Its that time of year again... camping season! Our family absolutely loves camping. So here I've compiled a simple packing list for your camping trip. Have fun!
Sleeping:
- tent
- sleeping bags
- air/foam mattresses
- cots (if desired)
- one pillow per person
- extra blankets
- tarp
Eating:
- one plate and cup per person
- one fork, spoon and knife per person
- coffee press
- pot, pan
- dish bin and soap
- dishcloth and towel
- cutting board and sharp knife
- can opener, cooking utensils, tin foil, corkscrew
- cooler
- ice
- water bottles
- tablecloth
- folding table (if there isn't one already)
- water canteen
- of course, food!
Essentials:
- flash lights
- candles (citronella)
- extra batteries
- matches, lighter
- firestarters, kindling
- camping chairs
- stocked first aid kit
- trash bags
- rope
- hand sanitizer
Toiletries:
- sunscreen (SPF30+)
- bug spray
- shampoo, conditioner and soap
- toothbrushes and toothpaste
- hairbrush, comb and elastics
- deodorant (unscented)
- razor (if desired)
- one towel and facecloth per person
- toilet paper
Clothing:
- shoes (flip flops, hiking shoes)
- sweater
- swim suit
- one outfit per person per day
- one pair pjs for every two nights
- one pair socks per person per day
- one pair undies per person per day
- jacket in case of cool evenings/rain
- sun hat
Kids:
- outdoor toys
- glowsticks
- bubbles
- water toys
- playpen
- folding high chair
- baby carrier
- stroller (all-terrain)
- diaper change station (diapers, wipes, bags, bum cream)
- play tent (to separate playing and sleeping areas)
Pet:
- bed
- leash
- water/food bowls
- food and treats
Other:
- camera
- map of campground
- cash for firewood and snacks
- umbrellas (just in case!)
Click here for camping tips! Some of these are awesome.
Tuesday 9 June 2015
Sunday 6 April 2014
When Flying with Babies: The Carry-On
Warning number one: If you can bring another adult with you, please do. You will appreciate the extra pair of hands when flying.
My list:
1) A big carry-on (as big as they will let you have). Pockets are amazing, have as many as possible. If it has interior pockets as well, even better.
2) A SEPARATE diaper bag. This is important. If you have your carry-on in the over head compartment, you will want the diaper bag within easy reaching distance. And you won't want to haul your huge bag with you to the bathroom every time you have to change a poopy diaper. Use to store diapers, wipes, soothers, baby tylenol, bottles, etc. Keep everything else in the carry-on.
3) Diapers. Lots of diapers.
4) Wipes. Don't skimp out on the wipes. They will function as diaper wipes, face cloths, clothing cleaners for when your baby inevitably pukes or spills food all over you, cleaning the tray, etc.
5) Toys. Baby will likely get bored. Bring at least two different age appropriate toys for your child.
6) Book. Great for distracting a bored child.
7) Colouring book and crayons (if appropriate). Kids love to colour. My daughter coloured for half our wait in the airport. Wonderful.
8) Change of clothes. At least two for baby and one for you. Include extra socks. Don't forget the socks.
9) Hat. Depending on where you are flying from or flying to, this could be a sunhat or a toque. Use your discretion obviously :)
10) Snacks. Buying food at the airport or on the airport costs an arm and a leg. Bring your own. Those baby food pouches are great. Anything that you can toss the bag/container is great. Less empty containers to tote around. And try not to worry about the "health factor". If it keeps them calm and quiet, bring it. You will be thankful that you did. Suckers are awesome.
11) Extra soothers. Do it. Your baby will thank you. (Side story: we lost a soother on the first flight. Thank goodness I had a spare or the second flight would have been awful.)
12) Blankets. I recommend at least two, one heavier and one lighter. Bring receiving blankets if necessary.
13) Baby tylenol. They can get crazy earaches from the plane taking off. This is not necessary of course, I didn't end up using it. But its nice to have just in case.
14) Bottles. At least as many as you think you will need plus a couple extras. They will let you bring it even if it surpasses the limit of 1L of liquids in your carry-on. Try to warm it before you leave home/your hotel, because they won't always have the means of heating it on the plane.
15) Sippy-cups (if age appropriate). Planes can get dry. Keep the little one hydrated.
