Road Trip Tips

Within a 2 week span, my co-pilot, Caris and I had logged about 1,290 miles together (I feel tired just typing that). 

South Carolina --> Florida
Florida --> South Carolina
South Carolina --> Florida

The 2nd trip was a Girls Trip which meant no husband to help. And now I present to you...

Road Trip* Tips 

when traveling with an infant

*A Road Trip includes any distance 5 hours+ away

{anything shorter is just child's play}

1. Assuming you want to make the best possible time (7 hours in my case), DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING for the first 3 hours. More on that later, but yes, you'll be thirsty. 

2. Leave as quickly as you can after a meal. Then, PUMP UP THE JAMS to keep your child awake for a while before nap time. Our choice of jams? Sunday School Sing-Along 

3. When you've determined that your child has fallen asleep, keep the car silent. Nothing but your thoughts for a good 1 1/2 hours. This time can be used for soul searching, planning a 1st birthday or mentally decorating your new house.

4. Your child will wake up, but by now you're {hopefully} a good 3 hours into the trip. It's time to stop for a meal and to fill up your car. Depending on your bladder ability, you may drink some fluids 30 minutes-1 hour before this pit stop.

My Motto: Drive 'til the baby screams or you run out of gas

Fun Fact: Did you know that McDonalds is going all "coffee shop, cool seats, new vibe" which can leave a weary, first time mother standing there thinking, "All I want is a dirty, old school booth for my kid to roll around in" Large fries, please

5. Invest in a wrap or sling for that oh-so-important potty break. 

And if you hear someone in the stall next to you whispering, "Don't fall out. Hold on. Good job. No, don't fall out", it's probably me and my co-pilot!

6. After 5 hours, it's time to BLOCK THE CLOCK. You'll find yourself glancing at the clock every 3 minutes and that'll be enough to send you to the Loony Bin so find whatever's close by, but not too distracting and stick in on your dash {see below} 

7. Finally, for the last 45 minutes, when the end is in sight, but not close enough and your co-pilot really has had enough...throw all other rules out the window. Drink that iced coffee you bought at {the fancy coffee shop style} McDonalds, play loud music, play air guitar to Aerosmith and lip sync to Adele. ANYTHING that gets you through the final 45 minutes. 

And then...you are home. 

Where you vow to never take another road trip again

...for a very long time...

My Gideon's Bible- blocking the clock