My son is now 6 years old, but packing for a trip never seems to get any easier, does it? Rather than packing enough diapers and wipes, I now worry about getting the Nintendo DS and enough DVDs for the trip.
Still, there is plenty of summer left and if you are planning a trip, here are a few hints for packing travel items for a baby.
Ship Items
If you are visiting your mom and dad for two weeks and have a lot of activities planned, you will need items such as a stroller. But, carrying it in the car or on the airplane may not be easy. See how much it would cost to ship the stroller through the mail or UPS. If your baby is big enough, consider purchasing one of the cheap $15 strollers at Wal-Mart or JC Penney then donating it to a local thrift store or another family member in the area when you leave.
Leave Home the Add-Ons
Baby items such as strollers and play yards often come with extra add-ons such as mobiles and changing tables. Leave the add-ons at home to help lighten the travel load plus you lessen the chance of leaving something behind.
Purchase Items
If you can afford it, save the space in your travel bags and purchase such baby items as diapers, shampoo, lotion, and formula when you get there.
Borrow from Family and Friends
If you are going to visit family or friends – borrow! We went to Idaho when my son was almost a year old and my mother-in-law was able to get us a bouncy chair, a play yard and stroller for the visit from friends. The only thing you have to be careful with when borrowing is you will want to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for any recalls that might affect the items you are using.