16) Infant car seat. I took mine in case they had an empty seat next to me. The time they didn't, they let me gate-check it. But when they have an extra seat, it is so helpful to have the car seat for baby to sleep in.
17) Stroller. I skipped this on the first flight. I will never skip it again. You can gate-check it, and use it to tote your baby along with all your stuff. You will regret not having one. Check your airline's rules for stroller sizes that you can gate check. Often if it folds up relatively small you will be okay. I took a Safety First sit-and-stand type stroller (car seat adaptable and with a seat for my toddler, which I used for my carry-on because my toddler wanted to walk through the airport anyways.)
18) Sweaters for you and baby. Planes can get chilly.
19) Headphones. Helps distract toddlers, or relax yourself while/if baby sleeps. Often there will be an in-flight movie for longer flights. Bring your own music/movies if its a shorter flight.
20) Stickers. Holy poo, I almost forgot stickers. They will distract kids for hours sometimes. Bring a book or paper for stickers, and try not to get stressed if they end up all over the seat, bags, you or even the person next to you.
21) Hand sanitizer. Planes and airports are disgusting sometimes. You will want to keep your hands and everything that goes in or near your baby's mouth clean.
22) Bibs. Always helpful.
23) A change pad. There isn't always a change table in the plane's bathroom. And when there is, it is usually yucky. Bring a change pad to protect your baby's little bum.
24) A designated pocket for boarding passes, passports, ID, moneys, etc. This is important. I almost loss my boarding pass. Yikes.
TIPS:
- Take the early flight. Baby will likely sleep through it.
- Bottle or breastfeed during take-off and landing. It will limit the amount of ear-popping. For toddlers, try a soother. For older kids, gum helps. It makes a difference. Trust me.
- Wear comfortable clothes, in layers. You never know how hot or cold the airport/plane will be.
- Pee BEFORE boarding.
My list:
1) A big carry-on (as big as they will let you have). Pockets are amazing, have as many as possible. If it has interior pockets as well, even better.
2) A SEPARATE diaper bag. This is important. If you have your carry-on in the over head compartment, you will want the diaper bag within easy reaching distance. And you won't want to haul your huge bag with you to the bathroom every time you have to change a poopy diaper. Use to store diapers, wipes, soothers, baby tylenol, bottles, etc. Keep everything else in the carry-on.
3) Diapers. Lots of diapers.
4) Wipes. Don't skimp out on the wipes. They will function as diaper wipes, face cloths, clothing cleaners for when your baby inevitably pukes or spills food all over you, cleaning the tray, etc.
5) Toys. Baby will likely get bored. Bring at least two different age appropriate toys for your child.
6) Book. Great for distracting a bored child.
7) Colouring book and crayons (if appropriate). Kids love to colour. My daughter coloured for half our wait in the airport. Wonderful.
8) Change of clothes. At least two for baby and one for you. Include extra socks. Don't forget the socks.
9) Hat. Depending on where you are flying from or flying to, this could be a sunhat or a toque. Use your discretion obviously :)
10) Snacks. Buying food at the airport or on the airport costs an arm and a leg. Bring your own. Those baby food pouches are great. Anything that you can toss the bag/container is great. Less empty containers to tote around. And try not to worry about the "health factor". If it keeps them calm and quiet, bring it. You will be thankful that you did. Suckers are awesome.
11) Extra soothers. Do it. Your baby will thank you. (Side story: we lost a soother on the first flight. Thank goodness I had a spare or the second flight would have been awful.)
12) Blankets. I recommend at least two, one heavier and one lighter. Bring receiving blankets if necessary.
13) Baby tylenol. They can get crazy earaches from the plane taking off. This is not necessary of course, I didn't end up using it. But its nice to have just in case.
14) Bottles. At least as many as you think you will need plus a couple extras. They will let you bring it even if it surpasses the limit of 1L of liquids in your carry-on. Try to warm it before you leave home/your hotel, because they won't always have the means of heating it on the plane.
15) Sippy-cups (if age appropriate). Planes can get dry. Keep the little one hydrated.
16) Infant car seat. I took mine in case they had an empty seat next to me. The time they didn't, they let me gate-check it. But when they have an extra seat, it is so helpful to have the car seat for baby to sleep in.
