12 hour car ride, what to bring to entertain myself?

baby backpack canopy image

bgirlschta

So far, I have ipod, cell, and books. Anything else?

Answer
You're off to the Grand Canyon. Or to Grandma's. Or to see the sights. No matter where you travel to in your car, we recommend bringing the following items for a smooth, enjoyable trip. To include clothes and toiletries for you and the kids, see the list for a weekend getaway.

Here is a customized list that i thought could come in handy. (The items that i put on may not affect you)


MUST HAVE:
Wallet and/or purse and cash (sometimes we forget the most obvious things)
Credit cards and/or traveler's checks (plus list of numbers of both)
ID or driver's license
Car and house keys (plus duplicate sets kept in different bags)
Eye glasses and/or contact lenses (plus lens cleaner)
Sunglasses
Watch
Medical insurance cards
Prescriptions and other medications
Maps, directions and reservation confirmations
Camera and film
Books and magazines for kids and adults
Toys, playing cards, small games
Flashlight and batteries
Umbrella and rain jackets
Plastic bags for wet items
Disposable wipes (or put damp paper towels in zippered plastic bags)
Pocketknife
Travel alarm
Sewing kit
First-aid kit (see separate packing list)
Snacks/gum
Water/juice boxes, no-spill cups
Paper napkins/towels
Cooler with beverages (water is best) and lunch items
Paper, washable markers (crayons may melt on a hot day) and clipboard or lap desk
Snacks (crackers, mini rice cakes, dry cereal, dried fruit or nuts and the like) in small zippered plastic bags
Small backpack for child to carry own toys and art supplies
Pillows
Towels (in case of hot seats or spills)


FOR BABY:
Car seat
Diaper bag
Disposable diapers
Changing pad
Baby powder and lotion
Zippered plastic bags
Wet wipes
Nursing pads and burp pads
Bibs
Bottles, nipples and caps
Formula and/or juice
Pacifiers
Changes of clothing
Jacket or sweater
Collapsible stroller with canopy or umbrella
Front or back child-carrying pack, or sling style
Blankets
Waterproof sheets
Bathing supplies
Large plastic bags for wet clothes (can also be used as a changing pad in a pinch)

NICE TO HAVE:
Individually wrapped small toys (new ones or old favorites) or activity bags to hand out at intervals during the trip
Frisbee or ball for playing in grassy area at rest stop
Music and books on tape (record your child's favorite stories yourself)
Individual tape players and headphones
Window screens
Hand or finger puppets for entertaining at restaurants
Portable playpen or crib
Portable high chair or booster seat
Magnetic travel games
Laminated U.S. maps for kids to mark off license plates

Any advice on taking a 7 month old camping?

Flower84

Hi, we're due to go to the french alps region camping this July for 2 weeks. Our baby will be just over 7 months old then and will be the first time we've taken him camping. My partner is really keen to ge one of the really big tents with a few bedrooms and the inside with the carpet and awning etc.. and all the extras like kitchen style camping units and we'd be on a pitch with a hook up. So it would be pretty spacious camping. I think we would maybe be better getting a static caravan or chalet this year and waiting to do the tent thing next summer when he's well over a year and a half. I'm worried it may be hard to keep baby cool in a tent if the weather is quite hot.
Does anyone have any advice or has anyone had experience of taking a young baby camping like this?
Thanks guys!

Answer
7 months is actually a great time to take a little one camping... my son did his first camping trip at 5 months and it was perfect, we set up a pack and play outside under the trees near us and he loved looking at the redwoods moving in the breeze and watching the birds, squirrels and other animals. At that age, it's not like they're climbing out of the crib, so a pack and play is a great sleeping solution too, if your baby isn't a good sleeper you may want to set up the pack and play or whatever sleeping arrangement you plan in advance. While tent camping, we packed along our jog stroller and used the infant cocoon for a bed for our daughter when she was 4 months. http://store.philandteds.com/phil-and-teds-cocoon-sport-explorer-classic-twin-hammerhead.pro
Don't forget sunblock and wide brimmed hats - start putting them on baby early because then they'll be more apt to keep them on. Dressing in layers is always key. Our little ones went everywhere in a baby backpack with a canopy to shade them, similar to http://www.kelty.com/p-281-fc-30.aspx?category=kids and my DH and I would take turns carrying the little one and carrying a backpack with supplies/our stuff on day hikes. Go on a couple hikes around home so the baby is accustomed to the carrier. If you're breastfeeding, food shouldn't be a problem and even if you're not, a kitchen will make it easier to prepare formula.

Actually, next summer will be the trying one... your little one will be toddling everywhere and not have the vocabulary/discipline to know boundaries.

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