by Julie Bywater

Created on: March 28, 2008

Diapers? Check. Wipes? Check. You know the basics for packing for short trips around town. Diapers and wipes, a changing pad, a toy or two. These things can be packed into a small bag and toted around in a little diaper bag, even your purse. But when the trip is on an airplane or even a few hours away by car, you are going to need more.

DIAPERS

First, you are going to need more of the necessities. One of the ways to judge how many diapers you need, is to calculate a diaper for every two hours on the trip. While it may seem excessive, it will help if you have a defective diaper or if your baby gets sick while traveling. Pack a changing pad or use the disposable ones. This will help you when you are stuck with a less than desirable location to change the baby.

WIPES

Two travel containers of wipes are always a good thing to carry if you are traveling by plane. They can serve as more than just wipes during a diaper change. The wipes can be used as a washcloth to clean baby, another child, even yourself. They are also handy to clean toys and wipe off dirty clothes. If you are traveling by car you may not need two containers, unless you are traveling cross-country. The greater the distance traveled, the greater the need.

CLOTHES

Extra clothes are always a necessity for travel. Whey flying consider packing two extra outfits for baby. Make these items two pieces outfits, so if baby dirties a shirt, the whole outfit isn't a goner. Also pack an extra shirt for yourself. Even if your baby isn't a spitter-upper, the one time it will happen will be while traveling and leave you without a clean shirt. Make it a simple short-sleeved shirt that can handle a few wrinkles.

FORMULA AND SNACKS

Don't forget bottles and formula, if formula is used. Pack at least two extra feedings if traveling by car. This will take into account delays. If you are flying, pack for an overnight delay. This may seem a bit like overkill, but no one wants to be stuck in airport with limited access to formula and a hungry baby. Try to pack bottles with disposable liners, that way you only have to pack extra nipples and collars for the bottles. Speaking of eating, don't forget snacks. Keep it simple, something that is sturdy enough to travel and end up in the bottom of the bag. Pack enough to so that baby can have a meal, if need be.

OTHER ESSENTIALS

Another great thing to pack are zip baggies. They can hold extra clothes, toys, bottle nipples and collars, and essentials for mom and dad. I always carry a few extra baggies as they don't take up much room. If you child has a blow-out diaper, they can contain the dirty clothes without contaminating other items. You can also store a dirty diaper in one if a garbage can can't be found.

Don't forget to pack toys and pacifiers. Pack as many pacifiers as you can find. Sometimes the kind you use will be hard to find while you are traveling. Don't forget that special comfort item for the baby. Sometimes it's blanket or a stuffed animal. Make sure you have plenty of room for this special item, or it's going to be a long trip.

Keep a small space for things that you need for yourself in the diaper bag. Leave room for a wallet, keys, tickets, etc. While it may seem you need a large rolling bag for all this, you don't. It should all fit well in a larger diaper bag. Good luck and have fun on your travels!

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