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How to travel light with a baby?
« Are you moving house? Erm, no, we're just going away for the weekend… » Does this situation ring a bell? Don't worry, you're not alone! When travelling, logic goes out the window: "the smaller they are, the more space they take up!". As the holidays approach, several parents share their tips for travelling light, even with a baby.
Tip 1: I always check out the destination
Before leaving, I make sure I know what I'll find on-site (travel cot, toys, sheets and towels…). With experience, I try to find holiday spots that are at least minimally equipped. It often makes the stay (and the journey!) more enjoyable. For places we go to regularly (my parents' house, for example), I've arranged to leave a pushchair, a cot, some toys… »
Erica, mother of Gaspard and Mahaut
Tip 2: I check the weather before leaving
« Glorious sunshine ahead or a polar storm on the horizon: our suitcases are not the same! I always check the weather before the big departure. Well, I won't hide from you that travelling minimalist is easier for a holiday in August on the Côte d'Azur than for a stay in Brittany at All Saints', but generally, we still manage to travel (almost) light! »
Emilie, mother of Pablo
Tip 3: Never without my list!
« With our eldest, we systematically carried our entire house on our backs. For our second, I decided we were going to get organised. What helped us a great deal: THE LI-ST! I'm not talking about a list scribbled on a piece of paper that accidentally ends up in the bin, but a list on an Excel spreadsheet, reusable from trip to trip. After every holiday return, we remove from the sheet what we didn't use. The result: we travel lighter and lighter. »
Tristan, organised dad of Myriam and Augustine
Tip 4: I ban "just in case" clothes and items
« I have a golden rule. Every time I put a bib, a romper suit or cotton buds in the suitcase, I ask myself the following question: do I REALLY need it, or is it just JUST IN CASE? If it's just in case, I don't take it! Example: the raincoat in Brittany in July — I really need it! On the other hand, the 3rd pair of shorts is clearly "just in case", so I don't take it. »
Armande, mum of Jean, Anouk and Barnabé
Tip 5: I buy and wash on-site
« Unless you're heading to a deserted island, it's rare not to have a pharmacy or a supermarket nearby. I buy nappies, formula and baby food jars on-site (because on holiday I don't cook — it's our holiday too!). And for clothes, I take the bare minimum. On the other hand, I always have with me a small brush and a Marseille soap to remove a mud stain or any other inconvenience caused by a nappy leak! »
Lucie, mum of Gabriel
Tip 6: I go for multi-function and layerable!
« I avoid big bulky jumpers! I prefer to take several layers to stack up. I choose clothes that are easy to mix and match (so that the trousers can go with all the tops in the suitcase, and vice versa) as well as fabrics that are not bulky and dry easily. I try to think "multi-function" — for example, a large swaddle can act as a scarf, a sun shade, a bib, a light blanket… it all depends on the moment. For toys, I bring a book, a small soft toy and that's it. At 7 months, a little spoon is the best toy, and you can find them everywhere! My last tip: the long-sleeved bib, not very bulky and incredibly effective. It helps avoid many stains when the number of clothes in the suitcase is limited. »
Alicia, mum of Erwan and Malo
Tip 7: Soft luggage!
« I prefer soft luggage because it's lighter and fits anywhere in the boot of our car (fabric suitcase with a large shoulder strap, hiking backpack, …). It also lets me keep my hands free when I travel by train, to push Hugo's pushchair for example. »
Véronique, mum of André and Hugo
Tip 8: Optimised storage
« To optimise storage and save space, I have a bag that opens up completely and gives a full overview of the contents. Much more practical than a tote bag! In my daughter's suitcase I even added cardboard boxes to find things more easily (there's the clothes box, the meals box, the health box…). When we arrive on holiday, all I have to do is take out the boxes and put them in the wardrobe. Another one of my tips: I roll the clothes instead of folding them. Give it a try, you'll see, it takes up less space! »
Luc, dad of Oriane
Useful tips for the whole family
Of course, all this advice would be useless if you didn't apply it to your own belongings! Layerable clothing, no "just in case", soft luggage… Think about it for yourself too. Lightening baby's luggage, lightening your own suitcases, means a less packed boot… But it also means a lighter mind. Less stuff, fewer worries… Fewer clothes, less laundry when you get back from holiday! In short, as you'll have understood, travelling light takes a little effort and anticipation, but it seems worth it, don't you think?
Your little ones' phrases
« Watch out for sunburn mummy, you need to put on
some sun cream! »
– Léonard, 3 years old
« I'd love to aim for the moon but it
scares me too much »
– Louison, 4 years old
« Mummy, can I pick up some toast racks? (pine cones) »
– Pauline, 2 years old
AUTHOR
Hello, moi c’est Capucine ! J’espère que cet article vous a plu. Passionnée par la rédaction et spécialisée dans les contenus autour de la petite enfance, je fais partie de l’équipe éditoriale de Petit Picotin. Au fil du blog, j’explore les questions du quotidien des familles pour vous partager conseils, idées et inspirations, en m’appuyant sur des recherches, des sources spécialisées et l’expertise de notre équipe.
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