Packing List

A friend of mine went to Ethiopia about a month ago to bring home her beautiful baby. To my delight, we have become friends, and she has helped me develop a packing list of things that might be helpful to have for The Big Pickup. I thought I would post it here; maybe someone else will find this useful or will have something to add.

These are just some ideas for packing for our daughter, who is six months.

> Bottles--2-3 bottles, plus a box of 50 ct. 9 oz. drop ins, which are just plastic bottle sleeves/inserts; you load up the formula, add bottled water and serve. When the bottle is empty, one removes the drop-in, and the bottle is clean. (It would be difficult to sterilize them otherwise.) I realize I may sound liek a total neophyte here, maybe everyone already knows, but Drop-ins are ... http://www.csnbaby.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=PTX1001&PiID=2006909&refid=FR51-PTX1001_2006909. I thought this was brilliance.
> A plastic, pre-measured, three-or four-sectioned formula dispenser. (Apparently, we will be spending quite a lot of time traveling in the van and so won't easily be able to fuss with scooping formula out while en route.) A link: http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Munchkin_Powdered_formula_Dispenser
> Nipples--2 slow flow and 2 medium flow. (I have been told that some CHI 6-month olds still choke without 0-3 nipples.) I guess I will just rinse my nipples out with bottled water while we're there.
> Disposable diapers--10 per day; we can donate whatever we don't use to the orphanage.
> Bibs-- Vinyl, so they're easy to wash and dry. (My friend brought but never used them, but I'm bringing two just for kicks. (Everything is so small! Why not!)
> Onesies--3 per day. Extra, just in case there are any intestinal issues, however we are also sure that we can have anything washed and returned by the next day, either through housekeeping or by just rinsing them in the sink and hanging. Ethiopia is so dry, things should dry fast.
> Burp cloths-- From 3 to 10. The word is, one can never have enough.
I had asked about a car seat or stroller, but apparently we will not ever use them in Ethiopia. Just a baby carrier or a sling is best.
> Baby drugs--Infant motrin, tylenol, benadryl, and mylicon
drops (for gassiness). We aren't bringing insect repellent.
> Socks--one pair per day. easy to wash and dry if soiled. Also highly recommended: Robeez shoes for 6-12 months (for our six month old). They help keep socks on.
> Sleepers--seven total (for four days) The type that snaps all the way up are recommended.
> wet wipes --one to two large packs should do.
> Blankets--2 light weight, 1 heavier weight
> One small rattle.
> 15 ziplock bags to store wet diapers and wet clothing on the road.
> Small small bottle of baby shampoo.
> Butt paste.
> Salve/lotion for her skin
> A good baby carrier. (We have the Beco, which so far has been working great for my little cat to get carried around in, but I also like the Ergo and probably will get one of those, too. The beco is just so pretty!

Anyway, just some ideas! I'm sure there are a million ways to do this.

Take care!