what to pack what to pack what to pack WHAT TO PACK!?!?!

As the countdown officially begins-- we are LEAVING ON SATURDAY!!!!! Litterally my heart skipped a beat as I was typing it. That is how psyched I am about leaving Newport News (love ya, Bad News, but sometimes a girl's gotta get a break!)

So as the day comes closer, I need to start my grand list of 'what to pack, what to buy, what what WHAT?!) So, to help me with this, I am going to copy and paste a couple of things I have found online from other moms in this similar situation.
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What to Pack:
If you’ve traveled with your toddler before you know that you will be bringing more with you on vacation than you ever have in the past. With this in mind, I suggest you find out if where you are going has laundry facilities because the idea is to pack as little as possible. Also, don’t forget that you can buy most necessities there (i.e. Diapers & wipes.)

***Important NOTE: Most locations have businesses that rent equipment and toys. For big, important items (such as a crib, high chair, playpen, or stroller), you should call ahead and reserve them if possible. We rented 2 cribs (one to use as a playpen in the mornings while we showered), and a high chair. They also rent toys, VCRs (you can rent at any Blockbuster), exersaucers, etc.

• Car seat.
Please travel with your own car seat. You do NOT want to rely on a borrowed or used use, as their “history” is unknown to you. Even the slightest fender-bender can compromise the effectiveness of a car seat.

• Old favorites.
For us this meant my daughter’s favorite books, a hard wood puzzle (pieces in a bag), 2 blankets, all 4 of her miniature Teletubbie stuffed animals, and a few plastic action figures). I really think having these familiar and cherished items made the “change” in environment much easier for her. **Make sure to bring anything that is part of your “night-time routine”. For us this meant Baby Mozart video, a portable CD player, my daughter’s nighttime CD, and Po (teletubbie) slippers.

• Favorite diaper changing distraction item.
For us, this is a musical bear that she activates herself with the press of a button. Music plays and lights flash, and for some reason this object interests her change after change. I list this item separately (instead of under the “carry on” bag items) because it is THAT important to your sanity. You never know when or where you will need to change a diaper, or what your child’s mood will be. Better to bring something proven to work.

• Something New.
Consider bringing one or two things that your child has never seen before. These things will come in handy in any public place where your toddler becomes restless or cranky, including restaurants. We brought a few new board books, a plastic slinky, and the Vtech, Nursery Rhyme Land. I reviewed this toy. If you care to read it, the URL is: http://www.epinions.com/kifm review-4C07-A5EE04D-38ABD07D-prod6 .

• For Meals.
We packed disposable bibs, three real bibs, 2 baby spoons, and 2 spill proof sippy cups. The disposable bibs can be purchased in many large drug stores or from many catalogs featuring baby items. It is important to buy them before you leave so you can test them out! Many children will not leave them on. I am lucky; my daughter doesn’t mind them. If your baby will eat from a regular-sized teaspoon, you can eliminate the baby spoons.

• TWO “Travel Wipe Containers.”
Huggies makes one that you can fill up with any brand of wipes you prefer. I suggest you bring two because you will want to leave one underneath your stroller so you’ll always have some with you. And need one for your diaper bag. My philosophy is “You can NEVER have too many wipes on hand.” You never know when you will have an emergency. . .

• Small Tupperware container filled with crackers and cookies.
I like to use a small circle-shaped one. Tupperware is better than plastic bags because they protect the contents better against breakage.

• Cold pack, small collapsible cooler carrier, 2 sippy cups full of milk.
The cooler I am referring to is one of those small plastic ones that you received in the hospital after giving birth. Nowadays you can also find those collapsible lunch-box type coolers too. I placed a frozen, plastic ice pack on the bottom and packed 2 sippy cups full of milk. Naturally, you can substitute with juice or water. But since they offer those beverages on the plane and in the airports, I chose to fill mine with the organic whole milk I buy for my daughter.

