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Toiletries for parents-

-deodorants
-shampoo
-conditioner
-body wash/soap
-saline solution
-contact case and extra contacts
-lotion (it is really, really dry in Addis)
-sunblock (the sun is really, really strong in Addis)
-feminine products (even if you don't think you'll need them...stress and travel can do a lot to your body!)
-face wash and face lotion
-brush and comb
-tooth brush and paste
-Kleenex packets (keep some on you…toilet paper is often a luxury)
-Purel
-razor and shaving cream

Notes on toiletries- I found that you can find just about anything in Ethiopia and in Vietnam, however it may not be the brand you want. For instance, when I was in Ethiopia and ended up staying 10 days longer than I planned, I ran out of a lot of toiletries (I had packed travel sizes). I was able to find shampoo, face wash, lotion, etc., however I couldn’t find any brands that I wanted. So if you are picky, bring a little extra just in case.

Some ladies bring make-up… I found my hands were too full and I ended up looking like a mess at the end of the day anyway, so I didn’t bother. Depending on where you are staying, you may need/want a travel hair dryer.

Toiletries for child-

-diapers or pull-ups (if needed)
-wipes (I always have wet wipes handy, even for my older kids…they are great for after eating and eight million other things)
-tooth brush
-soap (I love the disposable Huggies brand washcloths that have the soap in them).
-shampoo/conditioner
-lotion
-hair products (such as hair lotion or balm, if necessary)
-Purel
-sunblock
-comb/brush
-hair accessories (for girls who aren’t bald!)
-diaper rash ointment (if adopting a baby)

Notes on toiletries for child- If you are adopting a baby, find out if you can buy diapers when you get there to cut down on the amount you have to pack. Often though, the quality of diapers in other countries is not the same as the ones we have here. I suggest bringing a package or two of high quality diapers from home to use at night and on the flights, and buy some cheaper diapers when you get there for the “in betweens”.

If you are adopting a toddler/preschooler, I highly recommend bringing Pull Ups, even if your child is already potty trained. Even the best trained child can have an accident on a 19 hour flight or a longer-than-expected-thanks-to-being-stuck-in-traffic cab ride, plus with major life upheaval and communication gaps, it is easy to see how accidents can happen. The nannies at AHOPE mocked me for having Belane in a Pull-Up, but it saved me from getting a wet lap on several occasions.

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