How to Pack for an International Adoption Trip

Packing everything you need for an international adoption trip is very important because things you forget may not be readily available at your destination. At the same time, you must be careful not to exceed a country's weight limitation for luggage. If this is your first time traveling with a child, less luggage is much easier to manage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Adopted Child Necessities

1. Bring clothing basics, including several pairs of feeted pajamas, four to five outfits in different sizes, a coat if it's cold, a swimsuit, hats, socks or tights and shoes.
2. Pack items needed to care for the baby, including bottles, various nipples, formula, snacks, five diapers per day, sippy cups, wet wipes, baby spoon and bowl, receiving blankets, washcloths, pacifiers, a few small toys and books.
3. Take household and cleaning essentials such as antibacterial wipes, liquid dish soap, plastic baggies, and tongs to get nipples out of boiling water.
4. Purchase an international pediatric medical kit through Orphan Allies, a non-profit organization by calling [phone]. Add these items to the kit: extra Kaoelectrolyte, suppositories, toothbrush, baby soap and shampoo, nasal aspirator, brush and comb, sunscreen and baby Benadryl.

Adoption-Related Items

5. Bring all important paperwork relating to the adoption.
6. Get maps of the places you are traveling to in advance and mark the closest U.S. Embassy.
7. Make a list of important phone numbers including close relatives, doctors, insurance companies and your adoption agency.
8. Collect and pack items for a portable office, including rubber bands, paper clips, pens, pencils, notepad, envelopes, stapler, scissors, tape and duct tape.
9. Purchase and pack gifts for the orphanage staff and other government officials. Select gifts that represent where you live in the U.S. whenever possible. Don't bring gifts that are made in the country you are visiting.

Parental Requirements

10. Select three outfits for yourself and spouse. Be sure that they are conservative in nature. Include one more formal outfit that can be worn for official business related to the adoption. Also include two sets of good walking shoes and a rain jacket or coat.
11. Create and bring a medical kit for adults. This kit should include anti-diarrhea medicine, antibiotic ointment, antibiotics from your doctor, band-aids, cough and cold medicine, allergy medicine, toothbrush, extra set of glasses, sunscreen and medicine you take daily.
12. Bring a camera, video camera, batteries and chargers.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring cash in the form of new and crisp bills. Place the money in a money belt you can wear.
• Leave extra space in your luggage for purchases you make on the trip.
• Don't pack too much; you'll be able to do dry cleaning or laundry on your trip.