We've all had the feeling of moving our entire house for a single trip with a baby: stroller, car seat, suitcases, diaper bag, backpack, toys, blankets…
In episode 2 of The Parents' House , Jen, a single mother and travel planner, herself admits that sometimes it feels like she's leaving " for a lifetime ".
Then she adds an important key: the best solution is often to limit what you carry and to rent locally what can be rented.
✅ Find out about the accommodation's surroundings
Before even packing her bags, Jen starts by checking the surroundings of the accommodation and not just the pretty pictures on the internet. She looks at where the nearest hospital is located, if there is an accessible pharmacy , whether the accommodation has an elevator or not, and if it is possible to have an extra bed for the child.
Everything doesn't need to be perfect, but a few checks beforehand allow you to travel more peacefully.
Then comes the essential question: what absolutely must come with us, and what can we rent or find locally?
✅Keep the essentials with you
The essentials to keep with you are generally the cuddly toy, specific medications, a change of clothes for the baby (and one for you), one or two small toys or activities , plus a minimum of transport equipment such as a baby carrier or a compact stroller if you are not renting on site.
✅ Rent bulky accessories
Anything bulky or cumbersome like a travel cot , car seat , some strollers or wagons can often be rented, especially if you come to Quebec where services like Bébé Solutions already exist for that.
✅ Bring snacks
When it comes to everyday survival, Jen has a simple secret: snacks. She admits that snacks have saved her more than once.
Preparing more than necessary, varying the textures and distributing them in several bags allows you to cope with unexpected waits, delays and minor bouts of fatigue.
✅ Disperse the essentials in different bags
Having two of the essentials is also a huge help: a few diapers and wipes in several bags, a spare outfit for the baby in your carry-on, and another in your suitcase. If a bag is lost or inaccessible for several hours, you'll still have what you need to take care of your little one.
✅ Organize a schedule that respects everyone's needs
Finally, Jen reminds us that the goal isn't to fill every minute of the trip, but to create memories that respect everyone's pace. One big activity per day, then time to play, rest, and relax. And above all, don't forget about yourself in the equation.
✅ Take time for yourself
Planning a little something for yourself, a moment to walk, breathe, or just relax, is also part of the checklist. Traveling with a baby isn't about striving for perfection; it's about accepting that it will sometimes be chaotic, often intense, but also full of precious moments.
➡️ And to travel lighter in Quebec, Bébé Solutions allows you to rent your child's equipment directly at your destination, without overloading the car, the stroller… or your mind.
🎧 To go further
This article is inspired by an episode of the podcast La Maison des Parents . To delve deeper into the topic and hear advice from Jen, a single mom, access the full episode .