Many people think that taking a baby on a self-driving tour is an impossible task. In fact, as long as you are well prepared, it is not difficult and can be very interesting. One important step is to get your Russian invitation letter for your travel visa.
Baggage preparation
When preparing for your trip, consider the following essentials: Change of laundry Laundry soap Small package of laundry detergent
In many places in the US, there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. Areas at high altitudes can be colder, so it's essential to bring a jacket.
Since there are not many sets of clothes for your baby, be prepared for messes. If your baby eats or leaks, they will need a change of clothes.
Pro tip: Use a coin-operated washing machine to wash a batch of clothes in the hotel every few days. Buy a small package of laundry detergent or powder for travel; using one at a time is very convenient. Some Travel Laundry Kits come with a Sink Stopper, which can be used to wash clothes in the sink.
Don’t forget your toiletries, which should include: Towels Saliva towels Bib pockets Toothbrushes and toothpaste Body lotions Sunscreen Anti-mosquito products
If there’s space in the car, consider bringing a bathtub or a small toilet. If you are breastfeeding, bring a nursing towel for convenience. The United States is very friendly to breastfeeding; shopping malls often have maternity rooms, and many mothers breastfeed in restaurants, parking lots, parks, and even at the observation deck of the Empire State Building.
Pro tip: Remember to bring a breastfeeding cover. There are many stylish and practical options available, or you can sew one yourself.
For babies on formula, pack: Milk bottles Milk powder Bottle brushes
If your baby has started on complementary foods, bring ready-made baby food. Options include: Baby foods in glass jars and plastic bottles Baby rice noodles Fruit suckers
You can eat these immediately without needing to heat them. Also, don’t forget water cups and tableware.
If you want to bring homemade baby porridge, I will share more details below. Bring plenty of baby diapers and wet wipes. Since you’ll be in your own car, you can pack freely, so try to bring as many as possible. If you run out, you can easily buy more at the nearest Walmart or Target.
When your baby no longer uses diapers, I recommend bringing two packs of wet wipes, as they are very useful.
For health and safety, pack a First Aid Kit that includes: Anti-fever medicine Trauma disinfectant Hemostatic patches Cotton swabs Thermometer
Money-saving tip: Target and Walgreens often have drug promotions. If you need other medicines, many towns have Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and other pharmacies.
For entertainment, bring toys that your baby enjoys, as well as gadgets to relieve boredom in the car, such as: Crayons Building blocks Lego Consider packing: Umbrella carts Straps Anti-lost backpacks
It is not recommended to bring a big cart when traveling.
Pack a large suitcase with items for adults and a small suitcase for baby essentials. This way, you can easily see what you have brought and what you still need. Use zipper bags to classify items. As you use diapers, you’ll find more space for souvenirs.
If you realize you forgot something after you leave, don’t panic; just buy it locally.
Travel accommodation
If you don’t have a high budget and don’t require 4-star or 5-star accommodations, look for clean hotels.
Most of the time, consider staying in affordable chain hotels such as: Best Western Super 8 Chase Holiday Inn Comfort Inn
There are plenty of choices available. Unless you have specific plans, avoid staying in big cities; instead, try to spend the night in small towns.
For example, in Ohio, while Columbus is a larger city with more expensive hotels, you can drive east for an hour to places like Zanesville or Cambridge, where hotels will be cheaper.
In New York, living in Brooklyn is fairly convenient, taking about half an hour to enter the city by subway. Queens is not recommended due to its distance from the city. A friend of mine suggests staying in Newport, Jersey City, or Hoboken.
You can also rent a short-term apartment, which often has a price similar to a hotel but with more complete facilities. It takes only 20 minutes to reach downtown New York by train, with the train terminal stopping at the Statue of Liberty Ferry subway station.
To find accommodations, visit websites like: OpenHotel.com Booking.com Priceline.com
Enter the name of the city and select hotels around town. Prices typically range from $80 to $120, depending on the location.
When booking, pay attention to: Reviews Pictures Availability of free WIFI Free parking
Free breakfast (though don’t expect too much from the breakfast offerings)
Especially in big cities like New York, free parking is essential, as parking fees can add up to dozens of dollars a day.
