Vivian's Diaper Bag-So Far

Here is what I have so far for the diaper bag...
Journal

Doll

Pacifer

Travel toilet paper

Travel size Clorox Wipes

Travel sized wet wipes

Disposable changing pads

Wipes

Diapers

Travel container for snacks

Bottle

Formula Dispenser

Disposable wash clothes

Teething fish

Toy Panda

Handmade Taggie Blanket

Toy rings

Rattle

Diaper disposable bags

I still need some items, but I definitely have a good start. Everything fits (so far) with a little room for extra stuff (maybe something for me or my husband?!)

: ) Amy D.

Angela's Diaper Backpack...

"My backpack's packed...I'm ready to go"
(to the tune of John Denver's "Leaving on a jet plane") ~ lol

So here it is ~



My diaper backpack is also going to be used as my carry-on our way to and from China. It has a lot of things in it but I want to bring a little of everything just in case our luggage is lost, we'll at least have a bit of everything we need to get us through a day or two.





Here is my list for my backpack...

sunglasses & eye glass cleaner cloth
small makeup bag (with my makeup)
hand lotion
face moisturizer
lip balm
travel size deodorant
hair brush
hair elastic & hair clip
toothbrush, paste, mouthwash
eye drops
saline nasal spray
"earplanes" & plugs
Kleenex
travel toilet paper
"magic cones" (3)
feminine liners
bandaids (travel first aid kit will be in Bryan’s backpack)
Tylenol, Advil and Aleve (travel size)
other meds (Gravol/Tums/Imodium etc) *have yet to purchase*
Airborne
clip-on watch (I couldn't resist ~ its a ladybug!!)
clip-on hand sanitizer
sanitizer hand wipes
Lysol wipes
shout wipes
bag-it disposable bags (for diapers)
8 diapers
2 disposable change pads
travel pkg wipes
baby powder
diaper rash cream
oragel
Little Noses nasal spray & bulb suction
disposable bibs (4)
bib
disposable place mats (2)
thermos
bottled water (for bottles)
Playtex bottle
bottle liners
extra nipples
formula divider
travel utensils
sippy cup
soother & clip (in holder)
snack container for cheerios
clip on toy
blanket Ella
Ella pj's
change of clothes for Ella (2)
hat for Ella
sunglasses for Ella
Baby meds (not pictured ~ may go in Bryan's backpack on our way over)
sunscreen and insect repellent (depending on time of travel)
pen & notebook
clip-on calculator
gum & tic-tacs

Packing Challange #1 Diaper Bag

Susan's Diaper Bag Packing List

I have had fun doing this. Stephe thanks so much for putting this whole thing together. I still need to buy the Diaper Bag Back Pack that I will take to China (hoping to get it as a gift). I do have a pretty Asian Chinese silk Diaper bag that I will keep for home. It was really hard to get a good picture of all the "loot" I have collected but I think you can see just about everything in this photo.
What is in this picture is only what I will carry with me for an outing.

THE LIST
*One Step Ahead Diaper Bag Backpack...Still have to buy
*5 Disposable diapers
*1 box of travel baby wipes
*Diaper rash cream
*Diaper trash bags
*Travel size Clorox wipes
*1 Tide to go stick
*Travel tissues
*Travel first aide kit
*Travel toilet paper
*OFF towelettes
*Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer
*Small hand lotion
*Small stuffed toy/Finger Puppet
*Plastic keys
*Small bowl w/lid
*Spoon and fork
*Pacifier
*Disposable bibs
*Bottle
*4 or 5 bottle liners
*Divided formula dispenser
*Comb
*Motrin (Baby & Adult)...Still have to buy
*Sticker thermometers....Still have to buy
*1 cotton blanket
*1 Lovey (Taggie)
*2 Baby wash clothes
*1 Gallon ziplock and 1 sandwich size ziplock
*Chap Stick
*Sunblock
*Candy
*Pen and Pad
*Thermos
*Calculator
*Magic cones
* English to Chinese translation card
*Change of clothes for the baby

Evelyn's Diaper Backpack List

For now, I'm planning on using this shoulder type back pack, that belongs to hubby. It has, many inside and side zipper pockets, as well as a bottle holder on the side. Even has a cell phone pouch. I posted packing list on Yahoo group, and hopefully Stephe can help me out with linking my list here on blog:))

