| Packing for China |
| What does one bring to China when they are embarking on a whirlwind trip that isn't quite a vacation? I've heard several families say that they go carry-on only which I am not going to even try to attempt. I think this would mean depending on the kindness of strangers for things that you just couldn't find room for in your one carry-on that's allowed per person. Laundry service in China is relatively inexpensive so I am budgeting $100 for laundry during our trip. This will cut down on the amount of clothes that we need and leave room for necessities such as diapers, formula and snack food. I am also bringing some old shirts that I don't really need anymore to wear so I can leave them after I wear them. This will leave room for souvenirs on the way home (very important). Since we are bringing the world's pickiest eater with us to meet his sister, we need to leave room for Jason's food. We will probably buy another suitcase in Guangzhou since our daughter will be eligible for a suitcase on the trip home. This will give us additional room for all the souvenirs I want to get. Following is a list of types of things we'll be bringing along. |
| General info paperwork organized into 12 section plastic office organizer, ziplock bags - different sizes to carry everythign from dossier, pictures, stinky diapers, etc, duct tape for various repairs, communication cards, calculator, baby carrier, small tape recorder to tape sightseeing adventures, camera and lots of film (much better to have too much than too few), lead lined bag for film, Baby Feeding Items container for dry formula, tupperare type container and kitchen tongs to wash bottles/nipples, stainless steel thermas to carry hot water in while traveling (can't ingest tap water), cheerios, animal crackers, formula for baby (may want to consider keeping baby on chinese formula until home), rice cereal, bottles, nipples, liners (using bottles with disposable liners cuts down on dishwashing), spoon to stir, burp cloths, disposable bibs, baby spoons and bowl Diapering Baby -diaperbag backpack - leaves hands free, diapers (enough t o get through first few days. I'm planning on buying some there so as not to waste a lot of room in the suitcase), wipes (we're bringing a couple of refill packs since I've heard the quality in China is not great), diaper disposal bags to mask the odor when they can't be thrown away easily (plane, hotel room) Medications It's often recommended to bring medication for lice, scabies and antibiotics if your doctor will prescribe them. We will probably be ordering the adoption medical kit (used to be the Texas Medical Kit) which has an array of items such as thermometer, nasal syringe as well as several prescription medications. It's also advised to bring medication in case you have stomach problems from the food or mistakenly drink the water. Suppositories for babies and kaoletrolyte are also good to have. Toiletries purell, antibacterial liquid soap, tissues, extra rolls of toilet paper (may be necessary when in more rural areas) Baby Items two piece outfits are advisable in case referral information is inadequate for sizing, 1 fancier outfit for arrival, polartec bunting (we're hopefully traveling this winter), hat with ties, blankets, stacking cups, rattling toy, baby mirror, board books, small blanket with cloth ties on it to suck on (this is often used in China instead of a pacifier), pacifier clip to hold toys Adult items enough clothes for 3 days per traveler (will do laundry), outfit that you can sleep in and be seen in, 2 pairs of broken-in shoes, something to do while baby is sleeping (in case you can't sleep), food - instant coffee, creamer, granoma bars, peanut butter crackers |
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