International Travel

Click here to go to a separate page on International travel.

Domestic traveling With - and Without - the Breastfed Baby

Can Baby Come? Making the decision to travel with your baby

Domestic traveling With Baby:

By Car,     By Plane,    By Bus,    By Train

Domestic traveling Without Baby:

Drawbacks To Leaving Baby? What does mom need to know?

Preparation for Mom

Preparation for Baby

By Car,    By Plane,    By Bus,    By Train

Shipping Breastmilk,    Dry Ice,    Coolers

"Necessary Stuff" (things to consider taking when traveling with baby)

Returning Home:

The Reconnection

Links

The mere thought of traveling with - or without - baby can be almost overwhelming for mom and dad. This is especially true if mom has to return to work and is called out of town on business and she cannot bring baby along. In all circumstances where public transportation systems (bus, train, plane, etc.) are used, it is wise to find out before hand what the local policies are for traveling with infants and children, as well as transporting breastmilk when mother is traveling alone. Knowing policies beforehand helps avoid many misunderstandings and unfortunate occurrences.

This info may help parents who need to consider traveling options with - or without baby.

Can Baby Come?

Because the circumstances of each family are very different, there cannot be a "blanket" solution. Each situation must be evaluated individually, and all things considered.

Things that might be necessary to really question or discuss:

1) Can the trip be postponed?

If this is a pleasure trip, can the trip wait a few months? If the trip is business, can the employer reschedule, or can another employee go instead?

2) Can baby go?

There arise occasions, like weddings, retirement parties, and graduations, where an invitation is received but there is a postscript that says, "No children allowed". For some parents, the solution to this is simple: If baby can't go, we don't go. It is perfectly appropriate to return a note expressing your regrets about not being able to attend, saying simply that it is not possible at this time to leave home. A healthy family will understand and respect your feelings.

Another option is to take baby on the trip, along with a someone who can be with baby while the parents attend the function, then all are together again after the function. Sometimes this means that the caregiver can bring baby to a wedding reception, or to dinner, or to a party following the graduation or retirement celebration, but not attend the formal part of the occasion itself. Or the family can opt to reconnect after the function at the hotel.

Some hotels provide childcare services. Be sure to check into this as an option as well.

Don't hesitate to suggest bringing baby along, using a sling, or stroller, or even have a caregiver at the function to remain with baby nearby (same building).

Be creative when coming up with ideas on what would work to enable baby to come and family to remain together. Jot down ideas on paper, add a list of "pros" and a list of "cons" - see how many ideas you can come up with. Be sure to consider if there are any consequences that might occur as a result of leaving baby behind. Most experts agree that whenever it is possible to take baby, baby should go. This is because the most likely time for baby to wean prematurely is between 6 - 12 months of age. While there are no current studies available, many lactation consultants will tell you in their practices they see this, so it is something parents should give thorough consideration.

Are there benefits to bringing baby along?
Absolutely! The most obvious benefit is no separation between mother and baby. No need to worry about emotional separation, or physical discomforts, etc. In addition to this, it is beneficial to family to remain together and do things together "as" a family unit. Most experts agree that the more activities the family does together, the healthier and stronger the family unit is.

Another benefit may be a subtle one, but is a benefit all the same. Many times at family functions older generations truly enjoy seeing the toddlers and babies. There is a something special about seeing older generations and new generations come together.

Be respectful but firm about your beliefs in attending functions as a family, if you choose not to attend a function. A nice note, and even family photo sent often is all that is needed for others to understand.

What are the risks in leaving baby behind?
It is important to consider any possible consequences of leaving baby. Knowing the possible risks can help reduce or even eliminate possible problems. Mothers are often told that "baby will be just fine" - but most people never really consider the downside of leaving a breastfed baby behind. Some of the possible drawbacks may include:

~premature weaning
Premature weaning should always be considered as a possibility. Babies and mothers were not "meant" to be separated prior to weaning age. Some babies do remarkably well with brief separations, but have difficulty with longer separations. Other babies have difficulty with even the briefest separations. Careful consideration should be given to the age of your baby, to the personality of your baby, and to the circumstances surrounding the trip.

