adoption travel packing list
When we were matched with a birth mother I started to research what to bring with us when we traveled out to meet her and our new son. What does one need as first time parents, thousands of miles away from our home and living out of a hotel room? I found a few blog posts helpful here and there but overall sort of just made up our packing list myself. I thought I would share it here as a resource for other first time adoptive parents.
We had originally thought that our journey would only be a couple of weeks but when that turned into a month or more we were still equipped with the essentials we needed to get by.
I am sure this list will be helpful for any first time parents but if you are adopting domestically, all of the items on this list will fit into a carry on suitcase with the exception of the car seat, base & caddy (which we checked at the airport). It was important to me to have all of his things with me on the plane in the overhead compartment - less to worry about if it got lost.
Infant Feeding Starter Kit - 5 bottles, bottle brush, formula dispenser. We only used the 3 4oz bottles and just washed them out each time.
Microwave Steam Sterilizer - This was great since we were in a hotel room and couldn't use a dishwasher. Might seem bulky to pack but I stuffed it full of smaller items to help with the space issues.
Bottle Warmer - We only used this for the first week or so and then realized that Logan didn't seem to care if his bottles were warm or not. We probably could have skipped packing this.
Bathtime Sling - I wasn't sure we would need this but it really was worth it!
Johnson's Take Along Pack - Travel size lotion & body wash is all you will need.
Hooded Towel - Not an essential as the hotel will have towels but honestly they are adorable and perfect for those bath time photo ops.
Rubber Ducky - Same reasoning as the towel!
Car Seat and Base - We checked the base & the car seat in as luggage on the way out. The clerk even waive the extra baggage fee for these items when we explained we were adopting.
Caddy Stroller Frame - I had to be talked into bringing this. I thought it would be a hassle but honestly it was an absolute life saver! We left it in the box and checked it in as luggage on the way out and then just checked it in at the gate on the way home. This allowed us to be so mobile during our trip and made daily adventures more fun.
Baby Carrier - I didn't use this as much as I thought I would because he was such a small baby but it was useful on the plane ride. He was safe for take off and landing and it left my hands free as well.
Diaper Bag - filled with a few health care essentials that our doctor recommended: a bulb syringe, thermometer, gas drops, Tylenol & gripe water and other helpful things: a pacifier, blankets, and small trash bags.
Travel Diaper Changing Mat - We used this in the diaper bag but also used it to set up a changing station in the hotel.
Long Sleeve Side Snap Mitten Cuffs Shirt - We didn't know these existed until he worn these in the hospital. We ended up buying a few after we left the hospital because we loved them so much and he slept in these, a diaper, and a swaddle for the first few weeks.
Onesies - Logan's birthday was in August and we were in a warmer climate so he basically just lived in short sleeve onesies and a pair of socks. Made packing easier! Don't go crazy here and think of less is more. You will be doing lots of laundry anyway.
Infant SwaddleMe - Our son loved these and they made bedtime more enjoyable for everyone.
Socks & Hats - Again we were in the summer months and Logan was born with A LOT of hair so we didn't use hats after the first week.
Travel Size Laundry Detergent - We found a hotel that had coin operated laundry and discovered that with a newborn you need to do their laundry every other day or so.
While we did bring just about everything we needed with us, we could have easily picked up some of the items once we arrived as we were adopting domestically. We did wait and purchase things like diapers, formula, bottle water, and wipes after Logan was released from the hospital. We had a better idea of what his needs were for these items at this time and since the hospital was generous with providing a starter pack of formula and diapers we didn't need as much right away.
Hope this list is able to help other adoptive parents to pack for their own adventure. An adventure is the best way to describe our experience - our stressful, joyful, overwhelming, life changing, emotional, and wonderfully amazing adventure.
