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.