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Thought your traveling days were over when your new baby came along? Nonsense! It's good for baby to see and experience different things. However, I would suggest waiting until at least three months before taking the baby out of it's comfort zone. Before that time it could be very confusing and discouraging for the little one. I have to say that I am big on travel and love every second of it. That holds true even more so now that I have a beautiful daughter to take with me. It's amazing the smiling faces, the friendly hellos, the excellent service you can get when people see your darling child.

Now, before packing your bags and heading off to your destination you have to know what to pack.

Of course, common sense tells you that you will need diapers and wipes. You have two options here you can take enough to make the trip and buy more once you get there to save room on packing. Or you can pack enough (or more than enough, I would suggest) if you don't want to go that route. Your preference will probably depend on how long the trip will be. It's also a good idea to use diaper covers on the trip to help prevent leaking between diaper changes.

Other than whatever clothing you and baby need for the trip, remember to pack an extra couple of outfits for each of you. You never know when you'll be blessed with a leaky diaper or spit up. Remember to pack hats to protect your little one's head from the sun. A jacket, if the weather will be cool. You will know what you need based on the area you are visiting.

Toys, toys, toys! You will desperately need to keep your baby occupied and happy. Remember to grab baby's favorites, especially if this is their first trip. Having familiar items help baby feel more an ease. If traveling in a car it is good to have the kind to hook to car seats. Baby mirrors are great when it comes to keeping babies occupied. If traveling at night, get the light up toys! Otherwise the baby will have nothing.

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about food. If you are breast-feeding, no problem. You are already there, right? However, it may a good idea to pack a breast pump, and having one bottle already pumped before leaving. This is good just in case you get stuck somewhere you can't sit and breast feed and baby is hungry. If you are not breast-feeding than you can find the already made formulas, which can be a lifesaver on trips. Now, if you have already started on some solid foods, again you can pack enough for the entire trip if you wish, or you can simply pack enough to get you there. You can buy more when you arrive. Either way, I suggest baby food in plastic containers. If you are a mom who prepares her own baby food, good for you! Just make sure you pack it in excellent, spill proof containers, of course you will have to keep it cool in a cooler with ice, or ice packs. So again, you may want to take what you need and buy the items to make more once you arrive at your destination.

Remember, remember, remember to pack a "first-aid" kit. Including anything you may need to treat your little one if anything should happen. I would include baby Tylenol, gas medication, teething medication, diaper rash ointment, sun screen (no matter what the season may be, babies should always be protected if out in the sun with at least an SPF 15), and any prescription medication your baby may be on.

Last, and certainly not least - It's a good idea to have any numbers to your pediatrician's office. As well as any health information and shot records your baby has had. This way if something does happen on your trip, you are prepared to answer any questions asked.

I hope your next family trip is a wonderful and well-prepared one.

Learn more about this author, Dorothy Garcia.
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