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We traveled over 1,700 miles for our adoption and we only packed 4 things with us and bought the rest when we actually joined our son (after 10 days in NICU). We didn’t want to take a lot in fear we would have to bring it back without a baby (again) and we didn’t want to pay extra for overweight luggage.
These are the things we survived off of for the 28 days we stayed in AZ waiting to come home with our son.***This was not an international adoption. We did not travel out of the states.
PACKED (breaks down and fits in suitcase) The SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper was a must for traveling with adoption. We used this for sleeping, playing, bathing, changing EVERYTHING! We were living in a condo miles away from home for 28 days and this was a lifesaver!
PURCHASED- We purchased our car seat there because if the mother changed her mind we didn’t want to bring back an empty car seat. This Britax car seat is HEAVY DUTY and we felt safe using it during our stay and on the plane. Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat – 1 Layer Impact Protection
PURCHASED- After being in the NICU for 10 days we were a bit freaked out about James’s resting heart and decided to purchase an Owlet. We never regretted it! Put our minds at ease! Owlet Smart Green Sock Baby Monitor
PACKED (used as carry-on) This little baby can hold so much! I packed it with what little we brought and used it as a carry on. Then it actually served its purpose a diaper bag on the way home. This is a great and affordable diaper bag that dad isn’t embarrassed to carry. The Diaper Bag Backpack, iniuniu Large Unisex Baby Bags Multifunction has several compartments and storage.
PACKED (In suitcase) I used this on the shuttle to the airport, in the airport, loading the plane and getting off the plane. Luckily we had an empty seat on the way home and James was able to ride in his car seat on the way home. Infantino Together Pull-On Knit Baby Wrap Carrier
PACKED (in carry-on diaper bag) We only packed 4 bottles but ended up buying the pre-made formula bottles and using them most of the time. Some airports won’t allow opened containers of formula to go through customs so we were too afraid to pack formula on the way home and just had the pre-made liquid un-opened formula (THE HOSPITAL SHOULD GIVE YOU SOME!) The Dr. Brown’s Original Bottle, 4 Ounce, 4-Pack is a great size for newborns and traveling. They fit a lot better in diaper bags (can later be used for water sippys).
PACKED (in carry-on diaper bag) We used briefly while in our apartment we rented (we were there for 28 days! It was cheaper than a hotel) Philips Avent Powder Formula Dispenser & Snack Cup
PACKED (in carry-on diaper bag) We had one or two custom outfits but again, we went through failed placements so gender neutral onsies were safe. GERBER Baby 6-Pack Long-Sleeve Mitten-Cuff Onesies Bodysuit, White, 0-3 Months
PACKED (in carry-on diaper bag **rolled) These were great for swaddling!upsimples Baby Swaddle Blanket Unisex Swaddle Wrap Soft Silky Bamboo Muslin Swaddle Blankets Neutral Receiving Blanket for Boys and Girls, Large 47 x 47 inches, Set of 4-Arrow/Feather/Tent/Crisscross
PACKED (in carry-on diaper bag **rolled) I used these more as burp clothes, laying over the travel crib mattress and to lay on the bed while changing diapers. They are thick and multi purposed. Gerber Baby 4-Pack Flannel Receiving Blanket, Elephant Dream, One Size
PACKED (in suitcase) We used this for cuddling and traveling with the car seat and for floor play. Comfy Cubs Baby Blanket Soft Minky Swaddle Cuddle Reversible Unisex Grey Design Infant New Born Gift Large
PACKED (in suitcase) We used these for James to sleep at night. They were the only way we could get him settled. SwaddleMe Original Swaddle Pack of 3, Criss Cross Polka Dot, Small (0-3 Months, 7-14 lbs)
PACKED (in carry-on diaper bag **rolled) You can make the choice on how many outfits and clothes you packed. We took the bare minimum and made sure the facility we were staying at had laundry facilities. Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby 4-Pack Pant, Gray Stripe, 0-3 Months
PACKED (in carry-on diaper bag) Touched by Nature Baby Organic Cotton Socks, Charcoal Stars 8Pk, 0-6 Months
We used this everyday! The Dual USB Portable Charger charges your devices on the go. We used this when we were on the plane, in the airport, in the hospital, basically everywhere we were. You want to make sure that you can be in constant contact with your agency and family so having a portable charger is a must.
These are all the things that we used on our travel adoption. We purchased formula, diapers, wipes and baby laundry soap while there. The hospital gave us a blanket, pacifiers, hat, comb, sterile bulb, shampoo, diapers and formula. Ask them for more!
If you are considering adoption or have any questions, please reach out!
Love, this momma,
Catherine