As if packing wasn’t stressful enough, now you look and have to pack for your baby too. What to bring you want to make sure you have enough to get through your trip and not have to make any unnecessary stops. You could say there is no worry because you could always buy it on the trip but you do not want to find out you don't have it when it’s too late to buy it and will have to wait until the next day. You’ll also find the more familiar items your child has with them the more comfortable they will be and the easier the trip will be for you.
To be known, I am an over cautious packer I am getting better at it but I like to be ready for what may lie ahead. One so I’m not uncomfortable on my trip and two so I don’t have to do any unnecessary spending. You’ll come to find that when traveling with a baby you have so much gear to bring you almost don’t have room for your own suitcase. So here are some tips on what to bring.
1. Check with your hotel to see if they have cribs or pack ‘n plays.
You want to check with hotel to see if they have what you need because sometimes they only have a limited amount of cribs on hand. Or they might not have what you'd like to use. If they don't then you will have to bring your own sleeping arrangements. If they do, that's one less thing to bring.
2. Food
Depending at what level your child is at there are different things you’ll need. So think about how many bottles or pouches your child goes through each day. How many fresh food meals they will have while your gone? What snacks are you going to bring for in between meals? What might need to be refrigerated? Does your hotel have a mini fridge in the room? Will you have to bring a cooler? I pack a separate bag for all food related items. That also includes bottles utensils and cleaning supplies. Don’t forget the cleaning supplies kids are messy and utensils can become unsafe to use if not cleaned thoroughly.
3. Medication
This may seem simple but it's very easy to forget. You need to remember any doctor prescribed medication. This should also be kept in a carry-on bag if in a situation where luggage needs to be checked. You don't want to need it and not have it easily accessible.
4. Toys
Whatever you need to keep your child entertained, but don’t bring the whole toy box. Pick three or four of their current favorites and bring those with you. That's all they will really need especially when you will be out and about on your trip.
5. Clothes
Pretty straight forward, but make sure you have some extra items packed. You never know how the hotel room will be, a little too cold maybe not cold enough. There may be an odd change in weather you weren't anticipating. Just make sure you have a few options to make sure your little one is comfortable and able to rest. So you can rest and enjoy your time away. Don’t forget diapers and to look at how many you go through on average so you bring enough. Also are you planning on visiting the pool you’ll need your little swimmers and swimming safety items. Some hotels supply life vests for swimming but that is something you’ll want to check about.
6. Packing
Now that you have your items all gathered together you have to pack them. For me I have found it easier to break everything down into separate bags. This helps being able to identify what you're looking for and access it with ease.
For clothes since they are so small and it’s a short trip I’ll make a separate space in my suitcase to put them in. It’s also handy to buy a packing cube they are relatively inexpensive and will keep their clothes together so nothing gets lost.
Next is your food bag and cooler. This is where you’ll place all of the food, utensils and cleaning supplies needed for your trip. Don’t forget the cooler if needed. Try to condense as much as you can into one place so if there is space in the cooler just use that.
The last bag is your diapers, wipes, pool supplies and toys. A helpful hint is to make sure you bring a waterproof bag or trash bag to put all of your damp pool items into in case they did not dry in time.
Time For Your Trip
Now you are ready to enjoy your trip and be able to access all the items you need with ease and will not have to increase any spending while gone. So go out and have fun knowing you are prepared, organized and ready.