Bottle Advent nipple
Bottle disposable liners-Advent
Bottle disposable-Advent (1)
Burts Bee mini sampler case
Changing Pad disposable
Chapsitck
Clip on hand sanitizer
Diaper Back Pack
Diaper Disposal Bags
Diaper Duckie Dispenser/bags
Diaper Rash Ointment-Butt Paste
Diapers
Extra Change of clothes
Formula Dispenser-container
Health Kit-Contains Thermometer, nasal aspirator, medicine dropper, nail clippers, med spoon, case
Lovey
MAGIC CONE-buy online
Moist Wipes Antibacterial
Pocket calculator-Mikie
Pocket Language Translator
Spill Proof Water spout
Thermo-slim w/ pouring spout
Toilet paper to go
Travel First Aid Kit-Red one
Wipes w/ travel case

Evelyn's Diaper Back Pack List..download link here

Evelyn

Challenge #1 - Krasa

Wow - no where near ready and already I need a Sherpa!

Here's what I've got so far:

* Backpack. I'll probably also bring a smaller packable bag or tote for use on short outings while we're there

* Thermos, Playtex nursers, extra nipples, formula bags, formula (formula not pictured)

* Change of clothes for Nora

* Hat for Nora

* Lovey or blanket

* Bib for Nora, snacks (including some for Rob and me, not pictured), bottle of water (not pictured)

* Changing pad/clutch, wipes, diapers (diapers not pictured/purchased)

* Diaper rash cream, Teething gel, other meds for Nora (tbd), probably also a small first aid kit and meds for us as well

* Soft rattle, teething toy, rings. I'll probably also toss in a small book.

* Pacifiers, probably a couple of kinds

* Tide pen, Purell

* Map/travel guide (tbd when we know where we're going), China language reference, Baby care reference -- probably not the whole books, our agency suggests tearing out selected pages of travel guide in particular once the itinerary is set.

* Camera (not pictured - it was taking the picture since I'm still trying to get used to the little camera)

* Cell phone/Panda(?) phone (not pictured)

* My little Coach wristlet with cash, credit cards, lip balm and Altoids minis

Thanks, Stephe, for creating some motivation to get this done -- I really appreciate it, cuz I would have waited til the last minute for sure. Can't wait to see everyone else's post so I can figure out what I've forgotten!

~Jennifer

Baby Toothbrush

I know we have all been giving Michelle advice about packing and hopefully it will help her lighten her load! But I had to post a cute picture of Kate the morning after the evening I got her in China. I brought this baby toothbrush and handed it to her while she sat in the bathroom with me while I brushed my teeth. She loved it and copied me immediately! It was so cute! Every morning she would sit down and hold her little pink toothbrush and copy what Mama was doing! So, I know Sheryl was saying that you probably won't use a toothbrush in China, and that probably will be the case, but look at Kate in this picture!! One year and one day old! (I got her on her 1st birthday in China!) Maybe you could squeeze a little tiny pink toothbrush into the suitcase just in case a perfect photo opportunity appears! LOL

Wendy Harrison

Really pretty diaper clutch

This, for me, is "the one that got away". $50 for a diaper clutch - amid all the other baby-related expenses - just seems to extravagant to me.

Isn't it pretty, though?? This is the Joyababy diaper clutch. It's available in several patterns.

~Jennifer

Packing Cubes & Flight Kit

I used packing cubes and pouches on both trips. They were very easy, very organized, and very helpful when travelling! Especially if they had to open our bags and inspect them. The contents were all tidy and organized so it was easy putting stuff back together! They have a really good price on these items at http://www.magellans.com/ for those of you who like to shop online! I am going to buy a few more, too!

Also, I found a great way to create the perfect flight care kit at http://www.loccitane.com/ . They have a new section of travel items and you can chose 4 that you want and you get a flight bag as a gift. This company has wnderful products that you will love! All of the travel items comply with the new FAA rules. I use the hand cream whenever I fly because it is easy on my face, too!