The risk of premature weaning may be increased with use of bottles, for example. If baby is old enough, a cup may be preferred over a bottle. If baby is younger, the use of bottles may be the most convenient method of feeding baby, but not necessarily the "best" method. Consideration should be given to alternative methods of feeding baby.
.
~separation anxiety
All babies (and all moms) experience separation anxiety at one time or another. Separation anxiety is defined as, in simplest terms; the distress a baby feels when separated from his/her primary caregiver, usually mother. Most parents "see" separation anxiety clearly beginning at around six months, but it can be evident much sooner. Babies have a strong attachment to mother, and it causes them great distress to be separated from her. Separation anxiety can coincide with what experts call Object Permanence. Object permanence is when baby begins to remember objects and specific people that are not present. Because baby cannot understand yet the concept of time, he/she doesn't understand that mother will be back. All baby understands is that mother is gone.

Being separated from mom unnecessarily can result in a very unhappy, anxious (fussy) baby. Some babies sort of "shut down" when they miss mom, and are mistaken for being a "good" baby. (all babies are good babies!!) But, what "really" may be happening is that baby may be interpreting mom being gone as rejection. Frequent separations may disturb the attachment relationship, and babies may even begin doubt their mother's availability and responsiveness.

~reduction in milk supply
Many moms experience a drop in milk supply when separated from baby. This is usually temporary, and is due to pumping instead of the usual direct nursing. Some mothers may not find this a drawback, however, consider that baby may well be ready to nurse "non-stop" when she returns home, and having a lower supply may cause a few initial rough days for both mom AND baby.

~engorgement, plugged duct or mastitis
Engorgement, plugged ducts and the risk of mastitis should be considered. If mom doesn't pump enough while away, her risk of the issues increase. Some moms are more prone to these issues than other moms, but may not be aware of them until she is separated from the baby because she has always been able to pump and nurse normally and consistently.

~inconvenience in pumping, storing & transporting ebm
Many mothers find it downright inconvenient to pump, especially if she is not used to pumping regularly. Consideration must also be given to storing and transporting expressed breastmilk.

Traveling Without Baby

Preparation for Mom

There are occasions that arise in which mother does have to be away from baby, perhaps on business, or other circumstances in which it is not possible for baby to come. The earlier mother knows, the more time she has to prepare.

Consideration should be given to:
~age of the baby
~length of time away
~supply of milk for left at home for baby
~method of feeding while mother is away (bottles, cups, etc)
~pump and accessories so mother can maintain milk supply
~storing and transporting milk on return trip

The age of a baby is an important consideration in traveling. Younger babies who are exclusively breastfed rely totally on mother's milk, so mother must be sure she has provided enough milk for the baby to have while she is gone. Younger babies may need to rely on bottles or alternative methods for feeding milk, while older babies (about 4 months and older) often can use cups while mom is away. Caregivers should be instructed to continue to use slow flow nipples and to follow your guidelines carefully.

How long mother will be gone influences how the expressed breastmilk might be stored. If she is gone a few days, her milk is better stored in the refrigerator than frozen. Breastmilk is good in the refrigerator for up to eight days, and fresh milk is always better. Mother may want to use one large container for her milk, and have the caregiver pour into individual bottles or cups as needed, or she may wish to provide a day or two days worth of bottles and a container so the caregiver can prepare a days bottles in advance. If she is gone more than a few days, she may wish to freeze her milk. In either case if she has frozen stock already she can use that.

