As parents, we have already learned that it now takes us much longer to get out the door when we are going somewhere and the same holds true when you are preparing the baby to travel. A suggestion that will help to make the entire trip from conception of the plan to returning home on the last day is to create a baby travel list. The list should include not only what you might use, but what you might possibly use. It’s hard to tell when it comes to baby travel as to what you might need at any given time. Using the list can help at least some in this aspect.

Now, we know we are going to have to include the most obvious things on this list such as:

• Diapers
• Baby Formula
• Food
• Pacifier
• Clothing
• Bathing supplies

Those are the basics. And the quantities of each that you think you will need? Double that amount and you’re off to a good start. We have to remember spitting up and other things of that nature, or super wet diapers, etc.

Other things you are going to need include the car seat, stroller, and a playpen (hopefully you got one of those that break down very small). Lots of wipes should also be considered. These are worth their in gold and can be used for many more purposes than just diaper changes. It never hurts to have more than you’ll need when you and baby travel. You’ll be grateful that you had too much as opposed to not enough!

Now, you’re also going to want to carry a bottle of hand sanitizer as well. When traveling, you will encounter many people along the way, and the hand sanitizer can help you to keep anything from spreading to you and baby as you travel.

Bring extra formula along with you on the trip. If there is a delay for any reason, you don’t want to be sitting somewhere and no formula with you! Now, the same can apply to older children as well. Children are very active and are bound to become hungry at a time that not appropriate for the trip. Having something for them to snack on such as crackers, or even cookies will keep them happy until it’s time to stop for dinner, lunch or whichever the meal might be. You might find that these are your own saving grace as well!

When it comes to baby travel, you thought that was all there was to it, didn’t you? Well, it might be, but we’ll see. Are you going to be flying somewhere? If so, check current laws from your local transportation authority. Currently, there is a limitation of what can and cannot be taken on a plane that is in liquid form. This does indeed include baby formula, breast milk, or whatever might be in the baby’s bottle at the moment of travel. Liquid products that will be allowed will be limited as to how much can be in your carry on, and it must be sealed in clear plastic zip lock bags. It sounds ridiculous, but when you have knowledge of chemicals and their capabilities, a small amount can do a lot of damage. It’s a way of life now and we must do what needs to be done for the greater good of everyone. These rules change periodically, so there is no use to putting amounts within this article. If you are traveling by air, simply contact the airport from which you will depart and check on current regulations.

Now, depending on how old your baby is, you will need some sort of baby travel entertainment which may include their favorite toys, or a beloved music box or even several different items.

Traveling out of the country? If a baby will travel out of the country, baby needs a passport. Even neighboring border countries such as US/Canada or even US/Mexico are asking for passports these days whereas in the past a simple ID card was sufficient.

As we know from previous reading in this article, we never know what might happen and when. Maybe when baby began to travel someone passed by and slipped baby a bug. It’s best to make sure that you have baby’s entire medicine cabinet in your luggage. If you are traveling out of the country, this one is especially true, and in fact, an appointment should be made with the doctor ahead of time to get any vaccinations that may be beneficial to you. You simply never know what may happen and the rule of thumb when you and baby travel is better safe than sorry!

Your physician will know which shots you should have depending on the country (ies) you will be traveling to so be sure to let him or her know each country you will visit.

When the new baby arrives, it’s one of the most joyous moments a parent could ever imagine. We expect the several times a night wakeups for feedings and diaper changes, and other things of that nature, but no matter how prepared we think we might be, we’re never ready for the teething time, which can have baby quite cranky even when he or she is sleeping.

Part of the problem, and especially when we are new parents, is that we have a little trouble trying to decipher what’s wrong with our baby. There are a number of books around, sure, but the fact of the matter is that each baby is unique and while some things may appear to be similar, there may actually be something going on altogether different.

Provided here for you then, is a list of symptoms that you might look for if you suspect that baby may have begun teething. These are general signs, and are by no means a comprehensive list, but merely some clues as to what may be happening:

• Irritable – This symptom is more of a general symptom, but one that should be noted. Trying to figure out the problem is more of a series of deductions. The baby will of course get irritable when the diaper needs changing, or if he or she is hungry so we have to go through the processes. Check the diaper. If the diaper is clean, then perhaps the baby is hungry. Now, if you know you just gave the baby a feeding, then perhaps it’s something else, and in this case it may be teething time. Now, since this is just a general symptom, then we have to look at some other possible signs as well.
• Drooling – Again, not a tell-tale sign at all, but another symptom to look for. The baby can be drooling and irritable too, but that still may not be because he or she is teething. It is however, an indicator when appearing along with other symptoms such as
• Rubbing the Cheeks or pulling on the ears – Now this symptom, is generally one that indicates the baby’s mouth is hurting a bit. It may seem strange, but the fact is that pain from erupting teeth can radiate to the nose and the ears
• Chewing – An excellent symptom, or in this case sign, that the baby is teething is when they try to chew on something. The baby feels pressure from the teeth trying to come through. He or she will bite down on something trying to relieve the pressure they are feeling. It doesn’t matter to them what it is and it could even be your finger.
• Slight Fever – A slight fever is indicative of new teeth coming through. This is one of the symptoms in which another symptom or even two should be present before you take anything for granted. Take the babies temperature and monitor it. If the fever becomes too serious then you will need a trip to the doctor, but a low grade fever is nothing to worry over if the other symptoms are present as well. Still if the fever is one that is persistent, you will need to see the doctor.
• It’s common of course, for the baby to wake periodically throughout the night for feedings and diaper changes. As time progresses, you will begin to see a pattern of when the baby sleeps normally. If he or she is waking up at times that is unusual for them, this could be another sign of teething.
• Symptoms Like those of a cold – If baby is experiencing symptoms like those of a cold, along with any of the other symptoms here, it may not actually be a cold. Now it may seem strange that teething would present symptoms such as these, but the truth is that the baby is fussing with his mouth and nose more often now because he or she is trying to relieve the pressure they feel. Just like with the ear pulling and rubbing of the cheeks. This constant rubbing on the mouth and nose area may cause the baby to start sneezing, and the rubbing of the eyes and nose will have them red and appearing like the baby has caught a cold when in reality it’s the teething that is at the root of it all.

When it comes right down to it, the baby can begin the teething process anytime from about 3 months forward. It has been known to occur sooner in some cases. That’s why it’s important to be observant and note any changes that you see. The earlier that you are able to detect these signs of your baby teething, the better off everyone is because then you can take the necessary steps to help alleviate the pain the baby may be feeling.