Driving with the baby first time after birth

"Driving with a newborn for the first time can be challenging. Your body is still recovering after birth, you have sleepless nights, and you are still adjusting to your little baby. It might be difficult to think about how to dress your newborn, how to install the car seat, how to ensure the baby is safe and comfortable, and how to pack up and go. But life goes on, and you need to try it at some point. It might be going to a pediatrician's appointment, driving your older kids to school, or even going to the nearby supermarket to get food. Well, here are some great tips for you to follow.

First of all, try to follow your gynecologist's recommendations; the recovery time after a vaginal birth can be different from recovery after a cesarean section. Generally, a two-week break from driving after birth is highly recommended. The first thing to think about is having someone pick you and the baby up from the hospital. To go home, every hospital in the DMV area will require you to have a car seat, and the baby needs to pass a car seat test to ensure they can stay safely in the car seat.

Now, when you actually decide to drive, test how the car seat works. Put the baby in it and take them out without going anywhere. Next, ensure you have a camera in place; it will help you see what the baby is doing in the back seat and keep you calmer and more focused on the road.

Now, pack napkins, wipes, a blanket, and a change of clothes for your little one. Make sure your windows have some kind of sun protection, or you can use the car seat hood to shield the baby a bit from direct sunlight, which can make them uncomfortable. Try to feed the baby right before leaving. If the baby wakes up, you may need to pull over and take a break to feed them. However, I would recommend starting with short distances first to give it a try.

Dress yourself in comfortable clothes and be ready to feed your baby or have formula ready in a cooler bag. Also, not every parent uses a pacifier, but you may want to have one on hand just in case, especially if you are driving a long distance. Lastly, take a deep breath and smile! You can do this! It takes courage and preparation to start, but once you do, it will give you the freedom to drive to parks and playgrounds later on. Enjoy the time with your baby, and hopefully, these tips will help you as a new mom."