Packing Aids - On Sale at REI

Rob and I went over to REI this afternoon to check out their Labor Day sale. I also wanted to look for Eagle Creek Pac-It Sacs for diaper bag organization. They didn't have my color of choice ("tree frog"), but they were 20% off. As you can see, I bought a bunch - two large which I thought I could use for diapers, change of clothes, etc, three medium for bottle liners, creams/ointments, toys, etc. two smalls for pacifiers and meds and two extra smalls for tide pen and other little stuff. I'm not sure exactly how I want to pack our backpack, but I think that I'm going to like these for keeping things organized and protected.

The 20% off applied to everything by Eagle Creek, so I also got two sets of Ear Planes and one set of Kid Planes. The package says that the Kid Planes will work for kids 12 months and up, so we may wind up saving those, depending on how old Nora is when she comes home. Eagle Creek also makes power adapters/converters, alarm clocks, travel blankets and a million other nifty items - all of it on sale through next weekend. BTW I noticed that REI also had a 16 oz thermos on sale for around $10. Here's a link.

Across the street from REI is a Babies R Us, so I went there too and bought this:

It's a Skip*Hop Pronto changer - a changing mat, diaper clutch, travel thingy. I figured we could toss it in our backpack for China and use it later in the car or stroller basket.

Have a great weekend!!
~Jennifer

The Universal Packing List

The Universal Packing List By fellow blogger Cindy
"This is very interesting. Generate your own packing list for traveling. Granted, not many options, but still really neat."

~when creating the list, click "comments", it gives you more detail. Kinda cool. Thanks Cindy!

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

Economical Baby Mod Diaper Bag

I'm digging this diaper bag from Walmart It's just under $20, and it looks like it comes with a changing pad also. For the price seems like a good buy for China. I like the dark brown color, hides the dirt.

Evelyn

Introducing Trunki

Fun if you are traveling with kids!

Family holidays just got more exciting!
Wave good bye to tiring travel, tears and tantrums with a boredom busting Trunki, the world’s first ride-on kid's suitcase!
Designed for family holidays, children can pack, sit-on and ride their own luggage, whilst parents can keep them in tow.
Trunki's light weight and durable design is hand luggage approved, with generous space inside for toys, games, books and spare clothes. Trunki is the ultimate travelling companion.
"I could pull my children along, whilst carrying my hand luggage & handbag. Would recommend Trunki hugely & will be buying another one when our baby is older."

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

More Luggage Tags

Each pack of luggage tags contains one each of the six sayings shown and six brightly colored ties to attach them to your suitcase. fronts as shown, backs have room for your contact information. Super cute and super funny....these make great gifts!

Price $12.00

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

Kool_Aid Singles

I don't have a regimented idea about sugar. My girls have it normal amounts. But I am aware enough not to overload them on it, so I have always bought them 100% juice and watered it down by 50%. They still drink watered down juice and it is refreshing and not too much sugar! Mostly, they drink water. I never give them artificial sweeteners. Now, with all of that being said...

Today at the grocery store Claire stopped me in the aisle and exclaimed, "Look mama, Kool-Aid singles!" I said, "No", and kept going...then I realized, Wait a minute, these might be just the thing for China!" So, I went back and picked up a box of the Tropical Punch flavored ones to try. When we got home, I filled up their water bottles and poured the little sugar packet in and Voila!!!!! A wonderful fruit punch drink, not too sweet, was in the bottle! I was impressed! So, we are taking some of these to China with us for sure! The box has 16 easy open packets and they are miniscule so they will be easy to pack and to throw into their little backpacks without weighing their little bodies down! LOL

Kool-Aid singles!! Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not excatly packing related but ...

I just saw these on our local news and thought that it was a GREAT! idea of course I had to share with all of you..







Because one lost child is one too many...



"Every second counts when a child is lost"

No matter how careful we are, children
can wander off, fall behind, or otherwise
find themselves alone and afraid.

The worry and anguish we feel when we
lose track of our child for even a moment
is immeasurable.

Read all the details on
Tottoos

Bottles in China

Bottles in China

What to take:

Playtex bottles are easy & disposables convenient.

Take extra nipples, though, since you'll probably have to cut them (your baby will likely be used to having a bigger hole) and you may mess up on some.

