Traveling with Baby: Road Trip

We are getting ready to take our first family vacation together! It's a road trip, about 5 hours from home.  I want to make sure we don't forget anything so we can just enjoy our family time together.  Here is a list I put together of things I need to pack for our family road trip!

Traveling with Baby: Road Trip

Sleep

Portable crib: The hotel may have cribs, but we are bring our portable crib just in case.
Bedding:  Sheets for the crib and blankets.  Don't forget that favorite comfort blanket!
Noise Machine:  If you don't want to pack one download a white noise app to your phone or tablet.
Pacifiers: If your child is so inclined.
Monitor:  For peace of mind if you are on the deck or in another room.
Night Light:  So you can see during late night feedings or diaper changing.
Car Seat Pillow: Car comfort is key!

Eat

Formula:  I am going away for 4 nights so I am bringing a whole container.  It's just easier that way.

Meals:  Bring some easy packaged baby food.

Snacks: I'm bringing Puffs, Cheese, Grapes, Bananas...

Mesh Feeder:  We like to put frozen fruit in this.  It's a teething lifesaver.

Bibs:  I am bringing disposable bibs for convenience.  I found them in the dollar store.

Water Bottle:  I found a kids water bottle at Target.  We are going to be outside a lot so this is a must.

Table Covers:  Covers the table so you can put finger foods in front of them and it's sanitary. 

Bottles, bowls, spoons...

Play

Go Pod:  Get one.  No seriously, now.

Toys:  No bored moments!

Outside Blanket:  We plan on being outside a lot so we have a picnic blanket.

Pool

Bathing suit:  I'm packing two just in case.

Swim Diapers:  Most pools expect parents to be responsible about pool "incidents"

Beach Towel:  Many hotels furnish these, however I like to bring my own just in case. 

Pool toys:  playtime!

Pool float:  I have this. I love it.

Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses...

Toiletries

Diapers and wipes: No explanation needed!  Bring plenty so you don't have to buy any while away.

Medicines:  I'm bringing gas drops, baby tylenol and baby ibuprofen.  You never know.

First Aid Kit:  Band-aids and such.

Hand sanitizer:  I believe things get exponentially grosser the further from home you get.

Bath wash, lotion, powder...

Dress

Clothes:  2 sets of clothes for each day away.  Plus 2 extra.

Pajamas:  Comfy for sleep

Sweatshirt:  Although it's currently summer, I'm bringing one just in case it's cooler at night or inside.

Misc.

Plastic bags:  For dirty clothes.

Dish soap, sponge, bottle brush:  To clean bottles and bowls.

Baby sling/carrier

Recent photo of baby

Insurance and emergency information

Comment below if you think of anything else I need!

Laundry Schedule

I do laundry everyday (except Sunday).  Insane I know, but really it's not as insane as doing 5 loads in one day.  I don't want to devote a whole day to washing, folding and ironing.  My schedule is as follows:

This is such an easy way to organize your laundry tasks.  When I get a chance in the morning, I pop it in the washer and go about my day.  Later on, I throw it in the dryer and fold it.  It takes no time because the loads are so small.  Sunday is my day off and Saturday is my catch-up day.  If for some reason I don't get to my laundry task on a certain day, I do it on Saturday.  Easy!

Organized Emergencies Series

After I made my son and Emergency Hospital bag for times we might have to make a visit to the emergency room, I decided to think about making a few others.  As I complete each bag and blog post, I will link it here, so this is the page to bookmark!  Here are my ideas:

Emergencies:

Baby Hospital Bag
Child Information Folder
Home Emergency Information Binder
Home First Aid Kit
Car First Aid Kit
Car Kit for Baby Needs
Power Outage Kit
Canned Goods Kit
Sick Kit
Hurricane Kit

PLEASE comment if you have any other ideas and I will gladly make the kits!  I think this is a great project for everyone out there to tackle.  It's easy to do one at a time.

Lesson Learned: Organized Emergencies

I had a very interesting morning today.  My 8 month old son was running an extremely high fever, so I decided to take him to the emergency room.  Perhaps an overreaction, but he's my first so I'm still learning.  My instinct said to go.  I ran out the door with half of my diaper bag packed.  I threw in an empty bottle, the whole container of formula and a bottle of spring water.  Everything is fine with the babe (he has Coxsackie) but it really got me thinking about my lack of emergency preparedness, not only in this situation but in others as well.  We were there for about 3 hours while his fever came down.  What if he had no food?  Or diapers?  And there were a few times I wish he had a toy to keep him occupied.

I decided that I am going to keep an emergency go-to bag in place from now on.  Some might think this is extreme, but I was so frazzled this morning and I never want to be in that situation again.  Here are the contents of my kit:

Baby Hospital Bag (For Emergencies)

I will keep this go-to bag in the babies room for use during emergency situations

Bag Contents:

Diapers: I grabbed a handful, maybe 10.
Wipes:  enough to change diapers and some extra for other messes
Changing pad:  I have a disposable pad (called a "chuck").  You can buy them in medical stores.
A&D ointment:  Fevers sometimes bring on rashes
Tissues: Little noses
Boogie wipes: I had a sample so I threw it in
Hand Sanitizer: In case it is not available
Extra thermometer: This is more for my own peace of mind.
Change of clothes
Toys: I choose toys that are easy to clean and disinfect
A bottle and bottled water: For feedings
Formula: I packed enough for 3 bottles
Cereal and Jarred Food: I also packed a bowl and spoon just in case
Pacifier 
Blanket
Burp cloth
Emergency Information folder, a pad and a pen

I had a extra cheap-o diaper bag that I picked up at Wal-Mart before the baby was born.  I don't mind keeping it filled and in his closet.  If you don't have one, an old tote bag will be fine.

