China Trip Tips

some of these things you've heard before............But some of them bear repeating.....

Things I packed and actually used

• Thermos--I would boil water, fill the thermos, and it was good for about 3 bottles. This was nice when we had to be out touring because Amelia likes her bottles decidedly warm.

• 3 Section Formula Dispenser---Loved it. I kept it filled for feedings outside of the hotel, but also for nights and early mornings. Who wants to stand there counting out formula scoops and boiling water when you are half asleep? I would get everything ready before bed and the first bottle of the day could be made with my eyes closed!

• Small scissors ---I did have to cut an x hole in the nipples because Amelia was used to getting cereal through her bottle, not a spoon. Also used these to cut open her formula packages.
• Amoxycillan---Even though we were at the White Swan the whole time and there is a medical clinic there, we were glad to have an antibiotic with us, since you can only get 2 days worth of meds at a time. You essentially have to go back every other day to see the doc to get baby meds, and its just easier if you have your own supply.
• BABY MOTRIN--- Amelia is teething and I like motrin better than tylenol. I would take 2 baby motrins next time, instead of one of each.
• Triple Antibiotic cream--didn't think we'd need this, but then she had a big ole boil on the back of her head. Cleared it right up.
• Diapers--took a pack of 28--size 3 cruisers. We didn't get to the store until we had her for 3 days, so having diapers with us was a must.
• Plastic bibs---I didn't like the disposables because her neck is so little, the formula would run right under it. The plastic ones were reusable and fit snugly.
• 2 bottles and 3 nipples--50 disposable liners. This was plenty of each. Amelia had no trouble with the bottles or nipples we brought, although we did have to cut larger holes in the nipple we used for mixing formula and cereal
• stage 1 prunes---you can buy a prune-pumpkin baby food there, but if you want to use it the first day and don't get to the store for several days.......
• baby bowls with lids and spoons---she wouldn't use them, but we used them to mix tuna salad for ourselves.
• plastic bags in quart and gallon sizes---used for formula once the pack was open, used for all sorts of things.
• changing pad---started using after I had to request my sheets be changed twice.
• scented diaper disposal bags---small hotel room, stinky diapers, you get the picture. We ran out of these, and used the rest of the zip loc bags on the plane.
• 7 jammies and 2 baby outfits for each day we had the baby. Babies need to be changed a lot, and I was glad to have enough outfits to change her as often as I wanted in between washings.
• Chinese lullaby CD
• about 5 toys
• 3 lite blankets--lost one, but still had 2--airplanes are cool and the babies aren't used to AC
• Cipro and all kinds of over the counter meds for us. Great to have in case!
• hair clips---soooooo hot and humid, you'll want your hair off your neck.
• small notebook and pen
• 7 days worth of clothes for us---we only had to do laundry once
• laptop--not essential, but I wouldn't have blogged much at all without one. Its nice to be able to upload some pics during naps and after bed time. I was too tired during those times to be traipsing down to the business center or over to blendz. I needed to rest when she rested.
• healthy snacks--we took tuna pouches and lite Mayo and trail mix. You can buy cookies and chips at the 7-11 but if you want something a little healthier, these worked well for us. Sometimes we weren't hungry for lunch but wanted a little something.
• envelopes to divide your fees into different envelopes and label with the contents. Change the amount of money you'll need for the whole week, and divide out how much you need to take with you daily. Each day you can then just grab the appropriate envelope out of the safe.

didn't bother to take or didn't need

• clothes line
• duct tape
• panda phone
• baby tub
• tooth brushes--have in all hotels
• lotion and shower soap for us---we all used the baby stuff--saved space, and I love aveeno baby products anyway.
• didn't use the waist pouches because they were so uncomfortable. We used our neck pouches instead, although this may not be the safest option?
• book--who can focus on a book when your whole life is in metamorphosis?
• pacifiers---she didn't want them, and we could have bought one there if she did use one.

General Tips

• We bought a stroller for 23 U.S. bucks and its a good stroller. It reclines to 3 positions, folds easily, has adjustable handles etc. It was a good stroller for a great price, and I WOULD NOT attempt to get throughout he airports without one. You'll be tired enough as it is. We'll take it to grandma's for a second stroller.
• Beatrice' grocery is 4 blocks from the White Swan. Its cheaper than the 7-11 and has much more variety. You can get all kinds of baby supplies there, as well as western products if you forgot anything for yourself.
• When buying Chinese pampers, DO NOT BUY THE RED PACKAGE. The green pack is more comparable to the quality we have here.
• They say you cant take bags into the American Consulate for the oath. I saw lots of people with small diaper bags. Amelia cried through the whole oath because she needed a fresh diaper and was hungry. I had all those supplies on the bus, but we got held up there an extra 40 minutes, and I could have attended to her needs if I had taken in my bag. Again....LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE DID! You just have to run it though the x-ray machine.
• I always were jeans to travel---the airports in China are very hot, and jeans are a miserable choice in that kind of humidity. Do yourself a favor---leave the jeans at home.
• GUARANTEE YOURSELF A THIRD SEAT ON THE PLANE UNLESS YOU DO BUSINESS CLASS. AND TAKE BENEDRYL!
• As mentioned earlier, its much easier to change the money for all the fees the first of the week. Label an envelope for each day and divide out your money into the appropriate envelope. Grab the envelope for the day as you walk out the door. This is much easier, since you'll be fairly distracted with a new baby.
• You get a much better deal at the shops in Guangzhou if you buy multiple items from the same place. Our favorites were "A Home of Love" right by the White Swan, and "Jordans Place"
• The zoo excursion in Guangzhou is only fun if your baby likes to cruise in the stroller---otherwise its just a walking sauna carrying a soggy baby. Luckily, Amelia loves her stroller.
• We got our laundry done a second time right before we packed for home. It comes back clean, fresh smelling, pressed and neatly packed in airtight bags which save space in the suitcase and gives you clean wardrobe when you get home. dont you hate to come home from a trip with loads of laundry to do?
• Best comfort food for travel weary parents: Lucy's bar and grill---chicken fingers and fries, tomato soup and grilled cheese, diet coke, ice cream etc. OR order in Danny's bagel for great bagels with cream cheese, chicken Parmesan and pasta, great turkey clubs and Italian subs. Pizza's are "ok". We did this 4 nights, because sometimes, you just aren't in the mood to eat out, and sometimes you and your baby are pooped. :0

I unpacked the suitcases today, and boy was I all teary eyed and sentimental about our China trip. Some days when we were there, I just couldn't wait to get home; and now that we're home, I sometimes wish I were still there...........Life's funny that way.

China's like living in a lovely snow globe. A separate world inside a bubble, where time stands still..............And its just you, and your husband, and your baby, marveling together at the wonders of becoming a family, in a strange and exotic world.