To determine how much expressed breastmilk (ebm) that baby needs while mom is away, one can use the baby's current nursing patterns as a guideline. If baby nurses every two hours, it is safe to assume baby would need a bottle every couple of hours. If baby nurses every three hours, baby would need a bottle every 3 hours. If baby is older, and nurses only 4 or 5 times a day, those would be the times in which one would offer the feeding (via cup, whenever possible). For younger babies, who have not started solids, one can use a breastmilk calculator to determine approximately how much ebm baby needs per bottle. Older babies on solids may need less breastmilk , although most experts try to encourage mothers to offer solids in addition to the breastmilk diet, not in place of a milk feeding.

Once it has been determined how much breastmilk will be needed, mother can then take steps to begin storing for the occasion. She may already have plenty of freezer stock stored (older milk should be used first), but if not, she can increase pumping sessions and begin storing in refrigerator, or freezing her milk, in the amounts generally needed (i.e. 2 oz, 3 oz, or 4 oz increments) for baby. Breastfeeding experts often recommend mothers freeze in smaller increments to avoid waste, and because the milk thaws and warms faster than the larger amounts do.

Careful instructions should be left with the caregiver on thawing, warming and method of feeding. These instructions should include a note that thawed milk is only good for 24 hours, and that breastmilk should be warmed by water method, never in microwave. Don't take for granted that your caregiver knows; instead leave the instructions so that there is less confusion or question about storing, thawing, and feeding methods.

Taking along the breast pump and using it at LEAST as often as baby nursed at home ensures mom maintains milk supply. If baby nursed every 2 hours at home, mom should strive to pump about every 2 hrs if at all possible. If baby usually nurses every 3 hours, mom should try to pump every 3 hrs. If mom works and has a pumping pattern already established, she can stick to that pumping pattern, since her body is used to it already, but add a few more sessions in if at all possible for optimal maintenance of supply.

If the pump is an electric pump, and mother doesn't have an adapter to use in the car, she might consider purchasing one, as well as a battery pack. These are just handy options and not "mandatory". (Packing an extension cord may be a wise idea, since there are times when the electrical outlet isn't conveniently placed). If traveling by air, mom should consider packing the pump in her carry-on bag.

Breastmilk can be kept and stored in a cooler filled with ice (check the ice several times a day to ensure cooler is staying very cold). Dry Ice is always an option, but usually is reserved for shipping expressed breastmilk. Storage options do depend on how long mom will be gone, and what options she has available to her during her time away as well as during her travel time. If staying in hotel or motel, there may be a refrigerator available to store the milk in. Be sure the temperature setting is cold enough for proper storage.

Always give careful consideration to taking a manual pump in the event of delays or layovers, and lack of electricity, plenty of nursing pads, and a water bottle so you have plenty to drink.

Additional tips for the caregiver can be found here:

http://www.breastfeeding-basics.com/html/caregiver.htm

And information on storage and handling of expressed breastmilk can be found here:

http://breastfeeding.hypermart.net/storagehandling.html

Preparation for Baby

When baby must be left in the care of others while mom travels, it is important to try and prepare baby ahead of time as much as possible. Preparation may include taking baby for frequent visits to the caregiver's home, increasing the length of time baby is there as the time for the trip draws near. For example, two weeks before a trip, take baby for a two or three hour visit with the caregiver, a couple times a week. One week before the trip, increase the time baby is there to an "all day" visit, and see how things go. Visits prior to the trip help both mom and caregiver in knowing what to expect and working on any difficulties that arise prior to the time mom must leave.

If bottles have not been introduced, but baby is of an age where a bottle might be important, begin introducing the bottle as soon as possible. This gives time for baby to get used to bottles before mom has to go. If baby is older, you may want to consider using cups instead of bottles.

If baby refuses the bottle, don't panic. There are many options that can be used for feeding besides cups and bottles; it just takes a little practice.

Be sure to leave any medications baby might need, favorite blankets, and toys, and telephone numbers and directions to baby's doctor as well. Most physicians and hospitals require parental consent for treatment in the event of an emergency, so it might be wise to leave a signed, notarized copy of consent with the caregiver.

