Packing for Baby

There are really two options for packing: the minimum and the extras. I am definitely a bring more type of packer. Little E gets his own suitcase, Andrew and I share another.

Clothes:
                                   Sleepers (weather appropriate)
Onesies
Pants/Shorts
One nice outfit
One pair of sandals/rain boots/winter boots
One pair of slip-on shoes
Socks
Sweater
Coat

                                                          

The Basics:
Pack and play / sheet (1 extra)
Lovie / Stuffed animal
Favourite blanket or swaddle
Pacifier and extra (if used)
Sound machine (even good for toddler)
Monitor (both ends and cords), batteries if possible
*Diapers/Wipes
      Wash cloths/Bibs/Receiving blankets
Containers for food
Baby food
Pump/Bottles (if used)
Large (but thin) floor blanket to play on
Stroller/Carrier
Camera
Medicine
Toothbrush / paste
Hairbrush

*I pack disposables even though I use cloth at home, but bring covers as they limit number of blowouts

Extras:
Rain cover for stroller
                                                 Electrical plug covers
*Thermos
Charging and audio car cords for phone
Laptop/Tablet can provide music or video
Garbage bags for windows
Sanitizing wipes
Dog poop bags for diapers

*Keep food hot or cold, also use with boiling water to warm bottles
              
Hot Weather:
Hand-held fan (one that sprays water!)
Water-friendly ring sling
Re-usable swim diaper
Long sleeved swim suit (UV protection)
Baby safe sun screen
Big floppy hat
Sun glasses
Life jacket

Toys:
I like to pack all toys in one bag/bucket within the suitcase so that they can be contained once we reach our destination. Click on any photo below to enlarge it.

Infant Toys   and   Toddler Toys

Infant:

1. Bath Cups

2. Wind Up Toy (Spider)

3. Musical Instrument (Shaker Egg)

4. Crinkly Toy

5. Jingly Toy (Elephant)

6. Push and Pull Toy (Zebra)

7. Toy Links

8. Wooden Chew Ring

9. Ribbon Toy

10. Finger Puppets

11. Weebles

12. Battery Operated Toy (Camera)

13. Balls (Different Sizes)

14. Magnetic Toy (like this)

15. Toy that squeaks and clicks (Penguin)

16. Books

17. Stacking Cups

18. Chew Stuffed Toy

19. Totem Toy -magnetized

Selection of 10 or so items are put in the diaper bag or in a basket for entertainment during travel.

Toddler:
I pack fewer toys in the suitcase for toddlers than I do for infants since I pack significantly more for entertaining on route and I pack items for a rainy day too.

1. Mr. Potato Head

2. Bath Cups

3. Bath Toy (Donald Duck)

4. Ball (lights up)

5. Farm Animal matching toy

6. Lego Figure (Cookie Monster)

7. Musical Instrument (Egg Shaker)

8. Books

9. Cars

Ideas for Rainy Days:

Magic grow animals.

Wipe-Off activity books and dry erase crayons,

Paper, finger paint, sponges.

Colouring book and crayons.

Water-colour pages and water paintbrush.

Unpacking:

Strategic unpacking is just as important as what you pack. 

• Do it immediately
• Create a baby-changing station
• Use a towel under a travel changing pad on a bed or dresser
• Set up a play area
• Put out the floor blanket and basket of toys
• Organize a kitchen / feeding area
• Even if there's no kitchen, set up dishes, snacks, bibs and cloths

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