I have a one year old daughter who constantly running around the house and picking up everything she can find on the floor. I constantly have the phobia of her eating her own poop or cockroach poop or whatever looks like poop on the floor so I mop the floor once a week (or biweekly). Now, don't judge me for not mopping the floor every day because I also work part time as a *writer* at home so I really need to focus on my work and have a ME time to keep me sane. I know that it is not easy to have a kid especially if you are a first time mom. The elderly (relatives, long lost relatives, neighbor etc) will be skeptical about how you handling your child so they will give a lot of advice which sometimes true and sometimes just utterly ridiculous but you don't have to follow everything because advice by different people often contradicts with one another. e.g. some elderly people advice you to feed your baby porridge only and some will ask why I haven't introduce soft rice to my one year daughter. So, no need to worry. It is totally normal for people to overwhelm you with their advice because they feel responsible or they just want to make conversation. As long as you check with the pediatrician before trying anything new with your baby. Don't just blindly follow your relatives advice. Know what is best for your baby instead of trying to make everyone happy.
So, the main thing i want to share is my list of things that I always brought with me because I travel (roadtrip) a lot with my baby since she is one month old where she travel by plane for the first time. Some of the things list down below might not be for everybody but you can adjust it according to your liking and also compare with other moms. Actually you can only prepare your essential list after you travel a lot with your baby because we moms learn from experience. This list might not be suitable for minimalist parents because as you can see I have a long list. I pack my baby's essential things in different bag so it is easier for us. Actually the list looks long but everything can fit into a medium size nappy bag. I try to travel as light as possible but there are just some things that I cannot skip like the medicine, baby soap, nappy, wet tissue etc. My baby still have bad eczema when i put things that can trigger her allergies on her skin. Most parents find it is more convenient to buy baby wipes or diaper at the holiday destination but I prefer to bring from home so I don't have to panic if they don't sell any regular brand my baby use.
List of things to bring to travel (3 days 2 night)
- Three pairs of baby clothes
- One dress
- Wet tissue
- Diapers (usually12-15 pcs)
- Baby Oat (Quick Breakfast for lil one when you are late)
- Milk Powder (or breast pump if you breastfeeding)
- Two cloth diapers (very versatile from wiping spit to temporary poncho)
- Bath towel (one is enough)
- Hot water thermos (not many budget hotel provide kettle in room here so it will be very useful)
- Feeding bottle
- Dish soap
- Bottle brush
- Baby cutlery (optional)
- Baby medicine (eczema flair, cough, fever, syringe etc)
- Baby soap (Head to Toe)
- Two pair of socks
- Changing mat (I bring one reusable and two disposable handy)
- Insect repellent
- Baby water bottle (if baby start to drink water)
- Baby snack (so your baby won't get hungry in car)
- Sun hat
- Favorite blanket
- Baby coat/cardigan
- Mini portable fan (this is a must in tropical country)
- Toys for distraction (I choose toys over mobile phone)
- Baby sandal/shoe
- Hand sanitizer (I prefer spray bottle because it is easier to disinfect surface and hand)
I usually wash 1-2 pair of my baby clothes when traveling. If you plan to wash baby clothes please bring gentle detergent. I prefer solid soap but you can also just use the hotel soap. If you don't plan to wash clothes then bring extra clothes but extra clothes mean you need extra space in luggage. If you plan to go for a swim with your baby please bring along her swimwear and swim diaper. For the hot water thermos, I find it easier to bring the hot water in the car and night use. My baby won't drink her milk if it isn't warm. I usually bring 2 feeding bottle for 3-5 hour drive. I brought more feeding bottles when my baby younger (under 6 months). My baby will feed before we start our journey. Keep your baby happy by keeping her well-fed and well rested and everything will be fine. A few tantrum is normal but you can handle it with a few distractions by singing to your baby, take your baby for a walk, play with her or give her favorite toy. I think that's all that I can think of now. Hopefully it will help to make your roadtrip smoother and happy. It is also important for parents to keep their stress level down during traveling because that is what traveling for right? So, don't fret if things don't fall into your plan because IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. Don't try to get over your head squeezing 3-5 activities in a day. Try to plan one activity in the morning and one in the evening so you don't have to rush and overtired the baby. Remember, a baby needs to feed and take a nap or they will get cranky and cry. It is their way to communicate. Just relax, laugh, enjoy every moment and take lots of adorable photos!
Happy Roadtrip Mommies!!
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