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Completely You: Unhurried Living: Getting Organized
Traveling with a baby is never easy, but being
well prepared can make it feel a bit more like a vacation.
And you sure deserve one.
By Jodi Bryson for Completely You
Your husband props himself up on his elbow early Saturday
morning, gives you a knowing look, and says he's ready to
go -- to his parent's house. It's time for the baby's first
trip!
Traveling with baby requires packing smart so you're prepared
for the expected and the unexpected. Planning what
you'll pack and what you'll need to buy beforehand will
cut down on the chaos of trip day -- the same busy morning
where you have to get yourself, the baby, and perhaps baby's
siblings, dressed, fed, and in the car. "In the hustle
that precedes a trip, it can be easy to let things
happen instead of make things happen," says
Elizabeth Pantley, a parent, and parenting guru, who is
the author of Gentle BabyCare (McGraw-Hill), as
well as six other parenting books (www.pantley.com).
For starters, know that the road to a successful trip will
be far less bumpy if you consider what you'll need to pack
and purchase for both trips -- the outbound one
to your destination, and the homeward bound one on the return.
"If two adults are traveling, consider yourselves lucky.
If you are traveling alone with your little one, you will
need to be more creative," advises Pantley. There are
a few extra considerations if you're flying (or driving)
solo, but the packing is not any different for baby.
To make both roads less bumpy, and a pleasure for everyone
traveling, you'll need itemized lists, provided here. The
first list is for baby and siblings; the second is for you
and your spouse. Pack a few days in advance to cut down
on morning-of chaos, and personalize the list with a favorite
sippy cup, toy, music -- whatever your baby needs to be
as fussy-free as possible.
And mom? Don't forget to take what you need to relax, if
you get a moment to do so. Have a wonderful time, and safe
travels!
Children Checklist:
- Well-stocked diaper bag
- Baby's blanket or favorite toy
- Car seat pillow or head support
- Window shades/sun screen
- Changes of clothes/shoes
- Extra underwear/socks/undershirts
- Bag or box of toys and books
- Music/books on tape/CDs
- Baby food/snacks/drinks
- Sippy cups
- Wet washcloths in bags/moist towelettes
- Large Ziploc freezer bags for soiled clothes
- Bottle warmer
- Lotions/powders/wipes
- Formula
- Bibs/pacifiers/bottles
- Baby carrier/sling/stroller
- Childproofing items
Mom Checklist:
- Change of clothes/shoes
- Husband's clothes/shoes
- Toiletries
- First aid kit/prescriptions/medications
- Money/wallet/purse/ID
- Medical and insurance info/emergency numbers
- Maps/directions/tickets
- Snacks and drinks for adults
- Cooler/plastic cups
- Camera
- Cell phone
- Batteries/adapter plug
- Gift/pictures for relatives
- Small sewing kit/safety pins/anti-bacteria wash
Jodi Bryson is the west coast editor of Girls'
Life (GL) magazine, and a freelance writer based in
Los Angeles.
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