Now here are some additional items we suggest you might pack for your child. You'll find some of these things are age-specific so the best idea would be to grab a pen and paper and make a list of the things that you find most relevant to you. Keep the list in your bag for the return trip home.
Baby Panadol: This is the number one item on my friend Kate's list when she's packing. The last thing you need on your travels is not being able to find an open chemist or supermarket when you need it most. Add to your shopping list an extra measuring syringe in the event that you lose the first one - it can be very daunting trying to guess how much 2.5mL is in a spoon if your only measuring syringe goes missing.
Snap lock bags: This is Tessa's very clever suggestion - snap-lock bags are always first on her packing list. She uses them for everything and even keeps an extra packet in the bottom of her suitcase to use on the trip home too. Since taking on board this suggestion myself, I cannot live without them. They are now a must have on our shopping list to store things like snacks (dry Nutrigrain anyone?), hairclips, medicines, dirty shoes/clothing etc.
Bulldog clips: Beck suggests taking a packet of bulldog clips to use for attaching blankets and/or towels to windows and around a cot, thus minimising light in the bedroom and promoting a longer sleep. Many hotel curtains don't block out all the light when you need them to! Safety pins also work well but bulldog clips do the same thing in half the time with much less effort. Beck also cleverly uses bulldog clips to seal open packets of food.
Baby's own linen: Mother-of-three Karina always takes her baby's own cot linen, blankets and a sheepskin rug to line hotel port-a-cots with. She believes that her bub sleeps more soundly when he is surrounded by the familiar smell of his own linen. I haven't tried this tip myself yet, but with my own daughter's sleeping habits becoming more and more disjointed, I'm definitely going to try this on our next trip.
Easy snack packs: It's always difficult to source infant and toddler-friendly food products when you are on the road, so be sure to pack an appropriate amount of snacks that he 0r she enjoys. In Australia and the UK there are an excellent range of squeezable, disposable food products that are healthy, organic, don't spoil and can be shoved into a bag or pocket. Two brands that my daughter loves and are very accessible include: Organic Bubs (Australia) and Ella's (UK).
MORE baby wipes: Most parents agree that you can't have too many packets of wipes available to you (a packet for the pram, one in the nappy bag, the car, the kitchen and your handbag). Not only are they good for changing nappies and cleaning grubby hands, but they are also excellent at removing food stains from your clothing and furniture or wiping down a germy table or playground swing. Remember, purchase excess packets once you're there.
An oversized scarf: I started flying with an oversize cotton scarf years before I became a mother and found it an essential travel item even back then. It's great to use as a shawl (for flights where the air-con is too chilly), as a baby wrap, for additional support on flights and in taxis, and in emergencies to clean up or hide baby vomit, food or drink on your clothes!
Passports, birth certificates & medical info: These items are essential if you are traveling overseas. I didn't take my daughter's birth certificate on a holiday once and ran into great difficulty trying to convince passport control officers that despite having a different surname she was still my daughter. Remember also to take your baby's 'Red Book' or 'Blue Book' for reference should your child require urgent medical attention.
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