Baby Boy Clothes, Baby Girl Clothes and Vacations

Let's digress from the baby boy clothes and baby girl clothes subjects for a moment or two and think about a topic that's very important for all families - vacations. But when you've read every travel blog you can find, the idea of traveling off to faraway places may at first seem to be a daunting prospect, given all of the things you have to consider. It doesn't need to be, though.

Alright, there are lots of things to think about and in fact it's more than just a question of how many baby clothes to gather together. And whether you are visiting relatives or flying to some exotic paradise you need to make the experience as stress free a time for both mom and baby.

So what items are essential when traveling with a baby and do you need to take everything but the kitchen sink?

Your destination and mode of transport will have some impact on the amount you need to pack for baby. Here are some tips on some things you cannot leave home without and how to keep baby safe.

First of all, let's consider baby clothes:

• The amount of baby clothes you need depends on the facilities at your destination. Obviously if you are visiting relatives there will presumably be laundry facilities so you may not need to pack the baby’s entire wardrobe. If you are staying in a hotel you may need more clothes as not all hotels have laundry rooms. A lot of vacation rental homes have washing machines and tumble dryers but you would need to check this out at the time of booking.
  

• If you are going to a very warm, sunny climate make sure you have plenty of dark or brightly colored baby clothes that are made of closely woven fabric. These will help to block the harmful rays of the sun and protect your baby's delicate skin. Having some long sleeve garments is also advisable. Make sure you have at least one sun hat that covers the back of the neck, tops of the ears and shades the eyes. For older babies, sunglasses are a good idea.
  

• Your final destination and how long you are going for will determine how many diapers you need to take with you. Unless you are visiting a remote desert island chances are there will be a store where you can buy what you need.
  

Secondly, and very important is what food you need to pack:

• If you are breast feeding then you will have no need to pack formula for your baby. For those babies that are bottle fed, packing enough formula for the duration of your vacation is essential unless you know in advance that the particular brand you use is available at your destination.
  

• For those infants who are also on solid foods it is a good idea to try to research whether you can get their favorite varieties local to where you are staying if it is an area you are unfamiliar with.
  

• A sterilizer and bottle warmer are essential for your young baby. Check out the facilities at your accommodation to see if these can be provided or if you will need to take your own.
  

Next you need to consider modes of transportation for your baby:

• For those families who are driving to their destination, a car seat is absolutely essential and if you are in your own vehicle you will already have one installed. For those families who are flying and maybe hiring a car on arrival, it may be less expensive to take a car seat with you rather than renting one with the car.
  

• Obviously when traveling with a baby, whether by car or plane a stroller is a must. If you are going somewhere sunny make sure the stroller has a canopy and maybe also a parasol to keep your baby in the shade.

• Update: we've just seen this blog that has a great baby/backpack carrier - take a look:
  

The Dear Dr.MOZ Baby Blog » Dadanana Baby and Toddler Backpack Carrier - Baby news, baby blogs, baby gear, and baby shower gifts!

Finally you need to consider what other items are essential:

• No matter where or how you are traveling you will need to take some favorite toys and books to keep your baby amused.
  

• Don't forget that favorite blanky or security blanket to ensure baby settles more easily in a strange environment.
  

• Make sure you take any medication, especially prescription medicine, you think you may need for your little one as these may not be readily available. It is also a good idea to take a baby thermometer with you.
  

• Whether you are traveling by car or plane don't forget to pack your diaper bags with everything you need for the journey such as bottles, toys, pacifiers a change of clothes.
  

I hope this helps when you are thinking of what to pack when taking your bundle of joy on a much needed vacation.

One final piece of advice I would like to add - please keep babies out of the sun whenever possible. And this is worth emphasizing and repeating: sunscreen should never be used on babies younger than six months old and even infants older than six months should spend no longer than a few minutes in the sunshine. The sun will penetrate whatever baby clothes you put on them, so take lots of care.