What should we pack for baby?

Many Intended Parents ask about what baby items they should bring with them to Georgia. There is no perfect “packing list” that will suit every family however we have written this blog to help get you thinking!
How many outfits will my baby wear a day? Should I bring formula, so I do not need to transition my baby when we return home? Do babies really need all of these gadgets? These are just some of the thoughts that Intended Parents have in the months leading up to birth. Combined with luggage limitations, and different product availability in Georgia compared to home countries, packing for baby can become a stressful event. We have put together the following information to help get you started, and depending on your budget and how much space you have in your luggage, we have made some suggestions for a few little
“luxuries” to consider.
 
Firstly, many baby items are available in Tbilisi shops like Wishlist, Carrefour, pharmacies, and baby boutiques. However, Georgian shops may not carry the same brands or have all types of products available as in your home country. Additionally, depending on your home country, items can be more expensive, although some things are cheaper, we have heard! But rest assured, if you forget something on your packing list you will be able to comfortably survive your first few weeks or months as parents in Georgia.
 
Clothing
 Onesies / Bodysuits x 6-10 (at least):
o Consider the season baby will be born in and if long sleeve or short sleeve is
more appropriate.
o Some babies will vomit more than others, so you may need to change multiple
times a day, whereas other babies may wear the same onesie for a few days
straight.
o If your baby has been born early you may need to consider bringing premature
sizes, otherwise bring newborn size and a size up from this (0000 and 000 in
Australia; Newborn and 0-3 months UK / US).

 Singlets x 6-10 (at least):
o Singlets that button under the crotch are more convenient as they stop the
singlet from riding up underneath baby’s onesie.
 
 Small baby beanie / hat x 3:
o These are particularly important if your baby requires hospital care, as oxygen
tubes may need to be taped to their beanie.

 Small baby socks x 3 pairs.

 Warm clothing options if required such as fleece pants, knitted jumpers etc.
 Special clothing for photo shoots if desired, although many local photographers provide
this.
 
Some parents have advised us that it is difficult to find premature sizing in Tbilisi
compared to their home country so keep this in mind.

Sleeping
 Check with your accommodation if they provide any baby bedding, some provide cots /
sheets / blankets. Please note that the provided bedding may not meet your home
country’s safe sleeping standards and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with
you home country’s standards before baby arrives.
 

 If your accommodation does not provide baby bedding you may consider:
o Hiring a cot from a local provider.
o Bringing a collapsible bassinet.
o Other portable bedding based on your home-country’s safe sleeping advice.
 

 To keep baby cosy, you may consider:
o Swaddle suits x 3 (these are available in different warmth ratings, depending on
the season and accommodation heating / cooling options).
o Swaddle wraps x 3 (stretch jersey or muslin depending on season, make sure
they are large (around 1 metre square) to provide plenty of room for a growing
baby).
o Blankets x 2 (open weave from natural fibres).
o Cot base sheet x 2.
o Mattress protector x 1.
 

Feeding
 Check with your accommodation if they provide any baby bottle warmers or sterilisers.
 

 Some items to consider:
o Formula:
 Your hospital may request you provide a particular formula brand / type,
especially if baby is in NICU.
 You may not be able to continue with the same formula when you return home so you will need to ensure you consider when and how you will transition baby onto a different formula. The slower the transition the
better, so make sure you take adequate formula home.

o Baby bottles:
 Babies will feed approximately every 3 hours so consider how frequently you wish to wash and sterilise bottles to determine how many you want to bring – we recommend 6-10 bottles.
 It may take several trials to find a bottle and nipple that your baby will happily feed from, so you may consider bringing a few options or source alternative options locally.
 How do you plan to warm the bottles? Baby bottle warmer, instant water warmer, saucepan on stove, portable bottle warmer, thermos?
 Note that you cannot put all types of bottles in a microwave to warm formula and not all accommodation will have microwaves.
 Consider if you want plastic or glass bottles. Plastic will be lighter in your luggage and less likely to break than glass, but many Intended Parents prefer glass.
o Bottle steriliser
 There are many types available around the world including steam,microwave, UV – these may not all be available locally, however.
 Ensure your accommodation has a microwave if you wish to use this option.
o Bottle cleaning solution.
o Bottle cleaning brush.
o Burping cloths and / or feeding bibs (at least 6-10).
 You will need to consider how you plan to feed baby on the plane home, especially for
those who have long length flights.
 
Transportation
 Check with your accommodation if they provide any baby transportation items such as prams and car seats, some do.
 You can hire car seats and prams from local providers, however, keep in mind that these are hire items so will have some wear and tear. Some Intended Parents may prefer to buy new and then on-sell before they depart Georgia or take home with them.
 If using Bolt cab transport, you will need to provide your own car seat.
 Many parents prefer to walk around with baby, so do not need a car seat; whereas others want to embrace tourist activities and get out to explore on tour buses or public transport. Some parents are happy to use baby carriers whilst others would prefer prams. The following are some items for you to consider bringing, buying, or hiring to transport baby:
o Car seat.
o Pram (travel or full-size).
o Baby carrier or baby sling wrap (note that these may not be suitable for small
babies).

Bathing and Pharmaceuticals
 Check with your accommodation if they provide a baby bath. Alternatively, you could look to purchase or hire locally. Some Intended Parents are happy to use sinks or shower with the baby.
 All the following items are available locally however some Intended Parents prefer to bring brands from home they are familiar with:
o Nappies / Diapers (babies can wear up to 10-12 nappies a day!). These will use up a lot of space in your luggage, so we recommend sourcing locally.
o Wet and / or dry wipes.
o Nappy rash cream.
o Pacifier / Dummy / Soother suitable for newborn (0-2 months size if premature,
0-6 months if full term).
o Baby wash / soap.
o Baby shampoo.
o Face washers / Wash cloths x 3-6. These can double as feeding cloths too!
o Baby moisturiser.
o Cotton tips.
o Iodine (umbilical cord disinfecting).
o Baby probiotics.
o Baby Vitamin D drops.
o Colic relieving medication.
o Thermometer (in ear or forehead).
o Nail clippers / file.
 

Additional Items / Luxuries to consider:
 These items are not considered “must haves” but we have seen some Intended Parents
bring these for their own or baby’s comfort and convenience:
o Nappy / Diaper bag to keep everything together when you are out and about.
o Change table considerations– does your accommodation provide this? If not, what
surface will you use (table, bed, floor)? What will you bring to cover the surface
(change table cover, portable change roll, towel, disposable changing pads)?
o Baby pillow (some parents have said white ones make it easier to get Passport
photos!).

o Baby hairbrush / comb (some babies are born with full heads of hair!).
o Baby formula dispensing machine (definite luxury!).
o Baby nest / basket.
o Baby monitor.
o Night lamp / pink light.
o Room thermometer.
o White noise machine.
o Humidifier (you can get some products which are a white noise machine, pink light,
and humidifier in one which will save you space in your luggage!).
o Nasal aspirator and saline solution.
o Feeding pillow.
o Floor play mat.
 
Please remember, these are just suggestions and may not meet all your personal or cultural needs. You may wish to consult with a newborn care specialist in your home country to ensure you have everything you need. Of course, your Co-Ordinator is always happy to answer any questions you may have in this space.
 
Happy packing!