Travel Lists!

1: Make one of your carry-ons an all-inclusive diaper bag. We used an Oakley backpack like this one:

Here's what was in it:

• 12 diapers - We also bought a pack of diapers while we were there so we were sure not to run out.
• 1 pack of wipes 
• 2 receiver blankets - we use these for changing pads and burp cloths, whatever is needed at the time. 
• 2 burp cloths
• 3 Dr. Brown's 9 oz bottles
• 1 sectioned formula rubbermaid - enough for 8 oz. of formula per section with 3 sections. These are at Baby's R' Us.
• nursing cover - just in case. Or if you use that. 
• bink/bottle wipes
• 1 first aid tote with
• 3 spare ziplocs of 2 sizes
• 2 spare binks
• diaper rash cream
• lotion 
• 2 bibs
• toys in a ziploc - We had:
• Sophie la girafe
• Dr. Seuss books/Veggies with Wedgies book
• Elephant crinkle toy
• chain toys
• Mickey crinkle book
• swaddle blanket
• plushy Blanket (the one with baseballs from the pictures)
• spare outfits/jammies
• Tip: If traveling in cold weather, find long sleeve/pants onesies with easy access to diapers. These were the best outfits.

2: We also had a carry-on backpack with things for Mom & Dad:

• ipad/ipod (charged) and laptop - these were all easy access for the security check. 
• chargers - wrapped and in a ziploc
• earbuds - these were in with the chargers, also wrapped/stowed
• gum and chapstick
• book - I'm reading Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling
• list book - I'm a list freak. Plus it was helpful for when I was repacking so I didn't miss anything and leave it there.
• baby's birth certificate - we were told they might want to check it like they do adult ID's but they didn't. It was still good to have just in case they did.
• wallet - this also needs to be easy access for them to check your ID or in case you need money or something.
• any additional information - we needed to bring some extra paper work and we kept it in the list book so it was easy to find. 
• any other entertainment items

3: Then we checked a suitcase:

• Mom and Dad
• any specific outfits needed - dresses, ties, etc.
• enough underwear and socks for the trip - all in ziploc bags with the air pushed out
• 1 pair (or 2) pants per adult
• enough shirts to last the trip
• 1 hat for all (including baby)
• 1 spare pair shoes per adult
• any jewelry or other accessories (scarves, belts, etc.)
• Bathroom - in a travel bag
• toothbrushes for all/travel toothpaste
• make-up 
• combs/brushes and hair products
• deoderants
• q-tips
• other necessities - you know you... pack it.
• Baby
• jacket and 3 pairs pants - in a ziploc
• onesies - enough for 2 per day, be sure to pay attention to the weather (in a ziploc)
• socks - in a sandwich bag
• swaddle wrap - or not if your baby is too old to swaddle
• shoes - or not. 

I always love coming home to a clean house, no matter how long I'm gone. It takes the stress from the trip and makes it easier because there's one less thing you have to do. 

To Do list:

• clean
• vacuum and sweep floors
• dust and pick up trash
• keep up on dishes and laundry
• put away all that crap that's just around - turns out, having a baby is automatic stuff everywhere always
• make sure there's enough food for animals
• also make sure there's someone to care for the animals!
• pack! - I do this gradually over the course of a couple days so that if I remember something, there's still time to put it in. 
• load up the entertainment - make sure you have all the music, games, and movies you could want. You can always delete things later.
• take care of yourself! - I made sure to have my nails done, everything shaved, washed, and trimmed before we left.
• take care of the baby! - duh. just duh. but I also had to make sure Milo's nails were trimmed before we left and that we got his face rash under control before we left.
• talk to your doctor - they can tell you things you might not know that could help ease travel (i.e. the dosage for benadryl, what to do to take care of rashes, etc.
• double check and triple check - airports have almost nothing for babies so be prepared.
• make a game-plan for travel day - When will you leave? Where will naps be? Who will get ready first? Who's going to carry what? 

Here are some tricks I use when packing:

• If you can't already tell, I LOVE ziplocs. I always label them and then sit on them to get the air out before closing. Everything is organized and easy to fit.
• If you have any travel totes (first aid totes, travel kits, etc.) use them. Again, things are organized and easy to find.
• Wrap the cords and put them in a ziploc - cords are the worst and the less you have to hassle getting them out to be checked or used, the better.
• Make sure your electronics are easy access so getting them out and shoving them back in is quick and easy during security check.
• Make your tee shirts into burritos. Here's how:

• Put your shirt on the floor front side down and fold the bottom under about 3 inches.
• Fold the arms over on the top, like you would to fold it regularly.
• Roll the shirt up from the neck down.
• Flip the folded part of the shirt over the burrito.
• Pack.

Good Luck and Happy Travels!

Love, Miss Ellen