- Patience. Find a mantra to repeat to yourself when things are going awry: “I will get through this. We will make lasting family memories. I will get through this…”
- Prepare for the unexpected but prepare to be unprepared.
- Positivity, have fun and get going!
- A. A & D ointment—while certain supplies like this are in the gift shop onboard, they are pricey.
- B. Bottles—especially if your little one is picky about the type of bottle they will drink from. Also bring a bottle brush for handy cleaning.
- C. Carrier—onboard and in port it is MUCH easier to use an infant carrier, sling or backpack than a bulky stroller.
- D. Diapers—while you can purchase them onboard the ship they are expensive, and bringing them from home will save you money and time.
- E. Extra Clothes—LOTS. Unless you don’t mind paying for laundry service or being dirty with spit up, to each their own!
- F. Food—if they are still eating baby food make sure you bring this onboard so they have the brand they like and are used to, don’t want any upset stomachs!
- G. Goggles—this is also for a the older siblings, most pools on board are salt water so goggles are a must.
- H. Hat—don’t forget the sun hat which can also be used if it is raining.
- I. Ice Teethers—I know this sounds crazy, but if your little one is teething bring something along from that will help them with it. I am sure you will be less stressed and they will be better rested for the fun.
- J. Jacket—even cruising in the middle of the summer. If you plan on going up on deck in the evening at all bring a light jacket for your little on,e sometimes the ocean breeze can get chilly. I spend a ton of time with my stroller just letting my little man relax and enjoy the ocean up on deck.
- K. Kuddle Friend—Make sure to bring your little ones favorite blanky, stuffed animal or ‘kuddle’ friend.
- L. Linens—while the cruise ship will provide this I wanted to use my crib sheet from home and it didn’t take up to much room to pack.
- M. Milk—if you like soy milk, or other specific types of milk, these will not be offered onboard so you will need to bring your own. Just make sure your travel agent notifies the cruise line prior to sailing.
- N. Nebulizer—is so important with any child who has asthma or breathing issues. You never know when it will hit so be prepared for the worst.
- O. Organic Foods or Drinks—chances are they will not be available on board so if your little one is used to organic, bring it with you.
- P. Pacifier—known in my house as bippy. Also bring a pacifier clip so it doesn’t fall onto the floor!
- Q. Queen Size Bed—if your little one is used to sleeping with you, just make sure your cabin attendant has converted your bed to a queen. They will provide you with a Pack-n-Play if sleeping with your bundle of joy isn’t an option.
- R. Relaxed Attitude—there will be times your little one is fussy or tired, but I guarantee most passengers onboard will be understanding because they have been there at one time or another themselves.
- S. Sippy Cup—while you can get straws onboard, a sippy cup is so much easier and you will be less anxious of spills.
- T. Thermometer—just in case your sweet darling decides to get sick. It is small and easy to fit in, so why not.
- U. Umbrella Stroller—because it can fold down easily and great size for storage.
- V. Vaseline—which can work great from dried lips as well as the thermometer. Sorry but had to put that in there.
- W. Water Shoes—if your little one is walking (my oldest started at 8 and half months) this is a necessity while up on deck so they don’t slip and fall or get those precious toes dirty. Also Baby Wipes. LOTS of Baby Wipes.
- X. gasX drops—once again, something small to pack and could literally save your sanity. Just kidding, but it definitely is worth packing.
- Y. Youth Program—if you are traveling on Disney, take advantage of the Nursery. They will keep your bundle of joy starting at the age of 6 months. Also keep in mind cruise lines have restrictions on age so make sure your little one is old enough to sail.
- Z. OK, so I wasn’t creative enough to come up with something for Z, however, swim diapers are very important—they will not be allowed to swim in the big pool unless potty trained, but they can play in the water zone or ‘kiddy pool’. Also bring Infant Sunscreen. You will want to make sure your baby is protected from the sun with a tear-free formula.
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