In previous years my biggest decision of what to pack in my rucksack would have been how many bikinis or pairs of shoes I should pack.  Should I take the sparkly sandals, just in case and the bikini for when I lose a few pounds?

Now of course packing becomes a real headache. My wants are no longer important. What is important is what we pack for the boy. We recently spent a week travelling around the UK visiting my parents and sisters and managed to fill the car boot with portable high chairs, travel cot, nappies, food and clothes. Now we have to pack enough baby ‘stuff’ to last for months. After much deliberation, this is what we have packed for ‘The boy’:

Maclaren Quest buggy

Phil and Ted’s wriggle Wrapper – portable highchair and lap band

1 x ring sling

1 x ergobaby front and back sling

1 x buggy/cot mosquito net

1 x buggy blackout sun-shade (93% protection)

1 x buggy rain cover (folds up under the buggy at all times)

1 x travel changing mat with space for wipes, nappies x 35 and nappy bags

Walking harness / straps

1 x tin milk formula

1 x small cool bag

2 x re-useable drying nappies

Stacking blocks, Sophie (teething giraffe), beanie monkey, sleeping rag, small rattle, book, ball.

1 x small quick dry travel towel

1 x compression bag for his clothes

1 x ½ tog sleeping sack (with 5 point harness holes)

7 x pairs of cotton/linen shorts

7 x cotton short-sleeved shirts and t-shirts

3 x long-sleeved shirts

1 x pair long-sleeved cotton trousers

1 x short-sleeved vest to sleep in

1 x zip up thin jumper for cooler climates

1 x full babygro with closed toes

1 x long-sleeved vest

2 x UV swim all in ones

1 x pair swim trunks

1 x swimming cap with neck flap

1 x wide-brimmed sun hat

1 x cap with neck flaps

1 x pair Clarks first shoes

1 x pair croc style shoes

Calpol sachets, neurofen sachets, bonjela, teething granules, thermometer, 5 x sachets of baby food as back up, milton sterilising tablets, milton wipes, baby wipes, nappies, nappy bags, toothbrush, baby toothpaste, shampoo, nail clippers, small bottle cleaning brush, 8 x dummies and dummy clip, 1 x food bowl, baby cutlery set, 1 x non spill water cup, 1 x tipping cup, 3 x milk bottles, 1 x container to carry dried milk in day pack, 1 x small clip top container to transport food.

So there you have it. After splitting ‘the boys’ belongings between mine and my other half’s rucksack that leaves me with, well not much room!

I have a capsule wardrobe that Gok Wan would be proud of, 2 x pairs of shoes (walking sandals and flip-flops), a few essential toiletries, a tiny video camera, laptop, iPod and SLR camera. Even the camera bag has had to be replaced by an old sock to save much-needed space.

Top tip of the day:
Try and buy the majority of baby things on Ebay or at second-hand shops. We paid £30 for our Maclaren buggy and paid no more than 99p on Ebay for each item of his clothing.  When you’re travelling you can’t be precious about items. If they’re not useful, or take up too much room, you need to be able to get rid of them along the way without worrying about how much money you’ve spent on them.