What to bring…
- Extra outfits for the trip in case of accidents. (Dress in easy layers in case the weather changes.)
- Blankets (good to have an extra)
- Diapers (pack extras for the trip), wipes, dipaer ointment. (A pillow case works great for travel-it is small and easy to put the baby on for changes.)
- Plastic bags are great in case of an accident or to put dirty diapers until you can get to a trash.
- Extra sippy cups, bottles, pacifier, bibs (disposable ones are great for travel)
- Food, formula, water, juice (Always pack extra formula since it is more difficult to find. It helps to pre-measure & put in small containers/ziploc bags.)
- Breast pump (ice packs, bags for storing)
- Monitor (good for all ages especially if you are staying in a large place)
- Nightlight
- Sunblock & sunhat
- Carseat (you can also rent at most car rentals)
- Compact stroller
- Sling, child carrier, baby backpack
- Pack-n-play (If you can borrow one at your destination, much easier than transporting)
- Fold up booster seat with tray (can fit in a duffle.)
Making Lists
It helps to keep a packing list of all the basics for a trip. Include all the things you need to pack as well as things that need to be done before you leave.
Before you leave:
- Who is feeding the animals?
- Did you clean the perishables out of the refidgerator?
- Did you empty all the trash cans?
- Did you put a hold on the mail? You can do this online at www.usps.com or call (800) ask-usps.
They will drop all your mail off when you return from your trip and there is no extra charge. - Did you stop the newspaper?
- Who is watering the plants? Put all the indoor plants in one place to make it easy for the person watering.
- Does that person have a key?
- Do you need cash or travelers checks?
- Do you have your passport & plane tickets?
Parent suggested necessities for travel
–Ideas have been submitted by local parents…
Crayons & paper for everywhere you go!
Favorite toy or blanket. Familiar household items so that kids settle in to their new environment more quickly.
Trash bags, Sanitizer wipes for a quick hand & face clean-up and fever reducer with a thermometer. Baby wipes are great for cleaning strollers, tables, hands and more.
Camera & money (Always have an extra stash of money for possibilities beyond what you’ve planned.)
Baby monitor! If you stay at a hotel, get a room near the pool and during nap time enjoy a swim in solitude. Portable DVD player/videos. We use this on the plane/rental car or attach to hotel TV.
Packing: Let the kids pack their own bags, pick outfits etc. That way, when you get there all the RIGHT things will be packed!
Bring a small backpack with a change of clothes and books and activities for each kid. They can carry it themselves on the plane.
Each child gets one backpack for their toys, stuffed animals, etc. This gives them ownership of their “”stuff”” and helps to keep their seat relatively organized. At the end of each day of the “”road trip””, they have to put their stuff back into their backpack so that nothing gets left along the road.
