Having a baby doesn't mean giving up on travel; if anything, the motorhome is one of the best ways to do it, because you bring the little one's "home" along with you, with their cot, food and belongings. That gives enormous reassurance and avoids the chaos of hotels and suitcases. With a bit of preparation, travelling in a camper with a baby is a pleasure. Here's the essentials.
Safety while driving: first things first
The baby must always travel in an approved car seat (for the appropriate group) correctly anchored to an approved seating position with a seatbelt or Isofix, just as in a car. Check that your camper has suitable approved seats. This isn't negotiable.
The baby's sleep
Keeping their sleep routines as close to normal as possible helps a lot. A safe travel cot, darkness (blackout blinds) and a comfortable temperature are key. The advantage of a camper: the baby always sleeps in "their" spot, which smells familiar, and that's reassuring.
Feeding and needs
- Being able to warm bottles or purées on board is a relief. Watch the power draw of appliances that heat things; gas options or an efficient bottle warmer are often better.
- Plenty of drinking water and a comfortable spot for preparing feeds.
- A changing area and enough storage for their things.
Stops and pace
With a baby, fewer kilometres and more stops. Stop often to feed, change and let them stretch. Plan short, unhurried stages; the trip is more enjoyable and the baby copes better.
First-aid kit and peace of mind
Bring a first-aid kit specifically for babies, any medication they take, and locate health centres along your route. Knowing you can handle the unexpected brings a lot of peace of mind. To make sure you don't forget anything, check what to pack in a motorhome.
In summary
Travelling with a baby in a camper works beautifully if you look after safety while driving (approved car seat), keep their sleep and feeding routines going, and plan short stages with frequent stops. The step to take today: confirm your camper has a suitable approved seat for fitting the baby's car seat; that's the first thing to sort out before anything else. And once they're older, travelling with children will come in handy.
