What to know when travelling with a 8 month baby

Nadz I missed your post on this. Thanks this is great information to have. We are going to Botswana from Cape Town so it's also quite a long trip. What kind of car seat did you use?

I traveled to Namibia with my LO (a three day drive!) when she was aged 9 months - it was not half as bad as I thought it would be. They do sleep alot and having loads of toys at hand to swop and change with is a must.

You do have to make many stops and do make space for you to sit next to your LO - it helps alot when the journey gets very very long!

Also, you can get those DVD players you strap to the back of your car seat. Get something age related like Tiny love or telly tubbies. I am not a fan of too much TV, but it helps to destract you LO when nothing else works...

Latly, keep loads of snack foods for baby - if he is holding and chewing on snacks, it also keeps them busy - however, sit next to him at this time and make sure his seat is in the upright position. This will stop food from sliding down and causing him to choke. Even beter - use one of those little bag-things you can place fruit in and have him suck on that. Keep him busy and your mind at ease, plus it is super healthy - bonus

We also had some fun baby song CD's in the car, I jumped and clapped and sang along to everything! Not just my LO thought this was funny - DH had a good old laugh aswell

In regards to the passport, you will need one. When you apply for this, remember you need mom and dad's signature. So remember to take your ID and passports with when applying for his.

I think try to stick to your LOs schedule as much as possible.
If you can maybe try and travel during the time your LO normally sleeps. That way baby will be sleeping throughout the whole trip.Travelling at night though is extremely dificult.
Joli is correct it is safer to have the car seat facing the rear and sitting at the back with your LO.

Thanks for responding Joli. I noticed in my first sentence that I used three negatives!! I sounds like a paranoid first timer - which I probably am

Juno - try not to stress so much .

Ok - carseat - according to Volvo - kids should face BACKWARDS for as long as possible - if possible up to the age of about 3 - it's the safest for when they are in an accident.

You can sit in the back and play with him - read, different toys - snacks - he will hopefully sleep alot. Never take him out of the carseat - rather stop frequently.

Yes kids need separate passports. You can go to home affairs and apply. A child's passport is valid for 5 years from date of issue.

I'm rather nervous about posing this questions as I fear I may hear too many negative accounts but what's the deal when it comes to making long car trips (max 700 km per day) with a baby - he will be 8 months at the time.

1) What kind of car seat should one have - surely not the snug and safe shape?
2)What does one occupy them with at this age? 3) Do they need a separate passport or can they travel on mine?

I must say it sounds like quite an ordeal to put him through..