Packing for Baby on Board

our husband props himself up on his elbow early Saturday morning, gives you a knowing look, and says he's ready to go -- to his parent's house. It's time for the baby's first trip!

Traveling with baby requires packing smart so you're prepared for the expected and the unexpected. Planning what you'll pack and what you'll need to buy beforehand will cut down on the chaos of trip day -- the same busy morning where you have to get yourself, the baby, and perhaps baby's siblings, dressed, fed, and in the car. "In the hustle that precedes a trip, it can be easy to let things happen instead of make things happen," says Elizabeth Pantley, a parent, and parenting guru, who is the author of Gentle BabyCare (McGraw-Hill), as well as six other parenting books (www.pantley.com).

For starters, know that the road to a successful trip will be far less bumpy if you consider what you'll need to pack and purchase for both trips -- the outbound one to your destination, and the homeward bound one on the return. "If two adults are traveling, consider yourselves lucky. If you are traveling alone with your little one, you will need to be more creative," advises Pantley. There are a few extra considerations if you're flying (or driving) solo, but the packing is not any different for baby.

To make both roads less bumpy, and a pleasure for everyone traveling, you'll need itemized lists, provided here. The first list is for baby and siblings; the second is for you and your spouse. Pack a few days in advance to cut down on morning-of chaos, and personalize the list with a favorite sippy cup, toy, music -- whatever your baby needs to be as fussy-free as possible.

And mom? Don't forget to take what you need to relax, if you get a moment to do so. Have a wonderful time, and safe travels

Children Checklist:

• Well-stocked diaper bag
• Baby's blanket or favorite toy
• Car seat pillow or head support
• Window shades/sun screen
• Changes of clothes/shoes
• Extra underwear/socks/undershirts
• Bag or box of toys and books
• Music/books on tape/CDs
• Baby food/snacks/drinks
• Sippy cups
• Wet washcloths in bags/moist towelettes
• Large Ziploc freezer bags for soiled clothes
• Bottle warmer
• Lotions/powders/wipes
• Formula
• Bibs/pacifiers/bottles
• Baby carrier/sling/stroller
• Childproofing items

Mom Checklist:

• Change of clothes/shoes
• Husband's clothes/shoes
• Toiletries
• First aid kit/prescriptions/medications
• Money/wallet/purse/ID
• Medical and insurance info/emergency numbers
• Maps/directions/tickets
• Snacks and drinks for adults
• Cooler/plastic cups
• Camera
• Cell phone
• Batteries/adapter plug
• Gift/pictures for relatives
• Small sewing kit/safety pins/anti-bacteria wash

Jodi Bryson is the west coast editor of Girls' Life (GL) magazine, and a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.

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