17) Stroller. I skipped this on the first flight. I will never skip it again. You can gate-check it, and use it to tote your baby along with all your stuff. You will regret not having one. Check your airline's rules for stroller sizes that you can gate check. Often if it folds up relatively small you will be okay. I took a Safety First sit-and-stand type stroller (car seat adaptable and with a seat for my toddler, which I used for my carry-on because my toddler wanted to walk through the airport anyways.)
18) Sweaters for you and baby. Planes can get chilly.
19) Headphones. Helps distract toddlers, or relax yourself while/if baby sleeps. Often there will be an in-flight movie for longer flights. Bring your own music/movies if its a shorter flight.
20) Stickers. Holy poo, I almost forgot stickers. They will distract kids for hours sometimes. Bring a book or paper for stickers, and try not to get stressed if they end up all over the seat, bags, you or even the person next to you.
21) Hand sanitizer. Planes and airports are disgusting sometimes. You will want to keep your hands and everything that goes in or near your baby's mouth clean.
22) Bibs. Always helpful.
23) A change pad. There isn't always a change table in the plane's bathroom. And when there is, it is usually yucky. Bring a change pad to protect your baby's little bum.
24) A designated pocket for boarding passes, passports, ID, moneys, etc. This is important. I almost loss my boarding pass. Yikes.
TIPS:
- Take the early flight. Baby will likely sleep through it.
- Bottle or breastfeed during take-off and landing. It will limit the amount of ear-popping. For toddlers, try a soother. For older kids, gum helps. It makes a difference. Trust me.
- Wear comfortable clothes, in layers. You never know how hot or cold the airport/plane will be.
- Pee BEFORE boarding.
Beach With Babes
So last summer I attempted something crazy: I took not one, but two under-twos to the beach.
Crazy, I know. But I did it.
Luckily I had the help of my awesome parents, but it was still relatively stressful (Baby #2 was only about three months old).
We were accompanied by my nephews, ages six and two.
Point of this post is, it took a lot of preparation to take my two youngin's to the beach. Hot, dirty, sandy and wet. Not a good combination.
So here is my packing list:
1) Beach bag. Big enough to keep all of your stuff, or as much as you can. Looking back, the bag I took was terrible. It was soft-sided and the straps were thin and awkward to carry. Next time, something that at least has a shape and with real straps.
2) Cooler bag. Stock this with juice boxes, bottles, water, snacks, and a whole mess of freezer packs. Keep the "dry" snacks (chips, pretzels, etc.) in a separate bag, in solid Tupperware-esque containers to prevent crushing.
3) Beach chairs. Just do it. Trust me. One per person if possible or you will sit on the ground while your toddler sits their wet, sandy butt on your chair. So yeah... just do it.
4) Towels. Now, in my opinion, you can't have too many of these. I under-packed and suffered the consequences. Bring one per person, and at least one extra. If you plan on having wet bums in the car, bring an extra towel per bum.
5) A big old blanket you don't mind getting dirty and wet. This is for playing, lounging, changing diapers on, etc. Don't skip this one. I did but luckily my parents are smarter than me and brought one.
6) Sunscreen. Apply this before leaving and after every hour or when your kids get in the water. I am a little paranoid because my children are basically albino and burn like its their job. So yes, sunscreen of as high an SPF as you can find. I think we use 80 right now and it is amazing. I love it. Also, don't forget to put some on yourself. I did. Whoops/ow/please never again.
7) Sunglasses. A pair for each adult, and a pair for each child you can convince to keep them on. The kind that have an elastic that goes around the baby's head would be best. I will invest in a pair for next summer.
8) A change of clothes. At least one per person. You don't want to wear your wet swimsuit for the rest of the day. It feels so nice to dry off and put on a nice, clean, dry shirt.
9) Sun hats. Pretty self-explanatory. Get the ones with the straps for the kidlets. Also don't bring a nice hat... it WILL end up in the water at some point.
10) Diapers. Bring both swim diapers and regular ones. My advice is to keep the regular diapers in a big Ziploc bag. I didn't the first time and they ended up soggy. I have no idea how this even happened, but it did. Beaches are wet. Protect your diapers.
11) Sunshade. DO. NOT. SKIP. THIS. ONE. Whether it is an umbrella, a fancy-pants gazebo or a beach tent, please don't skip this. Especially with a young baby. The hot sun is brutal and being able to hide out in the shade is a wonderful thing.