Some bring rubbermaid type shoe box to use as a washbin, rubber gloves because the water that you use to wash bottles with is boiling hot, a bottle brush and a nipple brush. This really made washing bottles very easy. When they were packing the rubbermaid box, they stuffed it with snacks, this way the snacks wouldn’t get crushed and all the way home you can put some fragile souvenirs in it so they don’t get crunched. Obviously not necessary but can come in handy.

Formula:

Consider buying the Chinese brand formula once you are over there. It has been said that if you switch right away, they may get constipated from the new formula.

Some Most people buy enough formula in China to last through their stay there and for at least two weeks after return home. That way, you can gradually mix in the new formula brand (whether soy or not) little by little so it isn't such a drastic change for a little one who is already experiencing so many events in his or her young life.

Formula is milk-based in China.
Many pediatricians recommend taking a milk based formula, such as Similac with Iron or Enfamil with Iron. Others recommend Lactofree (a milk with no lactose sugar, but also no soy protein), as many people of Asian descent have a lactose intolerance.

Lactofree seemed to be the closest in taste to the Chinese formulas used in most orphanages, but the milk based formulas were tolerated just as well.

The soy formula can sometimes constipate the children, and many have already been on a milk based formula.

To ease the transition to US baby formulas, some people mix the formula in a lesser strength for a few days. This avoids some problems with constipation and stomach aches.

On the go:

Prefill the liners with formula and band. Buy some of the child-sized rubberbands that they sell for ponytails. That is a really easy way to rubber band the liner.

Fill a thermos with boiling water and bring along bottled water.
I hear that you have to put a little bit of cold bottled water in the liner first, then add the boiling water, so that the liners don't melt.

Not taking the bottle:
Just because your daughter doesn't take a bottle for the first several days, don't assume she won't!

Flow: Maybe the flow is too slow, so enlarge the nipple holes. You can use chopsticks or a nail clipper.

Temperature: Some babies need “to have her formula HOT - not tepid, not warm, but HOT - burn your tongue HOT, too HOT for my hands HOT ... HOT HOT HOT .... and even after we came home, I had to have the director of our daycare make her bottles special, using the hot water out of the bubble (you know the side you use to make tea) because she would NOT drink formula unless it was HOT.”

Consistency: A lot of babies are fed formula mixed with rice cereal so the contents is very thick.
Amounts: One mom said her daughter was 9 months at adoption a she was getting 4 bottles a day. 32-48 ounces of formula a day in China

Some say that the bottle feeding has been indispensable for the attachment process.
Other Foods: Some useful foods for children more than six months old include Cheerios, Kix, goldfish crackers, graham crackers, fruit bars, and other finger foods. Jar foods should probably not be taken abroad due to the increased risk of breakage in your suitcase. Most children will be able to eat limited food from the table if cut up into very tiny pieces, so as to avoid the risk of choking.

This is just some info I found useful, maybe you will too.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

The Thermos Debate

The Thermos Debate
To take a thermos to China or not! That is the question...
(this is one of my older blog posts)

Thermos - YES

1. Because you have to boil water anyway, the thermos was a nice, sterile place to keep water. I would heat bottled water in the hot pot until boiling, pour it into the thermos, and cap it. I had hot water for bottles the rest of the day (mixing it w/room temp bottled water). It was also great for the stressful/screaming late night wake up - didn't have to fumble around with the hot pot while I was half asleep and freaking out. I used it after we got home - very convenient!

2. I relied heavily on my thermos. I used a stainless steal one and it was wonderful. I could boil water for the bottles and use it all day to give my daughter a warm bottle. It didn't take much room up either as we filled it with socks, etc on the way to China and then I kept it in my backpack after receiving our daughter. I just think it made life a lot easier.

3. They don't all contain glass like they used to...and the one family in our group who did not bring one could not find one in China. They were fortunate that the rest of us brought them, and one of us was usually able to share with them. Despite this, many people will probably post, stating how easy they are to purchase in China...

4. If your baby ends up wanting hot bottles, and you want to be able to go on longer excursions while still being able to make bottles on the fly, a thermos is very useful.

5. When we were bused into Shaimen island each morning, and were stuck there until the bus picked us up in the afternoon. It was really nice having a thermos of hot water to make bottles wherever we happened to be.