Finally, mom might sleep with one of baby's blankets so that it has her scent on it and baby will smell and "feel" her presence. Another tip is to make a voice recording of mom singing songs, or reading a book, or just talking to baby, so that it can be played each day for baby.

Pumping to maintain supply

It is important to remember when traveling without baby to pump on a regular basis, to maintain milk supply. Most breastfeeding experts suggest pumping at LEAST as often as baby usually nurses, but sometimes this is not possible. Most mothers do fine pumping about every 3 hours during the day, and perhaps once at night, while away from baby. It may help to keep a picture of baby nearby, while pumping, and to practice relaxation techniques to make pumping easier. Additional tips and pumping information can be reviewed here:

http://breastfeeding.hypermart.net/breastpumpingtips.html

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html

TIPS FOR TRAVELING:

By Car, With Baby:

Breastfed babies are very portable, and this makes traveling with them very easy. The easiest way to plan a trip is to allow and incorporate about 20 - 30 min every two to three hours (depending on age of baby) to nurse. At first this may seem very inconvenient, but if one is being practical one can see that it's very beneficial for all other parties involved as well.

Stopping every 2 - 3 hrs allows the driver to get out and walk a bit, relieving any cramped feeling or road stress/weariness, and also gives everyone opportunity to get a drink, get a snack, and go to the restroom. This actually makes the trip go much smoother than racing the clock to get somewhere by "x" time. Be flexible and take time to enjoy the brief stops.

If planning a trip that is more than a day long, consider starting the trip early, and stopping earlier in the evening - say by 6 or 7 pm. This gives baby and everyone else time to "unwind" before bedtime.

Taking a cooler and a manual breastpump (or electric one with adapter to use in car) can be helpful if baby sleeps a long stretch and mom is needing to express milk, or if there is some reason that it might be difficult to stop, so mom can pump and offer a bottle or ebm via cup if needed. (Mother can certainly express manually as well)

Check the ice in the cooler at each stop or every other stop.

NOTE: Most experts agree it is not wise to nurse baby in the car seat while the car is moving, nor is pulling the car right along side the road (on shoulder of road) & stopping to nurse. Try to pull into a rest area or a parking lot. If you HAVE to pull to shoulder of the road, DO use the hazard lights to make your car more visible, and pull as far away from edge of road as possible.

By Car, Without Baby

If you are traveling and baby is not with you, it is important for you to make plans to express your milk at least every 3 or so hours. This is important to maintain milk supply. (do not wait until you are uncomfortably full to express, as this will signal your body to reduce production)

You can do this by hand expressing, using a manual pump (or electric pump with adapter for use in car) while traveling (preferably NOT when driving!!) OR you can just plan to take a 15 - 20 min break every 3 or so hours and pump in parking lot (in the car). Again, incorporating the stops helps relieve any road stress/weariness and gives you time to get drink, a snack, or eat, and use restroom.

Freshly expressed milk may be stored at temperatures slightly below room temperature (such as in a cooler with icepacks ) for up to 24 hours. If the milk has been kept at room temperature prior to being placed into the cooler, safe storage time in the cooler may be decreased somewhat.

By Plane - With Baby

Probably the most important tip one can offer when discussing airline travel with (or without) baby is to arrive early! Arriving early, by as much as 2 hours before flight, can help in finding airline personnel to help with questions or concerns, and it can also give you time to relax and nurse baby a bit prior to boarding and take-off.

Most airlines have a restriction on the amount of "carry on" luggage. It may help to try to condense items needed to one bag, and packing the rest in your regular luggage. Many moms find it helpful to place wallet and other necessary items from her purse or handbag into the diaper bag, and packing her purse if she takes it at all.

Baby items can be checked onto the plane with other luggage, or if you prefer, you can bring it to the departure gate and have it checked there so that it is available as soon as you land. An example of one item you might want to have checked at the gate is baby's stroller. Doing so allows you to make use of the stroller right up until you get to the boarding gate.

