Kawada’s Packing List
Each adult had one 26” soft-sided suitcase with wheels and one backpack for a two week trip to China that included 2 adults, the newly adopted child, and a 5 year old sister. We did not carry additional luggage for the children. We felt this amount of luggage was easy to handle and just about right in terms of amount to pack. Suitcases were checked-in. Backpacks were carry-on.
Locked luggage but used TSA approved locks. Otherwise, TSA will cut the locks open.
The baby was carried in a baby carrier on the front of mom.
For the international flight, the luggage limit was 70 lbs (32 kg) for each luggage, 2 pieces per person. For the China flights, including Hong Kong to China, limit was 44 lbs (20 kg), 1 piece per person.
Clothes –
Pack 4 days worth. Note: children may go through several clothes each day. Do research and determine if affordable laundry service is available near your hotel and then pack accordingly. We knew before hand that there would be affordable laundry service across the street from our hotel.
Many hotels have pools. Remember pool-wear for yourself and your child.
Electronic Equipment -
video camera (preferably one that works decently in low light)
camera
plenty of memory for camera (unless you are bringing a laptop). Plenty of film if film camera.
plenty of video tape
electrical adapters (check to see if they are necessary for American equipment in your child’s country)
electrical converters (only necessary if local voltage can not be used on your equipment. Many expensive electronic equipment handle 110-220 volts which means it can handle electricity in all countries. 110 volts in the U.S. 220 volts in many other countries. We needed adapters but not converters for our China trip.)
laptop (we did all of our communications back to the U.S. via e-mail, not by phone. There was affordable broadband service at our hotel. I had a backpack that specifically functions to carry a laptop)
flash usb drives (downloaded pictures from camera’s memory card to laptop. Then backed up folders with pictures on laptop onto a usb drive just in case, the laptop got lost/stolen or hard drive crashed). Kept usb drives and laptops separate most of the time (so I would have one if I lost the other)
electrical cords/chargers for all of the above (verify you can use your equipment with the voltage used in your child’s country. Usually stated on a box on the power cord or the device itself). My cameras, laptop, and electric shaver handle 110-220 volts automatically.
Meds -
BABY MEDS
infant Advil/Tylenol/Motrin (one of them for pain & fever)
diaper rash cream (Desitin)
hydrocortisone ointment (rash, itchy skin spots)
good quality skin lotion like Eucerin (for dry skin)
Orajel (teething medication)
infant Benedryl or similar (allergic reactions, itchy rashes)
infant Dimetapp or similar (cold, runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose)
waterproof sunscreen
medicine spoon/droppers if not already included with medicine
thermometer
Note: consult your doctor for dosage of Dimetapp and Benedryl for a child of his/her age and weight. Child may be too young for these medicines.
ADULT MEDS
bandaids
Neosporin (for cuts)
Pepto Bismol chewable tablets
Pain, fever relieving medicine like Tylenol
Immodium (severe diarrhea. Bad reaction to food seems to be common for China trips though we were fine.)
Antacid (tummy upsets)
waterproof Sunscreen
Dramamine or other travel sickness prevention medicine
Adult cold medication (if cold season)
Prescription medication
Note: Do not forget about medicines for yourself. Depending on where you go, over the counter American brand medicines may be very hard to find.
Toiletries -
Comb/brush/nail clippers
Hair gel
Toothbrushes and toothpaste for everyone on the trip (including child)
Floss
Shampoo
Conditioner
Deodorant
Shaving supplies
Disposable baby wash cloths
baby wash (used as soap, shampoo)
Note: Hairdryers were in the rooms at all of our Chinese hotels. You may want to check and verify so you won’t have to lug around a hairdryer.
Food/Utensils -
Single serving packets of formula (we bought cans of formula while in China but the single serving packets of formula we bought in the U.S. came in handy for airplane trips and when away from the hotel. Each packet has enough formula powder for one bottle.)
Baby bottles/sippy cups
Bottle cleaning brush (if using bottles without disposable liners)
Child utensils, plastic food plates
Bibs
Small thermos (for hot water for formula while away from hotel room)
Instant hot baby/children’s cereal
Cheerios
Plastic container to carry around Cheerios
teething biscuits (depending on age)
instant coffee (for coffee drinkers) or tea (some coffee lovers bring Starbuck ground coffee, filters, and a plastic filter holder to fit on top of a mug to pour hot water into). Actual coffee makers are not in Chinese hotel rooms. Chinese hotel rooms did have hot water makers though.
Dishwashing soap (readily available in China though)
Other -
Baby carrier (Baby Bjorn and other brands)
diapers to last a few days (check availability of diapers and wipes in the area around your hotel and pack accordingly. We only packed a few days worth.)
baby wipes
diaper bag (if not using a backpack)
Antiseptic hand wipes
Antiseptic hand gel
Travel packs of Kleenex (bring many. Carry them around since may need to use them for toilet paper)
stacking cups (for the baby to play with)
childrens books and toys (Children like to be read to and shown pictures. Some suggest an inflatable beach ball since it doesn’t take up much luggage room when deflated)
bubble wrap (in case you buy breakable souvenirs)
mailing tube (if you buy art work, you can roll it up and put it in the tube)
roll of kitchen trash bags (dirty diapers, clothes, etc. avoid smells in confined hotel rooms by putting into trash bags and then sealing them.)
travel alarm clock (there were no clocks in our Chinese hotel rooms)
ziplock bags (used to store items in luggage that might leak. Store other items in purse, backpack that might leak.)
portfolio (to keep important papers, pens, pencils, notepad, etc.)
credit cards, travelers checks, money
insect repellant for adults and child
Notes from 2006 trip: A pack of Johnson’s baby wipes (pack of 80) were 27.50 yuan at Beatrice in Guangzhou.
Pampers in a green bag were 59 yuan for a pack of 24. There was a pack of Pampers sold in a red bag for much cheaper but we found that the cheaper Pampers leaked.
Jars of Heinz baby food in Guangzhou was 5.5 yuan.