Navigating a long car journey with twins babies

Getting ready for a long car journey with twin babies

A long car journey with twin babies can feel more like planning an expedition than a simple drive. There are feeds to think about, naps to juggle and a car to pack that suddenly seems much smaller than it did before. With a bit of planning, though, travelling with twins, triplets or more can feel calmer and more manageable.

Start by giving yourself time before you set off. Loading the car, checking car seats and doing last minute nappy changes always takes longer than you expect. If you can, aim to leave around a nap time so your babies are more likely to drift off for at least part of the journey.

It might help to remind yourself that the aim is not a perfectly smooth trip. The aim is simply to get everyone there safely, more or less in one piece, with as few tears as possible – adults included.

Keeping your babies safe and comfortable in the car

Your babies’ car seats are their first layer of protection, so it is worth checking them carefully before a long drive. Make sure each seat is suitable for your babies’ age and weight and that you have followed the manufacturer’s instructions. The harness should be snug but comfortable, with the straps lying flat against their chest.

If your babies are around six months or older and have started trying to wriggle out of their harness, you might think about products like car seat clips. If you are considering anything extra, always check it is approved for your specific seat and follow safety advice from the manufacturer or a trained adviser.

What your babies wear in the car matters too. Bulky coats and snowsuits can stop the harness fitting as it should, so choose thin, soft layers instead. Once everyone is strapped in, you can pop a blanket over the top of the straps if it is chilly. Because car temperatures change quickly, it can help to dress in similar layers yourself so you can judge how warm or cool it feels.

Sun shades are handy all year round. They can soften harsh daylight, make the back seat feel calmer and even help with bright lights at night. A dark, cosier space can make it easier for babies to drift off.

Try to plan your route with regular stopping points in mind. Babies are not designed to stay in car seats for long stretches, as the curved position can put strain on their neck and back. Frequent breaks give everyone a chance to stretch, change nappies and reset the mood if things are feeling tense.

Keeping essentials close by can make a huge difference. Nappies, wipes, spare clothes, muslins and feeding equipment are all easier if they are within reach rather than buried in the boot. You may find yourself changing a nappy on the back seat or in the boot if facilities are limited, so a portable changing mat can be helpful.

Finding travel routines that work for your family

Long journeys sometimes call for tactics you might not usually use. If your babies are unsettled and you still have a way to go, a short burst of cartoons on a tablet may buy everyone some breathing space. A small portable charger can keep the battery topped up so you are not relying on in-car sockets.

You might also find simple toys helpful. Soft toys clipped to the car seat bar, cloth books or a favourite comforter can give your babies something familiar to look at or hold. Gentle music, stories or white noise can soothe some babies during longer stretches of driving.

If possible, having another adult in the back seat can make life easier. They can offer a hand to hold, a song or a silly face just when your babies need it most. If that is not an option, you are not alone. Many families travel with just one adult in the front. In that case, mirrors attached to the car seats can help you check on your babies from the driver’s seat without turning around.

Feeding needs a bit of planning too. It is safest to stop the car to breastfeed or bottle feed rather than trying to feed while moving. Service stations and coffee shops sometimes offer hot water or a microwave, but it is not guaranteed. A flask of hot water, pre-measured formula or a portable bottle warmer can make feeds on the move feel less stressful.

Remember to pack a small stash of first aid essentials and any medicines your babies might need. Spare dummies kept in the front of the car can also be a lifesaver when one inevitably disappears under a seat.

Being kind to yourself on every trip

Travelling with twin babies is a big job, even when everything goes smoothly. If the journey takes longer than you hoped, or if you need to pull over more often than planned, it does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It just means you are parenting real babies in the real world.

You might find it reassuring to keep expectations low. Some trips will feel surprisingly easy. Others will involve tears, changes of plan and emergency snacks in a car park. Both are completely normal.

You are allowed to slow down, stop, regroup and start again – there is no prize for getting there quickest.

If you do not yet feel ready to tackle a longer journey with your babies, that is okay too. You can wait until it feels manageable, ask a trusted friend or relative to travel with you or keep things local for a while. However you choose to travel, you are doing your best for your family, and that is more than enough.