I feel so much better knowing that I am ready to go if I need to again.  No thought involved.  Make sure you throw in your wallet and personal items before you go.  Also, I plan to print out this list and keep a copy in the bag.  The contents will need to be checked and updated.  For example, eventually my son will outgrow this size diaper and I will need to replace them.

If you have any more ideas, comment below and I will add them to the list!

Organized Play: Mini Baby Blanket

My son loves to sleep with his crocheted blanket.  A generous co-worker of mine was kind enough to make this blanket for my little one.  He love to put the corners of his blankie into his mouth.  It's just not practical to carry the whole blanket around with me at all times.  So I thought I could make him a small mini blanket that he can take around with him, just to chew on.  Today I found these little crochet kits at the dollar store:

How excited was this mom?  So what I can't crochet, it has directions.  Long story short, I still can't crochet, but I now own some yarn and a crochet sticky-thingy.  Good thing I bought these as backup:

These trivets are just like his blankie, maybe just a little harder.  He likes them almost as much.  So I guess I can take my time learning how to crochet stars and hearts from the dollar store.

Pet Peeve Buster- Corral Spare Change

My kitchen table has become a catch-all area in my home.  Mail, keys, wallet and spare change always rest here and clutter up the space.  I have tried it all and nothing seemed to work.  The spare change everywhere has become my biggest pet peeve, but not anymore!  I combined a catch-all basket for keys and such with a mason jar for change.

Pet Peeve Buster:

I took the lid off of the mason jar and popped out the metal piece.  I screwed the top back on because I liked the look better than without it.  Keys and such can still be tossed around the jar in the basket.  The best part is, it actually works!  My husband uses it everyday and even complimented the idea.  When the jar is filled, we are going to bring the money to the bank and add it to our baby boys savings account.  Over time that will certainly add up.

15 Minute Fix-Up: Junk Drawer

Oh the dreaded  junk drawer.  A necessary evil in most kitchens.  Mine is in the drawer above the pull out garbage can.  Call me weird, but I couldn't stomach the idea of anything that touches food being stored in that drawer.  Every once in a while, this drawer gets out of control and needs to be picked up.

If you have a spare 15 minutes, you can organize this drawer.  First, take out everything in this drawer. I was surprised by what I found in there!  Next, clean the drawer (hey, it's empty so why not).  Throw out what you don't need.  I threw out a lot of expired coupons.  I also found a new home for certain things that have no reason to be in this drawer, such as a screwdriver.

Junk drawer before:

Junk Drawer After:

A simple fix, in (less than) 15 minutes!

My 5 Rules For Beginning Any Organization Project

1:  Assess Your Needs and Available Space

Ask yourself, "What function do I need this space to serve?"  Does it need to just look tidy or does it need to be functional as well?  Perhaps you have a small powder room that only needs to house toilet paper and hand towels.  You have a lot more freedom than you would in your hall closet.  Make sure you design a space that looks nice but also serves the purpose you need it too.  Also, don't overcrowd the space.  This leads me too...

2.  Purge

All organization projects must begin with purging.  Get rid of things you don't need or relocate them to another space in your home.  Be tough on yourself.  Thin out as much as possible!

3.  Measure First...

Before you run off to The Container Store (or Wal-Mart, in my case) Measure how much room you have.  Take into account obstructions such as plumbing under sinks.  If you are buying plastic drawers, make sure you have enough clearance to open them with ease.  If the space is long, consider buying several smaller containers instead of one large one.  Remember, concealed junk is not organized.  It's just hidden well.

4.  ...Buy Second

After measuring and thinking about your specific organizational needs, go on a shopping spree. Make sure you bring a list of items you want to buy.   I always find Wal-Mart to have great deals.  I love the dollar store but be careful.  It might seem ok to buy different containers than you originally intended when you are riding the high of the one dollar purchase.  Always check out the dollar store, but stick to your list.  An organized space should also look pleasing.  Another tip: save your receipts.  You never know, your ideas may not work out as planned.

5.  In The End Everything Should Have a Place

You are not truly finished with an organization project until everything has a home.

Some Random Tips:

*  Make sure everyone in your household can maintain your new system.  Sometimes I organized and 2 weeks later my husband has created a disheveled mess.  It must work for everyone.  It's ok to scrap an idea and try something different.

*  When buying multiple containers, make sure they match to keep your space appealing.  Containers should also fit flush next to each other to maximize space.  I have been sucked in by pretty baskets that taper at the bottom and just end up with wasted space.

*  Learn when to step away form the container.  Don't over-compartmentalize.  Sometimes it's ok to leave something on a shelf, uncontained!

Have fun!  I can't wait to show you some of the things I have been working on!