Traveling with a Baby

For first time mommies and daddies, taking that first trip with your new baby is exciting and a bit stressful.  Did you pack everything you need?  Where will the baby sleep?  What happens if.....  So, I have compiled a list of basics to pack for baby.  Depending on the duration and location of your trip, you may need to tweak this list a little.  Remember, more often than not, if you forget something "important" you will be able to find an alternative that will get your through or you will be able to run out and purchase what you forgot.  Thank goodness for 24/7 stores!  :)

Here is the basic checklist I use/used when packing for a baby.

• Diapers:  I usually pack around 7 per day we will be gone.   The younger they are, the more I would pack just because little babies tend to have more "blowout" situations.
• Clothes:  Pack at least one outfit per day plus a few extra.  If you will be gone for 3 days, I would pack 5 just to be on the safe side.
• Baby wipes
• Toiletries:  baby wash and shampoo, lotion, diaper rash cream, Vaseline, Johnson and Johnson baby bath wipes, cotton balls nasal aspirator (snot sucker), and any medication your baby needs
• Pacifires
• Bottle and supplies:  3 bottles are usually sufficient and don't forget everything you need to clean all the parts + nipples & lids.
• Pr-measured formula:  This comes in really handy in the car.  You can also purchase per-measured formula packets.
• Baby Food:  Enough for each meal and a few extra PLUS snacks.  I personally love those little pouches of pureed fruits and veggies.  They are so handy when traveling.  You can even find a little spoon attachment that goes right on the opening if your baby can't use the straw yet.  
• Pack n' play or rock n'play sleeper system:  Don't worry if you forget these things (GUILTY) we have had to use the car seat before to put Hudson in to sleep and it worked just fine. 
• Blankets
• Boppy or Nursing Pillow
• Toys:  a few small toys or teething rings to keep your little one entertained
• Sound Machine:  If you forget yours and your baby won't or can't sleep without it, don't worry.  There is an app called Sleep Machine Lite (FREE) that you can get on your smart phone.  It has lots of sound options and has worked really well for us.  
• Breast Pump and supplies

Tips I wish someone would have told me...BEFORE learning the hard way!

• Always load baby bags into the car last!  When you are going out of town, you will more than likely need to get something for your baby along the way and it makes it a lot easier if you don't have to pack and unpack your vehicle to get to what you need.
• I pack a separate bag  with the diapers, wipes, changing pad, and extra outfit.  This stays in the cabin of the car so it is easy to find.  Honestly, I keep a little bag filled with these things in my car all the time, no matter where we are going or how long the trip.  You never know when you might need them.
• For formula or breast milk, I used a small cooler with icepack and keep it with me.  In the cooler I also have a bottle of water, extra nipples for the bottles, a few pacifiers, packets of per-measured formula.  This makes trips a lot easier for the whole family.
• Keep hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and paper towels in your call ALL THE TIME!
• Give yourself more time to reach your destination.  More than likely (especially if your baby is really young) you will need to stop and feed or change your love bug at least once along the way.  What is usually a 3.5 hour trip may end up being closer to 4.5 or even 5 hours.

 Obviously this isn't a comprehensive list, just the basics to get you through.

What are some tips for travel or items you never want to forget?