What to pack for London with baby?

[Sarolata]

We're going to London in a few days with my boyfriend and 5 month old DS. Because of lockdown we've never been very far so I've only needed to pack nappies, wipes and a change of clothes as we've only been out for about an hour maximum. We will also be getting the train.

Has anyone ever done this or similar? And what should I pack. I know it's a silly question.

I'd say the same - nappies, wipes, change of clothes, but more of them (not too many - you can buy more nappies there if you run out). I'd throw in a thermometer and some calpol.

Just take a few more nappies and maybe an extra change of clothes if the baby if prone to leaks/puke.

There are shops in London if you run out of anything

Are you staying overnight? If it’s just a long day trip then travel mat , nappies, wipes, clothes (I’d take a few sets- you know the poonami will happen- forewarned is forearmed!). Obviously formula stuff if you’re bottle feeding. Pushchair with rain cover. Sling that preferably you can both use. Coat or pram suit. A few toys you can clip to the pushchair otherwise you’ll probably lose them/ they’ll get chucked under a train chair. Can’t think of anything else major!

Are you breast or bottle feeding? If bottle then you’ll need steriliser, bottles, formula etc. You can buy microwave steriliser bags if you’re staying somewhere with access to microwave. I find the ready made formula a lot easier for out and about but it works out quite pricey.

Nappies, clothes, wipes, suncream if you’re going to be out and about and it’s sunny obviously. Sunhat also. Do you use a sling? Might be easier navigating underground etc than a pushchair. Milton wipes are handy. Any favourite toy or comforter.

Are you taking a travel cot? If one is provided in accommodation then double check - usually you have to take bedding including bottom sheet,

Milk and bottles or pre-made bottles if you're bottle feeding.
Nappies, wipes, nappy bags and bum cream.
Calpol.
Clothes (enough for your stay plus one extra), nightclothes, bibs/muslin if you use those. Bring layers as the weather is all over the place.
Small selection of toys for train/entertaining in buggy.
Anything he needs to sleep (dummy, sleeping bag, comfort object, white noise etc) and monitor if you'll need one.
Sling if you use one, good for public transport.

A sun hat and a hat for colder weather so you have options - it’s so changeable atm! And extra socks in case they get lost. A giant Muslin - can be used as blanket, something to lie/sit baby on, a bib. I’d definitely have a sling as well as pram.

And remember there are many many shops in London... so if you need anything you'll be able to buy it

Take what you'd need for several days at home in terms of nappies, clothes, bring extra too. How are you feeding? If bf, it's pretty straightforward. If you bottle feed, you'll need to think about how you'll clean and sterilise bottles. That's more of a pain. Think about sleeping space - if you are hiring a cot, you may need to bring bedding or other things to make it comfortable.

I'd also have a look at the step-free tube map to see the easiest ways to get around if you plan to bring a pushchair. If you have a sling, I would also bring that because sometimes it's easier not to drag the pushchair around all day.

Even with a step free tube you still have to get the thing onto the train itself, usually with much huffing and puffing from other passengers, especially on the busier lines where tourist stuff might be. Sling/ carrier probably easiest.