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Travelling with Babies – A Minimalist Packing Guide

When travelling with little ones in tow it’s easy to over pack. It’s understandable that parents/carers want to make sure they are prepared for every possible situation. But what if I told you can pack light, even when taking a trip with your baby? Sure, you’d probably scoff at first but once you understand the benefits of light packing you’ll never go back. Not only can packing light help you to feel calmer and less heavy (both physically and mentally) but you'll have less items to remember, and therfore be less likley to forget the essentials.

New parents can be especially cautious about travelling with little ones but the experience can be extremely rewarding - just take it from these parents who have done it. If you’re ready to embark on a new adventure with your little one, our tips will help you stay organised and prepared without over packing.
woman and baby with view
Downsize

When preparing for travel with baby, start by downsizing your baby changing bag; the larger the bag, the easier to over pack. You may also be surprised to find a smaller changing bag to be just as accommodating, not to mention easier on the shoulders.

Start with essentials

When packing your baby’s bag, start by packing the absolute essentials. This should include a small list of things you know your baby will need on way to your destination. Once your essentials are packed, you can now begin to add a few ‘just in case’ items. This includes things like medicine and an extra change of clothes. The longer your travel time is, the more items you may want to pack, but it’s important to not get carried away. Remember, it’s impossible to be prepared for every possible situation, so try to be logical as you pack. Your baby would never get through 50 nappies in a normal day at home, so they won’t need that many in one day of travelling.
baby carrying man on shoulders
Keep non-essentials to a minimum

Once all your essentials are packed, you can now add a few extras. Pack a few, small toys to keep your baby entertained when travelling. If your baby has a favourite soft toy or blanket, make sure these are easy to access so you can quickly reach for them if baby becomes grouchy or irritable en route.
baby carrier
It’s ok to have room

If you’re used to leaving the house with a bag stuffed to the brim, having room in your changing bag when taking off for a trip may leave you feeling a little uneasy. However, the beauty of packing light is that you’re less likely to forget important items, not to mention, your items will be easy to access. That extra room will also come in handy if someone decides to take of their jacket, or pick up a souvenir on the way to your destination.
woman carrying baby on beach
Carry less equipment

Baby gear is bulky, and even the most high end, sleek designs still take up a fair amount of packing room. Rather than pack several kinds of baby carrying equipment: car seat, pushchair, baby carrier etc., stick to just one or two at most. Make sure the kind you choose is suited to the activities you will be pursuing on your travels.

At the towing centre we stock a range of cargo equipment perfect for families travelling with young children. Our roof boxes, cycle carriers and roof bars make it easy for adventurous families to travel with all their essentials in tow.
Products in this article
thule motion xt xl roof box titan glossy
Thule Motion XT L Roof Box Titan Glossy 6297T
Thule Motion XT L Roof Box Titan Glossy Stylish and spacious roof-mounted cargo box, optimised for ease of use.
£595.00
(Ex £495.83)
Thule WingBar Edge 9592 Silver
Thule WingBar Edge 9592 Silver
Now even closer to perfection - the most safe and silent roof rack is now also available customised fit. The new Thule WingBar Edge is practically noiseless. The low profile and close fit to the roof creates a stunning look and reduces the overall height of the load.
£259.95
(Ex £216.62)
thule wingbar edge 9583
Thule WingBar Edge 9583B
Now even closer to perfection - the most safe and silent roof rack is now also available customised fit. The new Thule WingBar Edge is practically noiseless. The low profile and close fit to the roof creates a stunning look and reduces the overall height of the load.
£299.95
(Ex £249.95)
thule slide bars 7105-892
Honda CRV 2019 on Thule Slide Bar System 7105-892-5046
Complete Two Bar Package - Includes all necessary Thule parts to fit the vehicle: Honda CRV 2019 on Thule Wing Bar Black System Complete. Thule EVO Foot Pack 7105, Thule Fitting Kit 5046, Thule Slidebars 892.
£389.95
(Ex £389.95)
thule 7105-7122
Nissan Micra Thule Roof Bar System Complete 7105-7122-5169
Complete Two Bar Package - Includes all necessary Thule parts to fit the vehicle: Nissan Micra Thule Roof Bar System Complete, Thule Foot Pack 7105, Thule Fitting Kit 5169, Thule Square Bars 7122.....
£210.00
(Ex £210)
thule proride 591 cycle carrier
Thule ProRide 591 Cycle Carrier
The best and definitely the most convenient upright lockable bike carrier suitable for bikes weighing up to 20 kg.
£84.95
(Ex £70.79)
thule rideon 9502 cycle carrier
Thule RideOn 9502 Cycle carrier
Entry level tiltable bike carrier with light board (for 2 bikes)
£210.00
£189.95
(Ex £158.29)