It is suggested to purchase a seat so you don't have to worry about there not being an "extra" seat available. You could check the carseat at the gate if you needed, and they could probably give you an idea if there were extra seats when you check your baggage. Give the car seat to the flight crew to gate check it as you board, they will then give it right back to you as you deplane. Just make sure they ticket it with your name

To increase possibility of getting a seat for baby without actually booking a seat, check to see which flights to your destination have the lowest number of passengers, and book your flight on one of those. Ask to be seated in an aisle seat with an empty seat between you and the person "next" to you, or if you are traveling with others, one of you ask for aisle seat the other a window seat with an empty seat between you. These middle seats are usually the last to fill up and many times there is an empty seat left that you can use for baby. Rear seats, at the back of the plane are also slow filling and may be something to consider. Or you can simply ask the agents at the gate if they can get you next to an empty seat. However, if you really want to ensure you have a seat, just book one. (you can use the car seat to strap baby in his or her own seat)

If mother is exclusively pumping, and the need arises to warm a bottle of expressed breastmilk while at the airport, go to one of the food places in the airport (there are almost always places within a short distance of your gate), right before your flight starts boarding. Ask the food place for a coffee cup to put some hot water in to warm a bottle. (If you bring the bottle with you and show it to them, chances are they won't charge you for the cup as if you were trying to "steal" a cup of coffee or tea!) Then just put the bottle in the cup of hot water and by the time you board the plane, it will be warm. Another option is to run the hot water faucet in the ladies room near the gate on the bottle until it was warm enough.

Warming a bottle, if needed, prior to boarding the plane will help ensure the bottle stays warm until it's ready to be used during flight, if it's a short distance flight. On a longer distance flight you can ask the flight attendant to bring you a cup of hot water to warm the bottle.

Other tips include:

~Getting a window seat on the plane for more privacy, and for something to lean on.

~Ask the flight attendant for a couple pillows as soon as you find your seat (or look for them in the overhead bins) so you can position yourselves more comfortably during nursing. Stuff a pillow (or something) in the opening between the seats, and/or between the seat and side of plane to prevent baby from dropping toys under the seats, it can be pretty dirty under the seats!

~Consider using a sling or baby carrier like the Baby Bjorn - it may be easier than dealing with a bulky stroller

~ Check as much baggage as you can so you don't have to struggle with it within the terminals.
~ Try to nurse during takeoff and landing (minimizes discomfort to ears when cabin pressure changes). (A sleeping baby doesn't need to be wakened to nurse)

~ Pack distractions for baby, a new toy or books for example (magnadoodles and scribble pads are great for older babies)

~ Instead of traditional diaper bag, consider a backpack for essentials to keep your arms free while moving through the airport

~ Consider scheduling the flight around a time when the baby usually naps if possible

For tips on traveling by plane with multiples, click here

By Plane - Without Baby

When traveling by plane without baby, be sure to have your pump and all accessories in one area, and keep with, or in, carry-on bag. Pack a couple spare parts that might be needed, such as small valves or membrane flaps. You can save and store your milk, or you can discard it.

X-rays at security checkpoints will not harm expressed breastmilk. Be sure to take instruction booklet if you have it, along with the breastpump - it makes it much easier to "explain" what your pump is to anyone who has never seen a breastpump!

NOTE: A few moms have reported that you will be required (depending on how strict the personnel is at the security checkpoint) to taste your breastmilk- whether it is frozen or liquid. In the event this should happen, have a small Dixie type cup on hand so that you can pour just a bit into it. Doing so prevents waste and reduction of storage time from having to drink from milk container. You might call the airline you will be using and ask them their particular policy on this issue, prior to your flight.

