How to Pack a Baby's Suitcase

Babies may be tiny, but they require a lot of supplies. Here are some hints to help you pack efficiently when traveling with your bundle of joy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby Hats
• Diaper Bags
• Baby Blankets
• Baby Bottle Nipples
• Infant Car Seats
• Infant Carriers
• Diapers
• First Aid Kits
• Plastic Bags
• Infant/toddler Toys
• Plastic bags

1. If you're breast-feeding, you don't need to worry about feeding supplies; if you're bottle-feeding, make sure you have everything you need. Pack sterilized bottles and nipples in zipper-close plastic bags to keep them clean.

2. Bring lots of diapers and wipes ' about twice as many as you think you will need. Whether you use cloth or disposable, bring empty plastic bags to store wet and dirty diapers.

3. Bring extra outfits for your baby ' preferably things you can layer or mix and match. Try to pack at least one spare outfit for each day of your trip, especially if you will not have laundry facilities.

4. Pack a small first aid kit, containing pain reliever/fever reducer, Band-Aids, teething medicine, and any other supplies your baby may need.

5. Don't forget the child carrier ' slings, frontpacks and backpacks (if your baby can hold his head up) are ideal for traveling.

6. Pack a changing pad or mat, so you will be able to change your baby's diaper even without proper facilities.

7. Bring a few toys to keep your baby occupied during the trip ' try to choose relatively quiet toys.

8. If you plan to check your bags, make sure you have all the necessary baby supplies in a carry-on, including outfits, diapers, and feeding supplies for at least one extra day, in case your bags get lost.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to shop during your trip, you will be able to add purchases to your baby's bag as the diaper supply gets smaller.
• If you will be flying, bring your baby's infant car seat. Even if you don't pay for a seat, flight attendants will try to arrange for you to have an empty seat beside you (as long as the plane isn't full). If the plane does fill up, you will be able to check the seat.
• A baby sling can easily double as a changing mat ' just lay some paper on it to keep it clean.
• If you are taking a plane trip with a bottle-fed baby, check with the airline to find out if they have facilities to warm bottles or baby food. If they don't, you may have to make other arrangements, or bring an insulated container.
• Disposable diapers are available just about anywhere you go, but can be very expensive in some countries. Check in advance, or try to take what you will need, rather than planning to purchase them when you arrive.
• Don't forget to bring safety and babyproofing supplies you may need during your trip.

Who Can Help:

• Better than Botox®? Free Kit

on 11/22/2005 Allowing the baby to suck on a big flat lollipop will help him/her to continue swallowing while the plane ascends and decends. You don't want a small round one because of the chances of the baby choking.

on 11/22/2005 Bottle- or breastfeed your baby during take-off and landing. This will help prevent the baby's ears from popping, which causes pain and crying.