Travel Essentials from DailyMom.com

Whether you’re flying cross-country or embarking on that dreaded 8 hour drive to grandma’s house, one thing is certain: traveling with a toddler is rarely easy. Packing for a trip can be overwhelming enough when it’s just for yourself; but trying to decipher every little need your toddler might have and fitting it all into your luggage is a daunting task.  Clothing, diapers and toiletries are a no-brainer; but the following is a list of helpful hints and toddler travel essentials that might slip your mind in the midst of the chaos of preparing for your trip:

• Bath Wash, Diaper Rash Cream and Sunscreen

If you use a specific brand for your baby’s sensitive skin, it is important to bring your own on your trip. You can’t be sure that the stores at your destination will carry them; and if you are traveling to a touristy area, the prices will most likely be inflated.

• Diapers

If you use disposable diapers, find out if you are able to buy more once you reach your destination. If you can, pack what you’ll need for your entire travel time, plus one extra day’s worth to be safe. If you cloth diaper, be sure you will have access to a washer and dryer and pack your diapers accordingly. If so, you can pack fewer items of clothing and cloth diapers, and wash them during your stay.

If you use a special detergent to wash your baby’s clothing and diapers, also check to see if your destination’s local stores sell that specific kind. You don’t want to risk a new detergent effecting your baby’s sensitive skin while you’re away from home. If you need to bring your own detergent, Humangear GoToobcontainers come in three sizes, and are ideal for your carry-on or checked luggage. They are FDA approved food-grade and BPA free.

• Crib Sheets

If you are planning on staying at a hotel that provides cribs, you might want to consider bringing your own crib sheets. You don’t know what kind of detergent the hotel uses to wash their linens, and if your baby has sensitive skin, sleeping on their sheets might affect it. Also, there will be a lot of changes in routine for your baby during your trip, so bringing comforts from home will help him feel comfortable falling asleep in a new place.

• Bottles

• Formula

• Breast Pump

• Favorite Bowls, Sippy Cups and Utensils

• Pacifiers

We love MAM, because they are made of non-toxic materials and come with a convenient travel and microwavable sterilization container.

FOR THE ACTUAL “TRAVEL” PART OF YOUR TRIP

Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, you want to make sure your toddler has all of the essential items to make the trip comfortable for her. The following are some items that you will absolutely want to have at your disposal during your trip:

• A Copy of your child’s Birth Certificate

• Comfortable Clothing

• Blankets

• Pacifiers and Clips

• Natural Sanitizing Wipes

• Eating Utensils

• Books and Toys

Below are a few great interactive and educational book options:

• Little Airport Sticker Activity Book (Ages 3-8)

• Airplane Flight: A Lift The Flap Adventure

• The Wheels On The Bus (Ages 3-8)