12) Empty grocery/small garbage bags. For trash, diapers, wet clothes, swimsuits, etc. These are awesome to have. It keeps the wet stuff separate from the dry, and the dirty separate from the clean.
13) Soothers. No explanation required hopefully.
14) Baby flotation device. Not a necessity, but it was great for my almost-two-year-old. She was able to "swim" with the big kids, instead of just wading in the ankle-deep water.
15) Book for mom. You won't be reading, but sometimes its nice to pretend, right?
16) Camera. For taking all those cute pictures that will sit in a file on your computer until you stumble upon them five years from now.
17) Sand toys. Again, not necessary, but Baby #1 loved collecting rocks and shells in her bucket and using the bucket to collect water to dump on cousins. Good times were had by all.
18) Nap stuff. This is mostly for the younger ones. I used a soft-sided baby bath as a mini-bassinet, and it worked wonderfully. You can use a car seat or one of those fancy baby-tents or whatever you have that you think will work. A thin blanket to cover baby is great; I recommend a muslin-type blanket.
TIPS:
- Go early, before it gets too hot. The beach will be less busy and the temperature will be a bit lower. I recommend late morning, before the heat is too unbearable.
- Use beach bag and cooler to keep the corners of your blanket down, in case of strong winds or, in my particular scenario, a clumsy toddler.
- Don't let toddlers in the water alone. Always have an adult with them.
- Bring more water than you think you will need. Make sure to get the youngin's to drink often.
- Try to go with other people with kids. Baby #1 loved playing in the water with her cousins.
- Have a packed lunch/dinner or make plans as to where you will eat. Everyone will be hungry after a long day of playing in the sun.
- Be cautious of how hot is. You don't want to deal with a baby with heat rash, or worse, having a baby with sun stroke. It is not pleasant.
- Try to relax and enjoy yourself. Nothing is more unpleasant than a stressed-out mom (or dad).
Crazy, I know. But I did it.
Luckily I had the help of my awesome parents, but it was still relatively stressful (Baby #2 was only about three months old).
We were accompanied by my nephews, ages six and two.
Point of this post is, it took a lot of preparation to take my two youngin's to the beach. Hot, dirty, sandy and wet. Not a good combination.
So here is my packing list:
1) Beach bag. Big enough to keep all of your stuff, or as much as you can. Looking back, the bag I took was terrible. It was soft-sided and the straps were thin and awkward to carry. Next time, something that at least has a shape and with real straps.
2) Cooler bag. Stock this with juice boxes, bottles, water, snacks, and a whole mess of freezer packs. Keep the "dry" snacks (chips, pretzels, etc.) in a separate bag, in solid Tupperware-esque containers to prevent crushing.
3) Beach chairs. Just do it. Trust me. One per person if possible or you will sit on the ground while your toddler sits their wet, sandy butt on your chair. So yeah... just do it.
4) Towels. Now, in my opinion, you can't have too many of these. I under-packed and suffered the consequences. Bring one per person, and at least one extra. If you plan on having wet bums in the car, bring an extra towel per bum.
5) A big old blanket you don't mind getting dirty and wet. This is for playing, lounging, changing diapers on, etc. Don't skip this one. I did but luckily my parents are smarter than me and brought one.
6) Sunscreen. Apply this before leaving and after every hour or when your kids get in the water. I am a little paranoid because my children are basically albino and burn like its their job. So yes, sunscreen of as high an SPF as you can find. I think we use 80 right now and it is amazing. I love it. Also, don't forget to put some on yourself. I did. Whoops/ow/please never again.
7) Sunglasses. A pair for each adult, and a pair for each child you can convince to keep them on. The kind that have an elastic that goes around the baby's head would be best. I will invest in a pair for next summer.
8) A change of clothes. At least one per person. You don't want to wear your wet swimsuit for the rest of the day. It feels so nice to dry off and put on a nice, clean, dry shirt.
9) Sun hats. Pretty self-explanatory. Get the ones with the straps for the kidlets. Also don't bring a nice hat... it WILL end up in the water at some point.
10) Diapers. Bring both swim diapers and regular ones. My advice is to keep the regular diapers in a big Ziploc bag. I didn't the first time and they ended up soggy. I have no idea how this even happened, but it did. Beaches are wet. Protect your diapers.