6. The usefulness of a thermos varies with the baby, parent, and location.

Thermos - NO

1. If your baby doesn't demand hot or really warm bottles, you don't need a thermos.

2. If you will never be far from your hotel room, a restaurant, or other source of hot water, you don't need a thermos.

3. I never used the Thermos, but that was mainly because my daughter was no longer on formula. It was my understanding that a Thermos was intended for use in keeping formula warm (although it can obviously be used to keep milk or juice cool too.)

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

Panda Luggage Tag

Panda Luggage Tag

by Size: 3.75 Inches
Regular Price: 9.95
SKU: 1530609

Get organized with the ultimate luggage tag! Save time and alleviate confusion with this durable luggage tag that will help you quickly identify your valuables and look great at the same time. Features a versatile leathery material with professional stitching and security label for your name and address. Panda luggage tag measures 3.75 inches in length and 2.5 inches in height.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

Hazardous Diaper Bag Products

I owned and operated a wonderful preschool and elementary school in Miami for many years and was privy to a lot of information that many parents just didn't know because it wasn't discussed in the spotlight . Two common diaper bag items are vaseline & baby powder, both potentially dangerous health hazards. Vaseline is a petroleum based product and could present a grave danger if swallowed or if applied to a large area of a baby's body, as it has the potential to suffocate and clog breathable areas. We did not use it or keep it at our school.

Another safety hazard is baby powder for two reasons. One, the powder can suffocate a baby or very young child if inhaled or swallowed. The second reason is one that I know about on a personal basis and that is the use of Talcum (Talc) powders on a female's body. Talc powders have the potential to cause ovarian cancer . My cousin died in her early 30's from ovarian cancer found to have been caused by the use of talc powders. I had never heard of anything so strange but I made sure that I used only cornstarch powders on my girls, and very sparingly at that. Check labels but on Johnson's it will state clearly on the front that it is 100% pure cornstarch.

So what do you use instead?
Use a water-based gel instead of a petroleum based one and only use cornstarch powders when diapering, or after a shower ladies! Also, use very sparingly, if at all. Be safe...be aware...and keep everything out of the reach of the child!!

Diaper Rash Creams

I wanted to let you know about my past experience with diaper rash creams when I was a new mommy. My girls rarely got rashes but when they did, the first cream I used on Kate was Desitin, which made her cry when I applied it. That should have been my first clue that something was wrong. The cream actually burned her skin and I hardly put any on her. But everywhere the cream touched her body, it burned her pretty badly. I was horrified. Then, I tried Balmex and got the same result. I felt awful because Kate would cry when I put her on the chnaging pad, expecting the burn of the cream. Now this only happened over a two day period, but you change them lots of times each day, hence her reaction. Finally, I tried Aveeno Diaper Rash Cream and within hours her skin was better. By the next morning the burn and the rash were gone completely. She never cried when I applied the Aveeno either, so I will never change fromt his cream. It works for any kind of skin irritation.

The key to diaper rash cream is to spread on a very thin coat of cream, don't glob it on. It should hardly be seen when you are done. Just slightly white on the area. I still use this cream whenever my daughters have a little irritation and it works like a charm. I have also heard the the Boudreaux's Butt Paste is great too, but I have never used it so I cannot comment. I'm sticking with what I know works great!

Baby Briefcase-Document Organizer

I came across this Baby Briefcase Neat idea for organizing all the required docs for China travel.

Evelyn

BAD BOTTLES

BABY BARGAINS: August 2007
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY BARGAINS
http://www.BabyBargains.com

Baby Bargains book withdraws recommendation for certain plastic baby bottles

(BOULDER, CO) The authors of BABY BARGAINS, the country’s best-selling guide to baby products (700,000 copies in print), today called for parents to stop using baby bottles and sippy cups made of polycarbonate plastic.

Polycarbonate bottles are made from a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). In an article in a peer-reviewed medical journal last week, a group of 38 scientists said BPA caused a significant health risk.

Specifically, parents should stop using Avent’s Natural Feeding Bottle and Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow (or any bottle made of polycarbonate plastic)---these products were previously recommended by BABY BARGAINS.

“All baby bottles and sippy cups made of polycarbonate plastic should be avoided,” said author and consumer advocate Denise Fields. “If you are shopping for bottles, chose an alternative made from BPA-free plastic or glass. If you have polycarbonate bottles, throw them out.”

