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What to pack Instead of the minimalist packing approach found in most travel guides, I am presenting a fairly all-inclusive list for traveling with babies or children that you will want to adjust depending on your family's particular circumstances. Naturally, there are variances involved with any packing list, especially one involving youngsters. How old is your child? How many children will be traveling? Is your baby mobile yet? Are you nursing? Does the hotel baby-proof the room before your arrival? Use my list as a starting point, and then add and subtract your own items. The most important thing is simply that you have a list and that it is given careful consideration. Pull your suitcases or bags out of the closet four or five days ahead of time, and begin the packing process early. There is nothing more unnerving than having packing left to do the day of your departure, while trying to get the kids ready and to leave the house in a timely manner. I have found it easier to organize my babies' items in carriers separate from mine to give me easy access to their paraphernalia. My personal favorite place to shop for travel items is the mail order L.L. Bean Traveler line. They seem to have developed everything a traveler could hope for, from eyeshades to "dreamsacks" (silky, portable sheets), but I have particularly enjoyed their wide mouth travel bags. A set of brand-name suitcases may be more stylish and prestigious, but when traveling with babies and children, I say go for practicality. Whether you buy them through L.L. Bean or not, select a few of the wide-mouth duffle bags with the wide openings which simplify packing and unpacking. The many outside pockets make accessing small items like toys or diapers easy. Wet or soiled baby clothes can be stuffed in the separate side pockets during the drive. These bags are also more pliable when packing them into a trunk with limited space.
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