Re: Baby travel preparation , help needed
In Pakistan:
Water–filtered or bottled—boiled
Milk-- My FIL got milk from a dairy farm, that milk was pasteurized and we would boil it again at home, if you have doubts about the fresh milk that is consumed at your in laws, just get olphers milk packs or Nido. We had switched our son to whole milk b/w 11-12 months. If you plan on giving him formula till 12 months, just take your own formula with you.
Diapers: Though Demi suggested some other brand, we just went by Pampers as my SIL was using them on her baby and recommended them. Our son did not have any diaper rash. We changed him almost every 3 hours or so. We took the diaper rash cream from US, applied that in the morning and before going to bed.
Wipes: They are available in Pakistan, however, if you think your family might be against them, just take them with you. I did take them with me.
Clothes: Take extra clothes, if you are going for 2 weeks, takes clothes enough for 4 weeks, yes you will come back with clothes that your baby did get a chance to wear but it is okay. Washing machines are not like the one here in west, they have load shedding, and maid can go on unannounced leave(s). Take sweaters both without sleeves and full sleeves. Take shirts/ones both half and full sleeves. Layering really helps in winter. Take socks, shoes and comfy sandals ( to wear at home).
Insect repellent: We took one with us, however only used it once. The mosquito activity goes down in winter. Since will be winter when you will travel, just make sure, you keep your baby in pajamas and full sleeve shirts all the time.
Solid Food: Our son is used to eating table food, so he pretty much ate what was cooked. We did not feed him outside unless we were sure the food was okay for him (The only time he ate outside was at a Chinese restaurant). He loved snacking on apples, grapes. and cucumber. Just make sure you wash them with water nicely, if possible with boil water. Alhamdulilah Our son did not get sick.
I stop sterilizing bottles when my son crossed three months. In Pakistan, I just made sure I wash them properly with soap and water. I took the brush from US. However, if you feel you want to sterilize them, just boil them in boiling water.
I took three/four water sippy/straw cups. I used to fill them with boil water and keep in various places so they were easily accessible to all members for him.
While you a thinking of baby’s needs, please don’t forget your needs personal needs as well.
Enjoy your trip, ignore what you don’t like. Since your baby is at an age where can eat more solids, there will be family members wanting to feed him. Just draw boundaries like it is okay to feed paratha and omelette but no samosay/dahi baray from outside, or soda, etc.
right?