MAKE A LIST
Usually, I start to plan and have my list ready a few days- a week before we leave. That way if I realize I need to refill medications or if I only use something a few times per week, I will be sure to take note of everything. Now I have a big list that usually covers all of our needs, but I always double-check it before packing because our routine and meds change often.
The first thing I do is make a long list of every single item I use daily or weekly. You can do this by keeping track throughout the day and writing down as you go. I first wrote everything down in a notebook that I left out on my counter and then put it all in the “Notes” app on my phone so I can check off items as I’ve packed them and easily edit the list when things change. Here is an example of my current list:
FEEDS
Pump backpack
Feeding pump
Feeding pump charger
Feeding pump bags
IV pole
Overnight ice pack/ cooler (in freezer)
Salt/ tsp
Syringes
Gtube extensions
Extra Gtube
Gtube gauze/ pads
Milk/ formula
Baby food jars
Spoons
Bibs
Bottles
Blender bottle
Burp cloths
Sippy Cup
Disposable sterilizing bags
Small bottle brush
MEDICATIONS
Growth hormone needles
Growth hormone shot pen
Small needles
Alcohol pads
Aranesp (in fridge)
Amoxicillin (in fridge)
Tylenol
Gas drops
All other medications (I try to pre-draw all medications and separate the syringes into baggies for each time of the day that the medications are given. I’ve memorized what they look like and the dosage of each one so I don’t have to label them, but you could label the baggies or each syringe with a piece of washi tape!)
Infusion supplies
OXYGEN
Pulse ox monitor
Pulse ox charger
Pulse ox probes
Oxygen concentrator
Oxygen tank cart
Big oxygen travel tank
Small oxygen travel tanks
Oxygen tank key + regulator
Canulas
Tender grips
SLEEP
Baby monitor camera
Baby monitor screen
Baby monitor charger
Nighttime Poise pads
Pack n’ Play
Pack n’ Play sheets
Nightlight
Sleepsack
Lovie
DIALYSIS
Dialysis machine
Dialysis card (for day trips only)
Drain bags
1.5 fluid bags
Cassettes and tubing
Masks
Chloaprep scrubbers
Gloves
Caps
Binder
Catheter clamps
Blood pressure monitor
Thermometer
Scale
Dressing change supplies
Needles/ heparin/ antibiotics (I don’t bring these on trips to Cincinnati for dialysis clinic, but I do bring them on “for fun” trips/ holidays)
DIAPERING
Diapers
Wipes
Daytime Poise pads
BATH
Bath pad
Waterproof sheet
Washcloths
Dove body wash
Baby lotion
Towels
CLOTHES
Gtube belly bands
Outfits
PJs
Socks
SAFETY/ CLEANING
Stroller or car seat cover/ “stroller mask”
Clorox Wipes
Hand sanitizer
OTHER
Blankets
Toothbrush
Toys/ books
Hypofix tape
Silk tape
Coban
Nose Frida
Cavilon
Aquaphor
Qtips
Scissors
Stroller
Rain cover
Diaper bag
SEASONAL
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Baby sunhat
Coat
Shoes/ boots
Gloves
Beanie hat
*I also used to have a pumping category when I was still pumping for Rowan so make sure to add that if you pump or breastfeed!
PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU STAY ORGANIZED
Now it’s time for me to share some of my favorite products that I've found for traveling!
The brand I have is called Full Circle and you can order them from their website, but I usually find them at TJMaxx. I probably have 6-7 of these bags in different sizes for packing supplies, syringes, etc. I love that they are clear so you can easily tell what is in each bag and they are reusable so you don’t have to waste ziplock bags every time you travel!
For shorter trips, I love to use the Gforce Tech Organizer for medication syringes. I pre-draw the medications, put a cap on them, and use the compartments in this little organizer to separate the syringes however I want. I usually put a syringe of Tylenol or gas drops in the middle, as well as extra syringes for flushing with water. I got mine at TJMaxx, but they also sell these at The Container Store.
I may be biased because I used to design for Thirty One Gifts, but I have 3 of these that I use ALL THE TIME. They hold so many items, they’re cute, and they’re easy to travel with! Thirty One also has tons of other storage bags that are great for organizing while traveling.
I LOVE this changing pad. It’s only $5.99 at Target and it’s the biggest changing pad that I’ve found. It folds up really compact and is very easy to clean. I use this for diaper changes on the go, but you could also wipe it down with Clorox wipes and used it as a “sterile” surface for medication prep or dressing changes if needed!
I use one of these to keep emergency items in our diaper bag, but it’s also great for travel. There is a lot of storage space inside and it’s easy to transfer from one bag to another if you’re changing bags while traveling. These are hard to find online, but you can usually find them in lots of different designs in the bandaid aisle at Target!
I love having these caps to use for pre-drawing meds whether we're traveling or just want to have everything prepped at home. We use ENFit syringes so I found these caps that fit the tips and love them! I just wash them with the syringes after I've used them and can continue to use them. One pack of these should last a LONG time if you wash and reuse.
Comment below if you've come up with any other great packing tips that you've found!
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