11) Sunshade. DO. NOT. SKIP. THIS. ONE. Whether it is an umbrella, a fancy-pants gazebo or a beach tent, please don't skip this. Especially with a young baby. The hot sun is brutal and being able to hide out in the shade is a wonderful thing.
12) Empty grocery/small garbage bags. For trash, diapers, wet clothes, swimsuits, etc. These are awesome to have. It keeps the wet stuff separate from the dry, and the dirty separate from the clean.
13) Soothers. No explanation required hopefully.
14) Baby flotation device. Not a necessity, but it was great for my almost-two-year-old. She was able to "swim" with the big kids, instead of just wading in the ankle-deep water.
15) Book for mom. You won't be reading, but sometimes its nice to pretend, right?
16) Camera. For taking all those cute pictures that will sit in a file on your computer until you stumble upon them five years from now.
17) Sand toys. Again, not necessary, but Baby #1 loved collecting rocks and shells in her bucket and using the bucket to collect water to dump on cousins. Good times were had by all.
18) Nap stuff. This is mostly for the younger ones. I used a soft-sided baby bath as a mini-bassinet, and it worked wonderfully. You can use a car seat or one of those fancy baby-tents or whatever you have that you think will work. A thin blanket to cover baby is great; I recommend a muslin-type blanket.
TIPS:
- Go early, before it gets too hot. The beach will be less busy and the temperature will be a bit lower. I recommend late morning, before the heat is too unbearable.
- Use beach bag and cooler to keep the corners of your blanket down, in case of strong winds or, in my particular scenario, a clumsy toddler.
- Don't let toddlers in the water alone. Always have an adult with them.
- Bring more water than you think you will need. Make sure to get the youngin's to drink often.
- Try to go with other people with kids. Baby #1 loved playing in the water with her cousins.
- Have a packed lunch/dinner or make plans as to where you will eat. Everyone will be hungry after a long day of playing in the sun.
- Be cautious of how hot is. You don't want to deal with a baby with heat rash, or worse, having a baby with sun stroke. It is not pleasant.
- Try to relax and enjoy yourself. Nothing is more unpleasant than a stressed-out mom (or dad).
Sunday 4 August 2013
Diaper bag packing list
This is something every parent should have a copy of so they can be prepared when taking their baby out to meet the world! Feel free to make adjustments as you see fit.
Make sure you have a diaper bag that is not only stylish, but versatile. That means pockets, people! Also consider investing in a diaper bag organizer. They are awesome because you don't have to empty the contents of your diaper bag in the middle of the mall to soothe your screaming baby. Been there. Not fun.
First, diapering:
> 6-7 diapers per child
> wipes (as many as fit in your case, you will use them for everything)
> travel size bum cream (Sudocream or Penaten or whatever you prefer)
> folding change pad
> baggies for dirty diapers
> q-tips (if you use them)
Clothes:
> one extra outfit
> a sleeper if you will be out in the evening
> two pairs socks (one if the
Little one isn't walking yet)
> shoes for walkers
> hat (sunhat for summer, warmer hat for winter)
> a sweater in case it gets chilly
> a swimsuit (only during warm months)
Baby first aid:
> baby tylenol
> sunscreen (for summer)
> lotion in case of dry skin
Food:
(Only use what is applicable)
> enough bottles and formula for your time out
> sippy cup of juice
> two jars of food
> two spoons
> small snacks (puffs, rice crackers, etc)
> cheese or fruit for toddler
> bibs (2-3)
Everything else:
> a mommy hook
> receiving blankets (2-3)
> a lighter blanket and a warm blanket (doubles as car seat cover)
> an extra soother (just do it, you will be thankful)
> a toy if the baby is old enough
> crayons and a colouring book for a toddler
> nursing cover if breastfeeding
Now I try to carry a small purse (with a shoulder strap) in addition to my diaper bag for all of my stuff, because I have two kids under two so the diaper bag is stuffed pretty full at the moment. But I used to have a small clutch purse that I just tossed in the diaper bag.
I also keep a second, smaller diaper bag. In case of a quick trip to the grocery store, I just grab the small bag.
In this I keep:
> two diapers per child
> small travel case of wipes
> travel change pad
> baggies for dirty diapers
> a sippy cup for my toddler
> a folding reusable shopping bag
> light blanket
Hope this helps you out!
God bless.
- M
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