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Before leaving by car with your baby, a few precautions should be taken.
In the car with a baby
Install him in his cot where he can sleep in the best conditions or in his shell car seat but it is not ideal for his back. In any case, cover the seat with a sponge cover that will absorb perspiration and any small leaks. Finally, you can invest in a head restraint so that it does not move while it sleeps.
Avoid driving during the hottest hours of the day (between 12 p.m. and 16 p.m.) and prefer to travel early in the morning. Your baby will surely sleep, lulled by the purr of the engine. During the day, protect him from the sun with a sun visor and give him a drink often. Do not encumber the parcel shelf with objects liable to fall on it and do not open the windows wide to avoid drafts. If you are driving in an air-conditioned car, set it 7 degrees below the outside temperature.
On average, you should stop for half an hour every two hours. Before leaving, locate the different baby relays that exist in France. In this way, you can change, dress and feed him quietly.
The toiletries
The first thing: the layers. It is better to take a minimum stock with you to avoid going shopping as soon as you arrive on site. Count seven to eight diapers per day. For cleaning, think about wipes: they are practical for short stays. However, they should not be used if your baby has diaper rash. For bath time, and if you still have some room in your luggage, there are inflatable baths suitable for travel. Don’t forget to bring your milk and a washcloth. Also bring a terry towel which will be useful if you have to change your baby during the trip, and a mist to cool him down.
His bottle away from the heat
Disposable bottles are more and more difficult to find in pharmacies. If you are not breastfeeding, the most effective solution: carry your box of milk, bottles already sterilized if necessary and bottles of mineral water (keep within 24 hours once opened). Everything must be well enclosed in an insulated bag away from heat. Never prepare it in advance or be sure that it will be consumed within an hour. To make new bottles, wash them very carefully.
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Mosquito net
Ideal for preserving your baby’s sleep, the mosquito net will prevent small insect bites, which are very common in hot weather. Important both outside and inside, it must adapt to its stroller or bed. Make sure that she is always taut so that it does not slip on her face.
For walks
It all depends on the space you have available and what you plan to do during your stay. If you are going to a quiet place such as the countryside, the baby carrier is ideal for taking short hikes or for walking along rugged paths. If it’s more of a weekend by the sea, there are often very well-appointed long walks, so prefer the stroller.
The ideal: the travel cot
Find out if there is a baby cot on site. If this is not the case, opt for the travel cot, which is easy to move and assemble. For 0-3 months there are also so-called pop-up beds. As large as a handbag and equipped with a small mattress, the mosquito net is sometimes even integrated.
To bring: the car seat
If you go by car, you must have the car seat or the rear-facing shell seat with you to safely transport your baby. If you arrive at your destination by plane or train, think carefully about your travels at the place of arrival. For example, if it is a friend who comes to pick you up at the airport, he will have to provide a suitable car seat. Be aware that some garages can rent you this type of equipment. If you are renting a car, all you need to do is specify when booking the type of seat according to your baby’s weight for it to be provided.
The pharmacy case
First of all, and because you must always be vigilant in front of the sun even if the weather is cloudy, take your sunscreen as a priority. A total screen against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every hour. In addition to the mosquito net, use a repellant to distribute near his bed in particular. And if he has already been bitten, plan a special baby ointment.To fight diarrhea or heat stroke, bring rehydration fluids, made up of water and minerals. Also always have near you an electronic thermometer accompanied by paracetamol (Doliprane, for example) to fight against the pain or a possible rise of fever. Do not hesitate, in any case, to seek advice from your doctor.