to hit the road, with the baby on board! RVing is a great way to relax and unwind. When mom and dad are relaxed, baby also tends to relax. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the road, bring the baby, and introduce the little guy or gal to the RVing lifestyle early on so they love it when they get older!
RVing with your baby simply requires a few modifications to how you live. Follow these tips to make travel easier and more enjoyable!
Childproof Your RV | Lower the temperature on your hot water heater, seal plugs, and ensure your cabinets are outfitted with safety latches so that baby cannot get into chemicals or kitchen tools when he or she is a little older. Because RVs are so much smaller than homes baby proofing is much easier.
Don’t Worry About Schedules | When you’re at home it’s easier to stick to a schedule. Rooms are spread further apart so noise doesn’t travel as much. Putting baby to bed without worrying about waking him up, however, is not as easy in an RV. The simple solution is to allow them to adapt to your schedule. It might seem unorthodox to let a baby stay up until 10pm, but if they’re getting their naps and waking up later in the morning, then the amount of sleep they get is the same. It just occurs at a different time.
Diapers | Cloth diapers are not only more earth friendly, but also more affordable. If you’ve decided to use cloth diapers, great! Just make sure you’ve got a washer/dryer on board. If not, be willing to use disposable diapers. They’re exponentially more convenient, particularly when you’re driving to a destination or boondocking.
Get Out and About | It might be tempting to stay inside with your baby, but it’s important to remember that getting out and about is good for you and baby. Fresh air and sunshine are oftentimes just what you need to feel relieved of stress and renewed. You’re camping to get away, so make sure you take advantage of it!
Designate Space | Babies are known to make messes. Keep colored liquids and wet foods in the kitchen. This will prevent any stains in your carpeting and furniture. Things like dry cereals and water, however, are great options to allow in the living room or on furniture as they don’t stain and aren’t sticky.
Have you ever hit the road with your baby? What tips do you have for families traveling with children? Share with us on Facebook.
Photo Credit: By Olya Okunoya (Olya Okunoya) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
