Description

Parents traveling with infants feel that they have to be prepared for everything and often over stuff their diaper bag. An overpacked diaper bag is difficult to carry, doesn't fit under the seat in front of you and if your rushing to catch a plane...well, you can only imagine. Here's what we've learned about packing a diaper bag.
• Many airport stores are carrying baby products incase you forget anything.
• Take two times the number of diapers you would normally use in the time period you are traveling. If your child would use 3 diapers in 6 hours, bring 6 diapers for a six hour trip.
• If you bottle feed your infant, bring only one bottle. The flight attendants or an airport restaurant can clean them for you. Carry the formula in a Ziplock baggie so it can fit anywhere in your bag.
• Bring book or two. We like board books with lift the flaps because babies love the flaps. Bathtub books are also great because they can be folded into small spaces. Babies also love small photo albums with family pictures.
• Paint with water book.
• Bring a toy or two that have only a few pieces and can be played with in a variety of ways. A scarf or bandana is a good toy.
• Pack an easy to read magazine for yourself.
• In a gallon Ziplock baggie, pack some wipes, 1-2 diapers, diaper cream, tylenol, change of clothes for baby and a trash bag for a dirty diaper. When you get on the plane, tuck this baggie in your seat pocket so you don't have to bring your entire diaper bag to the small plane bathroom.
• Tuck some bandaids into your diaper bag.
• Bring energizing snacks for your self and your child; pasta shapes, cheese and crackers, dried fruit.
• Make sure you have a change of clothes for possible accidents.