By Bus - With Baby

Greyhound is probably one of the most popular bus lines, and they do offer discounts for children. The current policies for traveling Greyhound include:

~ One (1) child who has not reached his or her second (2nd) birthday when accompanied by a passenger 15 years of age or older will be carried free when not occupying a seat to the exclusion of another passenger.

~ Children who have not reached their second (2nd) birthday and will be occupying a seat to the exclusion of another passenger, will be charged forty percent (40%) less than the full adult fare increased where necessary to end in a "0" or "5" when accompanied by a passenger paying the full adult fare.

These and other important Greyhound policies regarding children can be found at the Greyhound website. (http://www.greyhound.com/) under "Children's Fares"(in the FAQ section)

Another national busline is the Trailways Transportation System, however if you are traveling a short distance, you may have a local bus line that travels within a specific area. Check your local yellow pages listings for bus lines that might cover any shorter travel distances you may need to go, and check on their policies regarding traveling with children.

By Bus - Without Baby

Pack light. Consider using a backpack to carry "on board' items that you might need during your traveling time, including your pump. You might opt for a back seat for more privacy in the event pumping in the bus restroom is uncomfortable or impossible. You might bring a sweater or shawl that you could use to discretely cover with during a quick pumping session, should you be unable to use restroom.

If traveling short distance, you may not need to pump on the bus. If traveling a long distance, you may need to pump, but there are often stopping points in which you may be able to pump off the bus (i.e. restaurants, filling stations, etc.) Check with the bus line about stopping points and times so you know ahead of time what to expect.

By Train - With Baby

AmTrak - Children under the age of two ride for free. It is usually suggested that you travel in a private sleeper car (only certain trains have this accommodation), this way you have privacy for you and your baby, and don't have to worry about disturbing other passengers, or other passengers disturbing you. You can travel in coach, but of course there will be other people around.

Do note there are no seat belts on trains so you wouldn't be able to use a car seat. However, most passengers with infants use carrying seats.

By Train - Without Baby

Train is an efficient and often inexpensive way (depending on your geographical location) to travel at a more leisurely pace. Be sure to pack a manual breast pump, along with your electric pump if you have one, and a long extension cord just in case you need it.

There is, to date, no way to store milk, other than personal cooler that you might bring.

Shipping Breastmilk

When you are ready to ship breastmilk, call your overnight shipping company and arrange for them to come pick it up at their latest possible pick up time and ask to have the cooler shipped overnight or priority overnight (with Fed-Ex this means the milk picked up at 5pm will arrive at 8 am or by 10 am. the following day).

Prepare the milk as follows:

~About thirty minutes before scheduled pick up time, tightly pack the bottom and sides of the cooler with a layer of crumpled up newspaper.

~Place frozen breastmilk in the cooler, packed as closely in the middle as possible, and then stuff every bit of extra space with more crumpled up newspaper.

~Close the cooler and tape it shut with packing tape. You can sign your name over an area where the tape connects, to ensure that the cooler has not been opened and the contents are intact and untouched.

~When the milk arrives at its destination, it should immediately be placed in the freezer.

When shipping milk in this manner, it should arrive still solid. Occasionally it will arrive "slightly thawed", but containing ice crystals. As long as there are ice crystals in the breastmilk it may be refrozen. Larger amounts of frozen milk often arrive frozen solid. Packing milk tightly together with plenty of newspaper filling up all available space helps ensure the milk remains frozen.

NOTE: Before shipping milk this way, try testing it out with regular cow's milk. Pack the cooler with frozen bagged cows milk and newspaper, as if you were shipping it. Close the cooler and leave it alone for 12 to 24 hours, or for a few hours past how long you believe it will take for the milk to get to its destination. Doing so will help you be sure you are packing the milk correctly, and allow you to make any adjustments needed to ensure your milk arrives safely.

