The letter “P” is for packing today in my Transracial Adoption ABCs.

Packing – Almost all adoptions involve some amount of travel. There are some international programs that still allow parents to have their children escorted home instead of requiring parents to travel, but those seem to be getting fewer all the time. There are also some parents who adopt domestically and are lucky enough to be matched with a child very close to their home, but those are the minority of situations.

For the majority of adoptive parents, being united with your child is going to mean doing some traveling, whether it be to another state or to another country.

Being well prepared and well packed for your adoption trip is important. If you under-pack, it can be very difficult to be parenting a new child in new conditions and not have all that you need. Over-packing is also undesirable because you have to carry it all, and if you are bringing a bunch of stuff you don’t really need, then you are using up space that could have been used for donations on the way over and souvenirs on the way home.

You should be aware that most airlines have restrictions on how much each piece of luggage can way, and they charge anywhere from $25 to $100 (depending on the airline) per bag that is overweight.

Most adoptive parents hit a point in their adoption where they are stuck waiting. There is usually a wait for a referral, and/or a wait for travel. My advice is to be productive during this time. It will help you feel like you are doing something during the wait besides going crazy and checking your email way too often. Also, when it finally is time to travel, most parents find that they have a ton of things to do and are very rushed in preparing for their trip.

Preparing a great packing list and gathering some of the items on it is a great way to pass the time while you wait, and help get prepared for your trip.

Here are a few tips, and make sure you check out the links to my packing lists at the bottom of the page.

- Talk to parents who have traveled recently to the same place you are going. Ask what they did not bring and wish they had and ask what they brought and did not need.

- Remember to ask about the little things that are specific to where you are staying. Do I need to bring towels? Do I need to bring sheets? Do I need a power converter? Do I need to bring a shower curtain? (All of these are real things adoptive parents sometimes need).

- Educate yourself about the weather where and when you will be traveling so you know what clothes, footwear and outwear is appropriate.

- Also know about the social customs of the place you are traveling to. In many countries, short shorts, tank tops and other clothing that is common in the U.S. is inappropriate and even offensive.

- Start early. There are lots of things that can be packed weeks before you travel. Clothes and supplies for the new child, snacks, toiletries, etc. can all be packed in advance. Getting them out of the way early will help you be less busy when the time comes to go and you have all of those last minute things to take care of.

- Keep a list. Find a great packing list (see links below) and modify it for you and your trip. Check off things as you pack them. Make a shopping list of things you need to buy and check things off of that as well.

Here are my packing lists that have gotten us through several international adoption trips and several large family vacations. Use these as a starting point and adapt them to your unique trip and personal needs.

Packing lists:

Clothing for parents

Clothing for the child

Toiletries

Medical Stuff

Other “Stuff” to bring

Donations, Paperwork and Carry-on bags


Packing Q & A