See why they are dangerous. Here is the full article.

Click here to see pictures of polycarbonate bottles:

Here are the alternatives that are BPA-free:

• Use glass bottles. Obviously, there is a risk of injury to baby or mom if the bottle is dropped, so glass isn’t a perfect alternative.

• Use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles (made of polyethylene or polypropylene) do not contain BPA.

• Consider a BPA-free plastic bottle. Born Free makes a BPA-free clear plastic bottle (Newbornfree.com) sold at Whole Foods. But these cost about $10 each, twice the price of Avent bottles.

• Use a drop-in system. For example the Playtex Drop-in System is BPA free (that is, the bottle liners do not contain BPA). Avent’s Tempo liners are another example.

Q. Is there a way to tell if a bottle has BPA?

A. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy. Here’s a general guide:

BAD:
• Bottles that have a #7 on their recycling label most likely are made of polycarbonate (and contain BPA).

GOOD:
• Bottles that have a #2, #4 , #5 are made of polyethylene or polypropylene—these do NOT have BPA.

===
Q. What about sippy cups? Breast pump collection bottles?

A. Basically, the same advice applies: avoid those made of polycarbonate plastic. Sippy cups made of opaque plastic are fine. Again, check the bottom of the cup for its recycling number (#7 should be avoided). For breast pump collection bottles, consider BPA-free bottles (such as those from Medela).

We will continue to blog about this subject. Check out our blogs here and here:

http://baby411.typepad.com/babybargains/

http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

Travel Size Stuff

This is an awesome website. I don't know if you all have heard about it! It takes a while to go through everything but they have the coolest travel stuff! Seriously. Check it out.

They have the websites here.

Plus they have a blog here.

I put the blog on my blogline feed so that I can see when updates happen. Just love it!

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

Boo Boo First Aid Kit

Check out this cute little first aid kit. It's a wonderful little travel first aid kit, along with all the cute little band aids to cure boo boos. I think they sell it at target, but check out their website, they have all kinds of disposable travel items.

BOOBOO Care Kit

portable changing pad

Small, portable, a must for any traveling family!

Buy it on Amazon.com for about $8.00

I used this on ll of my trips to Guatemala, and it had a permanent place in our stroller!

Adding a Link

***CLICK TO ENLARGE***

Pillows

We have an absolute addiction to these little baby/travel pillows that are 100% down feathers and my children absolutely love them! I thought I would share with you all how wonderful they are and maybe you will buy one for your babies. I know you won't start off with pillows in the cribs but I began using them with Kate when she was 2 years old. Now, we can't travel without them. We use them to snuggle with, not to sleep on! LOL YOu can throw them in the laundry whenever and then toss them in the dryer with a tennis ball and they fluff up and come out as clean as a whistle! They are also very affordable, especially when you consider the high quality of the down. We can't live without these little treasures in our home! I think we have at least 6 of them on hand at any given time. A great sleeping pillow when they get a little older is the jumbo boudoir pillow. They also have cotton covers for the pillows. Here are the specifics:

P914 boudoir 12x16 $20.00
P914 jumbo boudoir 16x24 $35.00

The Company Store

Let me know how you like them!!





Wendy

Cool Diaper Changing Pad

I came accross this chaging pad that was developed by a mom who didn't like the rectangular pad. Apparently Target has a "parent inventor section" and this is one of the items. The website is:

www.patemm.com

They come in various patterns, and you can find them online in Target. Hmm I think I'm going to have to get me one of those.

Evelyn

Before you invest too much $$$...

Here is the luggage we took to China. Only the red suitcase in the back is still "alive". I threw out all the other bags. The two rolling suitcases in the back (left and middle) we threw out in China. They came off the plane wet and smelling like something had pissed on them. We went to Sherry's around the corner from our hotel and bought a suitcase for $10 to replace them. I paid $19.99 for each of the rolling suitcases and $9.99 for the blue and pink rolling backpacks. The purple non-rolling backpack that I used as my diaper bag was my daughters old school bag. They all held up well, we didnt have any luggage that broke, but they all SMELLED! They were filthy and everytime I opened the closet I could smell them. So I threw them out. Im glad I didnt spend a fortune on them! I think Stephe has the right idea, just get me to China and back! Save all your good luggage and pretty diaper bags for when you get home.