• Emergency lollypop and bib.
My daughter has had the pleasure of eating a lollipop about 5 times in her life. I keep 3-4 in my diaper bag at all times in case an uncontrollable temper tantrum occurs in a very public place (where many people will be disturbed). I allow my daughter to have her temper tantrums when we are alone, but refuse to allow this behavior when it can really disturb others. She is NOT learning that she is being rewarded for her behavior because I am careful to give them to her “before” these episodes erupt. I suggest the bib because at this age, our children are not effective at “licking” and really don’t understand the whole concept behind eating a lollypop. But she does enjoy them (until her hands get too sticky). This is another time when you will be glad to have packed extra wipes. . to clean up the messy fingers and face.

• Miscellaneous, Yet Important Items.
Are these items necessary? You might not think so. But for my husband and me, it enabled us to relax a little more because we worried a little less. These items are: 6-8 socket covers, 2 small night-lights, a little screwdriver & one package of batteries. The screwdriver is for replacing batteries. If your toddler is skilled at opening doors, I would also suggest you bring a toilet lid lock.

I also brought two hats, to help shield my daughters eyes from the sun. *Try to buy hats in the correct size before you leave so you will have them immediately. A “harness” (like a leash) for those times when my daughter REALLY wanted to walk, and the surroundings were rather hectic. I also brought my daughter’s slippers because I knew from regular visits, that the tile floors in the timeshare condo we stay in when in Key West always leave feet black!

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What you DON’T NEED:
• Special towels.
Baby might prefer the softer baby towels, but we used regular towels and our daughter didn’t complain.

• Bath toys.
There are so many things that your baby can play with while in the tub. During one bath taken in the kitchen sink, my daughter reached over and grabbed a whole, unpeeled banana. She was happy dipping that in and out of the water. Be creative.

• More than one full day of diapers & wipes.
Diapers and wipes can be purchased wherever you are. Bring a few coupons in your wallet to combat the higher prices that might be charged.

Reminder NOTE: Most locations have businesses that rent equipment and toys. For big, important items (such as a crib, high chair, playpen, or stroller), you should call ahead and reserve them if possible.

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BAG O SANITY:

Digestibles: Leave the sugar at home. Granola bars, clementines, bananas, cheerios, animal crackers, juice and water are great choices. To keep the sugar factor down further, mix the water and the juice together to dilute the potency. These foods are all easy to handle and drinks can be easy too if you remember to bring your child’s sippy cup.
Toys/Entertainment: Think compact. Toys should not take up that much room in your “bag o’ sanity.” Nesting cups, legos that snap together, children’s playing cards, small dolls with layers of clothes can occupy a child’s imagination for a significant portion of your trip. Even paper and crayons can go a very long way. Packing some toys or games that the child has never seen before or hasn’t seen in a while can keep a child’s attention for even longer. Of course, if you have a portable DVD player, you can ask your child which movie s/he would like to pack, and view it when all else has failed.

Clothes: Comfort is dependant upon being warm, clean and dry. Putting your child in his “feety” pajamas (if they don’t mind their feet being covered) before the trip can ensure a comfortable trip and may even encourage sleep along the way. An extra change of clothes is invaluable because it can be used for additional layers as well as your first course of action if a spill occurs. Of course, you want these clothes to be easily accessible so that you don’t need to go into the overhead bin or the trunk of the car to retrieve them. This goes double for extra diapers. Time is of the essence when trying to keep a child from crying, screaming or yelling during a vacation trip!

