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Overlanding to Norway with Baby! Overlanding to Norway with Baby!
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 25 Jul 2015
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Overlanding to Norway with Baby!
Hi everyone,

i am new to forum chatting! Me and my husband are planning a road trip traveling from the uk to Norway.

I am feeling very nervous about it as we have a seven month old baby, but my husband takes it all in his stride.

I am worried about the distance and long stretches of traveling with a small baby and also the weather in Norway as it always looks like its raining and we will have lots of washing to get through!

Does anyone have any tips for traveling in Norway or travelling with a small baby?

Thanks
Gemtraveller
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  #2  
Old 25 Jul 2015
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Congrads on the baby. You did not say your mode of transport. I have traveled with small children by car and van, no real problem for me. Motorcycle, well I can think of a few. I have carried a 6 year old on back of my bike, he tended to fall asleep and almost slide off the back. Good luck on the trip.
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  #3  
Old 25 Jul 2015
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What is the route? Train to France and from there through Denmark, the bridge to Sweden and north? Or just the ferry straight to Norway and 'Check, done'

Norway was beautiful, I chauffeured my parents there a few years back. (Mom can't drive, dad thought it was too far, I'm cheap labor). Great roads but progress is none. Sometimes we planned to go somewhere and you check a map... and it won't come closer!

We had quite some rain, but having a car not so bad. The small tents were not great but hotels are too expensive. Where will you be sleeping?

Alex
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  #4  
Old 26 Jul 2015
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Yes, when (month) and how (car, motorhome, camping, campsites, hotels) and how long are important bits of information that would help.

Guess there is a lot you can do to reduce the amount of washing - disposable nappies, wet wipes etc etc, but while it is all very well for hubby to take it in his stride, you are likely to be the one trudging behind trying to make things work, so put your foot down and insist that all those "minor" practical situations be addressed and solved before you leave home.
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  #5  
Old 26 Jul 2015
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Hi,

We are travelling in a car, staying in an oz tent and hopefully wild camping to keep some of the costs down (which also makes me nervous). We are planning to go for around 4 weeks. We will probably don't want to go too far north, probably no further than Bergen.

We are planning to go this August at some point. Hope this info helps give us a few pointers!

My husband also wants to use a barrel on the roof that washes as we go along

We have been on a road trip to venice with a roof tent but obviously it was warm, we didn't have a baby and it wasn't as far!

Thanks for all of your help
gemtraveller
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  #6  
Old 26 Jul 2015
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We also didn't go any higher then Bergen and it was beautiful. I do not remember the price of campsite but we did use them all the time. But my mom wouldn't camp in the wild at any price.

We did buy cheap food in the supermarket and cooked on the stove. Even coffee we made ourselves instead of a quick stop at a shop.

I don't think it will be cold, we had great weather and shorts the entire month. Might be a bit chilly in the night but nothing to worry about I think.

Alex
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  #7  
Old 26 Jul 2015
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Most of Scandinavia is pretty tolerant of wild camping as long as you stay away from houses and there are plenty of places to do it.








Organised campgrounds as well so you can alternate and even use cabins if the weather isn't good. Budget for a cabin every few days and it will take the pressure off you a bit. Use the laundry facilities as well.
Lots of the fjords have small, non-main roads running alongside and you can find enough room to pitch a tent.

We didn't bother going way up north either because a Swedish friend who used to drive trucks told us it was a waste of good petrol and time.
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  #8  
Old 26 Jul 2015
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Since you are going by car, I don't see too many problems. At seven months they will be safe in a car seat, just make sure it is anchored correctly. As was said above, wet wipes, disposable diapers are great inventions. I am assuming baby food comes in glass or cans in Europe(never had a need to find out), so that issue is not a problem. The motion of a car can be very soothing for a baby and may keep the child relaxed. I have seen people with sidecars and campers traveling long distances with children, just plan ahead and adjust as you go. Have fun and be well.
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  #9  
Old 27 Jul 2015
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When going north you will most likely not hvae to deal with crazy-heatwaves or anything like that. Children cope more easily with cold (proper clothes of course) than with heat.

I think the key is to drive relativly short stretches. The body of a small child should not be locked in a car seat for 8 hours straight. Never!

Driving a couple of hours at a time would be good. Perhaps during nap time.

So you will want to get to the "interesting" part of the trip quickly. If you have some stretches of freeway that cannot be avoided, then drive them at night while the baby (perhaps) sleeps.

You will just have to take each day as it comes.

I think it is quite normal to use a bucket on the roof for washing clothes. Works best if the bucket has a lid and is dark and there is sun so it warms up :-) On the good side you can have alot of baby clothes in a car without it taking up too much space.

Dont bring too many disposables with you. Buy as you go. (diapers etc.)

So talk with your husband and make sure that he understands that the baby sets the distance for the day - not him :-) No pleasure in hurrying along with a small child anyway.

Best of luck to you!
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  #10  
Old 27 Jul 2015
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Thank you for all of the advice.

I think short distances and just enjoying being out and about rather than aiming for set destinations is going to be the best plan!

I think we aim to take a route to go up through Copenhagen and then into sweden.

Thanks
Gemma
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  #11  
Old 28 Jul 2015
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Reference the last couple of posts, short distances with plenty of stops are essential for babies. No deadlines to aim for must be the aim. Otherwise it becomes a nightmare for everyone.
Certainly babies must not stay in a child seat for hours at a time with a curved spine locked in place by the seat arrangement.
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  #12  
Old 28 Jul 2015
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If you like, you are welcome to stop by in Copenhagen and see our 11 ton overland truck project :-)

We live here: https://www.google.dk/maps/place/Rol...0d810ceaf3b360

We are also planning a long journey with our 3 year old daughter and our nr. 2 (whom we are expecting around mid-august )
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