More here:

http://skylane.kjsl.com/~cee/kin.htm

Dry Ice

5Llbs of dry ice lasts 12 hours, 10 Llbs lasts 24 hours, and 15 Llbs lasts 36 hours.

http://www.dryiceinfo.com/shipping.htm

http://waltonfeed.com/grain/faqs/ivb1.html

Coolers

The type of cooler a mom uses depends on her traveling situation. If baby is traveling with her, she may not need a large cooler, instead using a "personal" cooler like a "six pack" cooler, or even lunch bag cooler. Some breastpumps, like the Medela PIS Traveler, come with a little individual cooler that is very handy. The main concern is to check frequently to make sure the cooler is staying cool, keeping the breastmilk at an appropriate temperature.

If mom is not traveling with baby, she may need a larger cooler in which to store her milk. This probably doesn't need to be excessive in size, but large enough to hold her store of expressed breastmilk. She may choose to ship the milk home, using Styrofoam coolers instead. It just depends on her individual traveling circumstances.

Do note that "dry runs" (prior to her trip) with coolers can be done, and probably should be done so that mom knows what to expect. In doing so, she can determine if she has the right cooler for her current situation, and make any adjustments necessary before she actually travels.

Things to Consider Taking When Traveling With Baby

A few things you might want to consider taking along, or make sure you have plenty of, when traveling with baby (travel sizes are great, but you can also fill small bottles and use Ziploc baggies):

• Extra diapers (cost a lot at airports and convenience stores)
• baby wipes
• diaper cream (Balmex, Desitin, etc.)
  
• Q-tips (travel size is great, otherwise in Ziploc baggie)
  
• baby shampoo
  
• baby bath
  
• baby lotion
  
• thermometer
  
• infant pain reliever
  
• nasal aspirator
  
• baby sunscreen
  
• baby hat to shade from sun
  
• bibs (cloth, or the disposable ones)
  
• Baby's favorite blanket and/or stuffed animal or toy
  
• Quart-sized ziploc bags and a travel-sized can of Lysol for dirty diapers
  
• Trial-sized hand sanitizing gel like Purel, or travel sized sanitizing wipes
  
• Cup, bottle brush & small dish detergent
  
• Extra pacifier if baby uses them
  
• Backpack with baby's toys, books, games, etc. and puzzle book or reading book for mom
  
• Swim diapers, baby life jacket or floaties
  
• night light and extension cord
  
• small notebook (spiral) for journal/diary or notes
  
• camera, or one-time use camera
  
• travel first aid kit, antibiotic ointment, bottle of Benadryl, and plenty of Band-Aids
  
• childproofing items - a few examples may include: electrical outlet covers, external cabinet locks(rubber bands often will work well), doorknob covers (helps prevent older babies from opening doors)
  
• Larger items might include infant seat and stroller, which are mentioned frequently, but also a port-a-crib.

Returning Home - The Reconnection
While many babies resume nursing like they were never apart, it is also perfectly normal for things to be slightly out of sync for a few days, or even a couple weeks after mother returns home. It may take a while for mom and baby to settle back into a familiar pattern. Baby may be extra clingy for several days to several weeks, but as things settle once again into a familiar pattern, and baby feels more secure, this clinginess should resolve. Mom might want to consider taking a day or two to "reconnect" with baby - doing very little for a couple days aside from being with baby and nursing often. Being patient, giving lots of cuddles and hugs, can help baby settle back in much faster.

Some babies may balk at nursing after being apart from mom, even if it's only been a few days. In the event this happens, mom should put in a call to an experienced lactation consultant and continue to gently offer the breast. Most often with gentle encouragement babies will accept the breast and resume nursing as normal within a few days.

Links:

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/breastfeeding_retired/7751

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/7157.html

http://allsands.com/Travel/Kids/travelingwithb_unf_gn.htm

http://www.wyethnutritionals.com/Baby/care4baby_travel.htm

http://www.bluesuitmom.com/travel/family/infanttravel.html

http://members.tripod.com/~bmsg/aileen.htm