what to take?

When my youngest was 4 or 5 months old we drove up to Sacramento. We actually didn't need much for him because he was still sleeping a lot and he got up to eat and diaper and all. He got uncomfortable after awhile because he was not used to sitting in a car for so long, so I took his traveling swing with me because he loved it at home...it was something he knew. So, we would take breaks when he would get fussy and eat and do the whole rutine and then if he was still acting funny we would let him sit in his swing for a little bit and hit the road again. I would recommend taking something familiar to them to comfort them.

Cruz Family Day Care
~Samantha Cruz

Mommy of 2 wild boys and love every minute of it.

If you are staying in a hotel, bring your pack and play. Most hotels don't have acceptable cribs for babies. They are often in disrepair, don't have proper linens, are very dirty and a safety hazard. Plus if your child is used to sleeping in one already it might make things more familiar when you are on the road.

I have a travel sheet (excel spreadsheet) since our first trip with our first born (he was 4 months too when we traveled to Quebec City.) So the list really only had the essentials (everything from bottles to pack-n-play for his 'crib'). As he has grown we have changed up the list for each year (as he no longer uses bottles, etc.) If you'd like a copy of that list just email me - I can send it to you. I've also added a few things - like his eczema lotion - which would be the end of the world as it is prescription and cannot be found over-the-counter. Have fun and enjoy your trip!

LisaMommy is a 38 year old discussion leader for arizonamoms.com from the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area. Her two boys are ages 9 months and 3 years old.

Don't forget your baby monitor - assuming you are staying at a home, or a hotel w/ a living area, etc.

We took the pack and play everywhere - too gross to use anyone else's stuff.

Do you have a pack of those poop bags? They were a lifesaver...about 100 for $1, scented fresh, etc. We used them not only on the airplane, etc., but at other people's houses, so that we weren't smelling up their trashcans. Since we never visited someone who had a diaper genie, these bags were a must.

Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 7 yr. old daughter and a 5 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.

Lots of extra clothes, unless you're staying somewhere with accessible laundry facilities. And also pack a small bag to keep nearby (in the car or airplane, don't know which for you) with some basics like clothes, toys, burp clothes, diapers, etc so you're not having to search all over the place in an emergency (poop explosion, etc).
If you're flying, definately plan on having a bottle (or nursing) when the plane is about to take off. This will help alleviate any pressure in the ears.
And bring a familiar toy like a playmat.

Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 7 and 3.

We just returned from Disneyland with a 6-month. It was a blast and the baby did just awesome! Besides the normal stuff diapers (estimated 15 diapers/day) , a can of formula, clothes (2 sets a day). We took a pack-n-play for her to sleep and nap in, water, bottle washer. We also took different types of clothes (ie. few cool, few warmer outfits) as well as a jacket as it got cold at night. Oh, also a flexible stroller. We took the standard stroller and it didn't fit well on things. And of course....camera!

There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one!

Take a variety of toys to chew on and throw around. Do your best to do your driving during the babys nap time. Most youngsters don't want to sit in a car seat unable to move around. Take patience as schedules never go as planned with kids! Be flexible.

soccermom of a 12 yr old boy and 15 yr old young lady