Necessities: All the comfort of home. Don’t forget to pack small packets of tissues, antiseptic hand gel, hand cream, band-aids, and Tylenol (for you and for your child). In addition, if you are used to using pacifiers with your child, make sure that you bring at least 2 or 3 on your trip in case one gets lost. Beside soothing a child, a pacifier or other toys to suck on can be helpful when ears get clogged during the altitude changes. For older child, gum can work just as well. Bring Zip-lock baggies or small trash bags for dirty clothes, dirty diapers or left over food. Your child’s favorite lightweight blanket may seem like an extravagance but to a tired or sick child who regards his blanket as his buddy, it is a necessity.
Books: If your child is old enough, have him choose which book(s) he wants to bring. Books are a great way to keep a child calm and focused because it is an intimate and often “snuggly” activity. Books on tape can also work if you are juggling more than one child at a time. The great thing about books is that they can be read more than once—and you are almost guaranteed that you will know the text word for word by the end of the trip. It ain’t Shakespeare but it can be a far more productive skill to be able to quote “Elmo goes to the Circus,” at a moment’s notice, don’t you think?

Cleaning agents: Oh, the magic of wet wipes. No parent should be without them—especially on a trip when you are confined with your child for hours at a time. There are bound to be spills, dirty faces, stained clothes, and filthy surfaces to wipe down. Of course, if you have a baby, I am sure you can think of some other uses.

Genius Miscellaneous: This is really the magic of being a prepared parent. Feel like we have already covered the basics? Just wait. For parents who have a baby and need to heat up milk on a plane, just ask for a cup of hot water and place it in the thermos you remembered to bring. The bottle can easily be placed in the thermos and heat to the temperature that you desire. It is also advisable to pack bottles with disposable bags so that you do not need to worry about washing the bottle out during the trip. If your baby or toddler is in a carry car seat, you know that you must keep the handle down during travel. Pack some Velcro and hang a bunch of toys on the seat in front of the child and behind the child. You can even connect the toys from one seat to the next and make a make-shift mobile. Plastic cups can also be useful for small finger foods like cheerios so that you don’t have the urge to vacuum the floor once you have arrived at your destination.


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Remember all the stuff you carried around when your child was an infant? Double or triple that load. Now you're approaching the amount of toys, snacks, clothes, and gear you'll need to keep your toddler comfortable and entertained. Here's a checklist of things you'll need on the road, plus tips for easy, efficient packing.

Diapers
Bring extras in case of emergencies or delays
Wipes
Pad to put under your toddler during diaper changes
You can buy disposable changing pads at supermarkets or reusable ones at baby stores
Blanket(s)
Bring a few for comfort, shade, and warmth
Plastic bags
Carry a variety of sizes for storing soiled diapers, clothes, and shoes
Small bottles of disinfecting hand gel and toiletries
Tissues
Toys and books
Your child's favorites, plus several new toys for surprises along the way. Bring sturdy toys that don't have easy-to-lose parts
Your child's lovey
Clothes, socks, and shoes
One to two outfits per day is a good guideline. Denim and dark colors are good for hiding dirt and stains. Prepare for weather changes by dressing in layers.
Bathing suit
Lightweight and easy to pack, and you never know when it will come in handy
Washable bibs
Sun hat and sunscreen
Sippy cups, canteens, or bottles
Encourage your toddler to drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration, especially when flying
Lightweight plastic feeding set with utensils
Portable highchair to use at your destination
Snack food
Don't forget high-energy snacks for yourself, too!
Nightlight
(If your toddler uses one)
First-aid kit
Pain reliever and supplies for treating minor injuries
Laundry soap
For handwashing soiled clothes en route
Socket protectors
For childproofing rooms at your destination
Portable crib or play yard
Unless your toddler sleeps with you, or you've arranged for a crib at your destination
Car seat for travel by car or plane
Collapsible stroller
Can be gate-checked or stored in the overhead bin of an airplane
Packing Tips
Start preparing to pack a few days before you travel. Keep a running list of things to bring, or put items out on a table or dresser as you think of them.
Use a diaper bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap.
Pack an extra shirt for yourself in your carry-on bag — just in case.
Prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in re-sealable plastic bags.
Keep your child's outfits together in one suitcase so you can find them easily.
Take your camera — and don't forget the battery charger if it's digital, or plenty of film if not.
Bring a clip-on reading light so you can read at night without disturbing your child.

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holy moley... maybe I can convince Karen to rent a U-Haul to keep behind us......