Picking Up Your Children: Packing Tips
Preparation for travel abroad is fun for some and a daunting task for others. Feel free to use our Travel Checklist as a guide to help in preparing, packing, and planning.
Basic Rules for Effective Packing
Pack Lightly!
The more luggage that a traveler has on a trip the less freedom they will experience. Not to mention- sore muscles. Instead of brining an outfit for each day plan on wearing the same outfit more than once or bring pieces that can be coordinated differently. Clothing and undergarments can be washed and reworn for easier travel! Traveling is a great time to remember to share well with others. Rather than each family member brining their own toothpaste tubes, hair shampoo, and more find ways to share these items for less luggage.
Carry Important Things on You!
It is wise to use a travel pack that attaches to your person to carry all important documents such as passports, ID’s, your wallet, drivers license, and insurance cards. In addition, travelers checks, credit cards, travel tickets, and your itinerary with confirmation numbers and contact information should be kept close. Provide yourself with several small and crisp bills of currency of the country you will be traveling in as soon as possible.
Pack Medication Safely!
Medicine should be packed in your carry-on luggage as it will be safer from theft and from extreme temperatures. Medicine should be kept in the original prescription bottle to avoid security questions, this includes vitamins and non-
prescription medication. It is wise, especially with increased security concerns, to bring a letter from your doctor concerning the need for the medications.
Know Your Airline’s Regulations!
Before packing check for the regulations on airlines that you will be traveling. This can be done by calling the airline directly or going to the website of the airline you are traveling with. It is important to follow the regulations not only for safety measures, but also to avoid having your belongings confiscated.
Travel Checklist
For Baby:
Toys/Teething Ring
Activity mat or blanket
Bottles
Refill drop in bags
Nipples (may want to bring a variety of these to find which one your baby prefers)
Baby Spoon
Bowl
Diapers (8 to 12 changes per day)
Wipes (unscented and alcohol free)
Bibs
Cotton clothing appropriate for the weather (prewashed before travel)
Baby hip/back/front carrier
Burp Cloths
Cetaphil cream for eczematous skin
Saline nose drop
Triple antibiotic ointment
Benadryl
Ear syringe
Diaper rash cream
Digital thermometer (rectal for an infant)
Unscented soap for sensitive skin
First aid kit
Formula (28-32 ounces per day)
Hydrocortisone cream for eczema
Pedialyte or Kaolectrolyte for prevention of dehydration
Rice Cereal
Infant fingernail clippers
Sippy Cup
Sunscreen
T-Gel Shampoo for treatment of Cradle Cap
Children’s pain medicine
Umbrella stroller
Handy packets of wet wipes for day trips and hand washing
Talk to your pediatrician about possible prescriptions that you may need to bring for:
Conjunctivitis
Ear infections, bacterial infection, or pneumonia
Rashes
School Aged Child and Teenager
Appropriate Clothing (Non-Irritating)
Toys and Games
Flash Card with translated words
Art Supplies: Coloring book, sketchpad, colored pencils, crayons
Stuffed animal
Talk with your family physician about prescriptions and medicine you should pack to be preventative for infections or rashes with this age child.
For Parents
CLOTHING
When packing clothing for international travel it is wise to consider two factors: the culture and the weather. Rather than risk being offensive due to the way you are dressed, be safe and pack conservative styled clothing. Many cultures worldwide dress in a more formal manner than that of people in western culture. Going to complete the adoption of your child in another country is a big deal! We suggest packing comfortable and modest, Consider dressing in cotton and other non-irritating clothing that may bother the skin of your new child/children.
Socks
Layered Outfits
Bag to hold dirty laundry
Undershirts
Jacket
Small container of biodegradable laundry soap
Undergarments
Slippers or slip on shoes
Comfortable shoes
Pajamas
EXTRAS
Camera
Film
Video Camera
Laptop (check airline guidelines, country warnings, and if WiFi will be available to you)
Electrical Converter
Journal and Pens
Travel and Language Guidebook
HYGIENE PRODUCTS
Shampoo
Lotion
Conditioner
Saline Solutions
First Aid Kit
Toothpaste
Feminine Products
Toothbrush
Soap
Eyeglasses
Deodorant
Contacts (Bring extra!)
Be a Safe and Courteous Traveler!
Do your research on the country you will be visiting. Make sure to be a diplomatic and respectful traveler, following the societal rules and norms of the country. You want to demonstrate you as travel to pick your child from their home country that despite the economic difficulties the country may face you have a respect for the people and culture of your child’s homeland. Each and every country has crime and areas in which to avoid while traveling. Use good common sense and wisdom while traveling to ensure the safety of your party and the best travel experience possible.
