Hello!

My 17 month old and I are heading away for a holiday. We’re flying to Sydney and staying with a relative. It’s just me and I’m worried about carrying everything! What do I really not need to take?!


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  • Nappies etc can all be bought there. Don’t take too many toys or books (you can always visit a local library if needed)/


  • Heavy Stroller: If your relative has a stroller, consider leaving yours behind. A lightweight, portable stroller or a baby carrier can also be easier to manage.

    Full-size Pack ‘n Play: If you can borrow a portable crib or use a travel one, it’ll save space.

    Excessive Snacks: While it’s good to have some snacks on hand, you can pick up some kid-friendly snacks once you arrive.

    Too Many Diapers: Bring enough for travel and the first day, then buy more when you get there.


  • Does the relative have their own children? Where will your bub be sleeping? It might be a good idea to give your relative a call and see what they have there. If tgey have children themselves they may have quite a lot which would be handy. Obviously anything you can purchase from a supermarket ie wipes/nappies/formula/ baby food you can get from there.


  • Since you are staying with family you don’t need to bring a whole lot of nappies or food as that can be simply purchased. I’m assuming you will be out a lot so just bring their favourite toy or two, at least one they sleep with for comfort. There will be lots to look at and talk to them about everything you see to keep their mind occupied. It won’t be easy, we did it when our daughter was 15 month old and I was pregnant with twins, but it will be rewarding.


  • Sounds like it might not be the time to go? It sounds like it will be more stress than it is worth at the current time. You dont have to go if you dont want to
    But if you do go, take an ipad and headphones, and lots of snacks!


  • Don’t take too many toys and when we travelled with my little ones, our relatives would often organise a car seat, high chair and a cot so that we did not need to carry it all


  • Of course, it depends on whether it’s by plane or car. If you have a car, you can pack a few extras that aren’t essentials, like a high chair if it’s small (I had a super compact one). You will need a stroller and a nappy bag definitely. I would try to pack as many nappies as you are likely to need and plenty of wipes. As for clothes – is there a washing machine available? If not, I would usually allow for at least one change per day and a jacket or two in case it’s cold and a couple of warm weather outfits. You will also need some ready to go food for while you are travelling as well as bibs. Make sure you have plenty of snacks and things like that, but probably only enough until you get there and for the first day, as you will likely want to buy a few supplies once you arrive. A change mat is also useful and perhaps a blanket and some toys to play with.


  • Might be handiest to pack everything in a backpack so you have your hands free for your child


  • Don’t take more than one toy and one book. Keep disposables (like nappies) to a minimum, as you can buy more there.


  • Don’t take too many toys. Kids can be amused by lots of things on hand.


  • If its just interstate I’d pack light and if you need anything just buy it from the shops!


  • Travelling light makes things so much easier indeed !


  • Even when we pack light we still do not use everything; so we get lighter each trip.


  • I am a fan of travelling light. Take one bag with your clothes and baby’s and if you need a stroller ask your relative if they can grab one second hand or borrow one for the duration. Take baby’s bottles and formula if needed. Make sure you pack your favourite jeans and shoes and a cardigan and a jacket. Mix and match clothes and baby will need the same.


  • Just pack the basics! Clothes, some favourite toys and a pram or carrier and have a great trip!


  • I used to visit my parents interstate. Biggest item I took was a pram, mum got everything else


  • Since you’re staying with a relative I would bring just the basics. Some change of clothes but not much as you can wash. Some basic toiletries. Some nappies for during the travel, you can buy more in Sydney. Some toys for your 17 months old, a book , phone and charger and maybe headphones for yourself


  • We always travel light and essential only and going to Sydney should mean proximity to shops if extra supplies/items are needed.


  • Definitely second the below, don’t take bubs entire wardrobe. Our first trip away I packed way too much clothing. And his bath… So unnecessary.


  • If you are organising a hire car, don’t take a car seat with you, they can supply one. Some companies even supply prams or you can find a place that you can rent one from. Don’t take too many clothes as you can wash them in the sink and let them dry. I would suggest only taking a couple of pairs of shoes, i always take far too many and end up wearing my thongs or sneakers most of the time. Remember to take travel size shampoo, tooth paste, maybe a disposable tooth brush etc. If you are staying close to supermarket, i wouldn’t take too many nappies, wipes etc as you can easily get these when you get there. Just take what you think you might need for a couple of days and buy the rest when you get there. Have a fantastic holiday.


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