Laundry Pack

http://www.travellight.net/

PackingLight always likes to provide sensible products which every travel should pack. The Laundr'Pac from Austin House combines several travel laundry necessitites into one convenient package.

Compact travel laundry kit contains five liquid Woolite detergent sachets, a sink stopper for notoriously leaky European sinks, and a five-foot long laundry line to hang-dry laundry. All the laundry basics for a traveler are in this one small zip-lock bag called the Laundr'Pac.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

Travelon Convertible Boarding Bag

http://www.packinglight.net/

Another cool bag I found. Travelon's new Convertible Boarding Bag was a huge hit at this year's annual Travel Goods Association Convention. PackingLight's customers like the purse for it's versatility and organization.

Perfect personal carry-on, the Boarding Bag converts from shoulder purse to waist/hip bag in seconds. Multiple clear interior pockets and sleeves simplify check-in and security clearance. ID, boarding pass and passport are secure and ready for presentation through vinyl sleeves.

Zippered front compartment is gusseted to provide easy-access, outside pocketing. Ample interior room leaves space for camera, personal belongings.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

Bagettes

These looks really cool. www.sterling-travel.com

"My secret to being able to pack a lot in a small toiletry bag is Bagettes. They are tiny ziplock bags that allow me to pack a wide range of medications in a small container. I also use Bagettes in my purse so I can carry pain reliever. I found these at Michael’s Arts and Crafts because they are also incredibly useful for holding beads, knitting markers or any number of other craft items.

Here are some tips for using these little ziplock bags wisely:

Label your bags: Using a Sharpie marker, write the contents on the bag. My vitamin bags aren’t labeled. If they weren’t so brightly colored, I might mistake them for a different pill. So many pills look the same that it’s safest to label the bags.

Label the instructions: If it is a drug you’re not familiar with, it’s essential that you include the dosage and instructions (like I did on the Mylanta bag shown).

Do not use these for prescription drugs, especially if you travel on airplanes. The TSA is searching bags and if they find prescription drugs that are not in their original prescription bottle, it could delay you or worse, you could end up investigated for drug charges.

Replace them often: These bags are cheap and come 200 in a tiny box. If you start to have a little bit of wear on the bag, replace it. There’s no point in letting them wear out completely and having loose pills all over your purse or toiletry bag.

Since I have found this package of Bagettes, I haven’t had to buy another. I only used about 15 bags total, so a box of 200 is basically a lifetime’s supply. I think I spent four bucks for that box, so it’s a great deal."

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

Wendy's Diaper Bag

My belief in packing light carries right over into my idea for packing a diaper bag. I pack just enough of what I will need for any given outing. I only like to carry one bag, so everything that I need and that the baby needs goes inside one bag. I like to have a zippered bag so stuff doesn't fall out if you have to hold tight to a baby and happen to drop your bag! I learned this lesson the hard way, but that's another story! So, one Vera Bradley bag, one bottle, a couple extra drop-in liners, an extra set of clothes/jammies, a few diapers, wipes, a lovey, sanitizer spray, chapstick, sunscreen stick, mosquito wipes, small wallet, Mom's Family calendar, a pen, and a lipstick! And that's it!

One small square tablecloth to "picnic" on whenever we want a place to sit down in the grass and play. It is the consistency of a nice cotton sheet and is from Williams-Sonoma. I have used it in all my travels!

A few Pamper Cruiser diapers...these are my favorite diapers because they feel really soft and they fit well.

A travel container of Huggies wipes

My digital camera!

A Playtex bottle with liners. My children loved the Playtex square nipples, which are a little harder to find now.

A Playtex Binky pacifier

A stick of baby sunscreen

A lightweight cotton baby blanket

A travel sized bottle of Clorox Anywhere spray

A board book

Stacking Cups

A Snoedel lovey

A Vera Bradley pencil case that I use to carry my cash and credit cards. It's wonderful!

Extra set of clothes and/or jammies

Baby Shampoo & Baby Washcloth

Aveeno Diaper Rash Cream (the best!)