After seeing several posts on forums inquiring about what to take on the pick up trip, I’ve compiled a list that may be helpful. If anyone would like to make additional suggestions, please add them in the comments section.

For You:

1. First and foremost, get all your paperwork organized in a binder, preferably in page protectors so it will be easy to find each page. Put everything you need in this binder and guard it with your life.
2. Pack a camera along with extra batteries or chargers. The electricity there is the same as here.
3. Gifts for the foster family, coordinators, and lawyer. I gave the foster mother an album of all the photos I had received of Ella during the process. She loved it.
4. A Spanish/English dictionary.
5. Travel size tissues and wet wipes.
6. Sample sizes of shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant, soap, a travel toothbrush,
7. Small container for dishwashing liquid to wash bottles and a bottle brush.
8. Small container for laundry detergent.
9. Hair dryer (although many hotels have them; you can inquire beforehand)
10. Anti-diarrhea medication, aspirin or ibuprofen, motion sickness medication, cold medicine and any prescriptive medicine you take. My doctor gave me a prescription for a broad ranged antibiotic in case I got sick.
11. Money belt for carrying money discreetly.
12. Clothing of course. Pack lightly and check online to see the weather forecast for the time you’ll be there.
13. Comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses.

For a Baby

1. Baby bottles (about 3 will be fine)
2. Baby spoons if they are getting food. You can buy baby food there in the supermarkets. I took some carrots, applesauce, and rice cereal.
3. Antibacterial ointment.
4. Baby wipes.
5. Fingernail clippers
6. Comb/Brush
7. Q-tips
8. Small containers of baby soap, shampoo and moisturizer.
9. Gentle lice shampoo (just in case)
10. Child Tylenol or Motrin
11. Mylicon drops for gas
12. A mild pediatrician approved over the counter medication for a stuffy nose
13. Cream for the baby’s bottom
14. Changing pad (you can buy disposable ones)
15. Plastic bags to put dirty diapers in (you can buy convenient small packages of these at Wal-Mart)
16. Baby thermometer
17. Pacifiers (if needed)
18. Pedialyte (can be purchased in the pharmacies there)
19. Diapers (can be purchased there unless you know what size you need)
20. Blanket
21. About 2-3 outfits for each day you’ll be there; preferably comfortable ones that are easy to put on and take off.
22. Hat
23. Swim diapers if you are planning on using the pool.
24. Socks for the plane
25. A stroller that can fold up easily
26. A snuggli or baby wrap to hold the baby is very handy.
27. Formula: I would suggest continuing with the formula they are receiving there until you get home, and then very slowly and gradually introducing the new formula by mixing a little more of it everyday to replace the previous one.
28. I wouldn’t bother dragging a car seat because you will probably not use it in Guatemala unless you are renting your own car and taking a long trip. It is best to have it properly installed in your car for when you get home.
29. Some interesting toys for the baby to play with; they tend to get bored easily, especially on planes.

For an Older Child

1. Underwear
2. Pajamas
3. Chewable Dramamine
4. Snacks (breakfast bars, etc)
5. Gum (for older children to chew on the plane)
6. Toys and books
7. A child’s backpack to carry his/her possessions
8. Disposable camera to take their own photos

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. You can email me directly at:
LisaS@adoptionBlogs.com

Have a safe and wonderful trip.

Photo Credit