Overseas Travel

You don't mention where you are going, but keep in mind that people in every country in the world have babies and you will be able to buy baby stuff wherever you go.

In fact, in Europe the baby food is 100 times better than in the US. We took an extended trip there this year and our son would scarf baby food down- here he wouldn't eat it at all.

Everywhere we have traveled with kids (east/west Europe, Asia) diapers have been very expensive so I would make sure to bring enough. The formula brands in other countries are different and they do not seem to have as many kinds so I would probably try to bring enough of my own.

As for everything else, unless you guve medicines like teething gel a lot I wouldn't worry about it. I did buy children's motrin in the Czech Republic and it was fine, but I would bring a thermometer so if your baby gets sick you can monitor a temp without trying to find a doctor.

I would recommned bringing some of those disposable bibs so you don't have to worry about washing bibs. Also, there are not many changing tables most places I have traveled so I carried a blanket with me to lay baby on to change and those scented diapers disposal bags in case I had to carry a stinky diaper with me.

You didn't ask but I will throw this in too;) If you are bringing a stroller consider a sling or baby bjorn type carrier instead. Most public transportation, monuments, and touristy places tend not to be very accesible to strollers and it will be a pain in the butt to lug it around. We rarely take a stroller anywhere becuase the kids tend to want to walk or be carried anyway. Also if you will be renting a car, make sure you have the clip for the seat belt that comes with the seat (usually clipped in on the bottom of the seat) in case the car you get does not have the LATCH system. Actually, all the rentals I have had did come with it but I would have to take chances.

Enjoy your trip and don't stress too much. If you need something you don't have it probably won't be too hard to find it.

Funny you should ask-- I just got back from Japan with my seven month old two days ago!

For feeding--We bought a plastic bib you could just wipe down when you're done. We brought a few metal baby spoons and enough food, wipes, and diapers for a few days. We brought a couple bottles too and some paper cups for mixing baby oatmeal. Make sure to have at least a few days of food, diapers, wipes, etc on you so that you don't have to rush out the second you get to your hotel. Have at least twice what you think you need in your carry-on just in case there are delays. And definately have a fabric baby carrier because strollers can't go everywhere. We took both our baby bjorn which I hate but my daughter likes, and the ergo baby carrier which she is still getting used to but is much easier on our backs. The ergo is also great for discreetly nursing.

We took one or two small, *quiet* toys but it's not necessary, you can get toys anywhere.

We did take our daughter's favorite blanket, which we felt was worthwhile. I think it always made her bed (hotel crib, futon on floor, whatever) feel more like home.

Take *tons* of big ziplock bags! They are great for stashing anything leaking, smelly baby clothes, and dirty diapers that you can't dispose of immediately.

We also took small portions of laundry detergent, dish soap, and baby shampoo.

Sunscreen and a good hat for the baby are really important! I use Neutrogena on my daughter but you should test out whatever you chose first on a small bit of skin to make sure there's no reaction.

The last thing I can think of is pack light enough that you won't be terribly grumpy getting places. Make sure you can get on trains easily, etc. carrying all your luggage and a baby.

Hello there.

I agree with Courtney. You can find almost anything you need in other countries, unless you are traveling to a remote place on a remote continent. I would just be sure to pack the formula you use, 6-7 onesies and layering clothes for diverse weather. Perhaps use bottled water to make the bottle. I think you can get diapers everywhere and you might want to save the space for other things. Also, bring entertainment--new toys like soft, bright fabric books, and interesting objects to look at, etc that the baby has not yet seen. This gets more essential as the child nears 12 months and up.
Try to relax and enjoy your adventure.

Oh, I like the idea of a thermometer and tylenol, just in case.

We took my son to Europe when he was 2 months old. We had heard that diapers were $$ over there so we brought a huge stash - they weren't that bad and I wish we hadn't bothered, but it was nice not to have to go out and buy them. Otherwise I would just make sure you pack his blanket, lovey, 2-3 small toys/books, a baby carrier (we used a wrap sling - it was SO much easier than trying to lug around a stroller). Europe has many cobblestone streets so small-wheeled strollers will NOT be pleasant to push - everyone over there has big wheeled ones.

We had a "baby b'air" for the flight over - it's a baby flight harness. Our son was a lap child and we were told that there would be a bassinet on the airplane but there wasn't so we were glad we had this because it meant that both my husband and i could sleep while my son was sleeping and we didn't have to worry about him falling off of our lap. If you've got a seat for your baby you won't have to worry about this.

As for food, you might consider getting a baby food mill like the ones that KidCo makes. They cost about $10 and you can grind up whatever you're eating really easily by hand. Sometimes you run out of baby food.

Good luck and have fun!

S.-
Nail clippers/scissors are definitely out, I can tell you that for sure. If you show up with those or any other banned item, they will be taken away from you on the spot. There are other restrictions as to "gels", formula (liquid) etc. You can take an empty water bottle through security, but not with ANY water in it. You CAN refill it once your get through security. Best to check on your airlines website, as to guidelines on this. When you say "we" I don't know if you mean the dad as well. If not, a parent needs authorization from the other if BOTH are not traveling with the child. You mention "a" 6 month old. I am assuming the baby is yours.