Tips for Traveling Light with a Baby: 2 Weeks in Europe with Just a Carry-On and Backpack

Hey there, fellow family adventurers! As I gear up to take my 16-month-old off on a two-week Italian adventure, I’ve set myself a daring mission: tackling it all with NO checked bags! That’s right – every essential for baby and mama packed snugly into a trusty carry-on and travel backpack for our European adventure.

Now, why am I subjecting myself to this challenge? Well, let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of packing woes. As a self-professed over-packer, I used to believe that the more gear I schlepped along, the smoother the journey with a baby would be. Oh, how wrong I was! Wrestling with a toddler, a car seat, a stroller, and a mountain of luggage while attempting to hail a taxi or hop onto a train is my personal definition of chaos – and frankly, it’s just not worth it!

After weeks of meticulous planning, I’ve cracked the code and managed to squeeze everything we need into a carry-on and backpack combo. Intrigued? Stick around for the lowdown on how to bid farewell to travel drama and embrace a lighter, hassle-free adventure.

In this post, I’ll be covering:

1. The Ultimate Packing List for 2 Weeks in Europe (with the small caveat that you’ll have access to laundry facilities at least once during your trip).

2. Tips for Embracing a Minimalist Mindset and Choosing Your Essentials Wisely.

3. Links to More Detailed Blog Posts delving into exactly what I’ve packed for my 16-month-old.

Just a heads-up: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe in and have personally tried or thoroughly researched.

Luggage:

Let’s kick things off with a crucial piece of the puzzle: luggage. If you’re anything like me, you might have amassed a mishmash of bags over your travels, thinking you can make them work. Spoiler alert: the real key to traveling light with a baby or toddler lies in top-notch luggage and impeccable organization.

Here are my tried-and-true picks:

• Hanples Travel Backpack for Women: This gem serves as my personal item, flight approved and spacious enough to accommodate a 17.3-inch laptop, plus all the essentials.

• DELSEY Paris Sky Max 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage: Say goodbye to travel woes with this expandable carry-on featuring spinner wheels for effortless maneuverability.

Baby Carrier:

Sometimes strollers are indispensable, especially for very young babies who require car seats, shade, and extra support. However, after navigating the streets of Japan with our empty stroller 90% of the time, I’ve decided to bid it farewell this time around. Instead, I’m opting for our trusty baby carrier, which not only provides comfort and security for my little one but also allows me to breeze through the airport hands-free.

Graco Cradle Me 4-in-1 Baby Carrier:

The Graco Cradle Me 4-in-1 Baby Carrier is our go-to choice. Featuring a newborn mode with no insert needed and a sleek design, this carrier offers versatility and style without compromising on comfort. We STILL use this and my daughter is now 25 pounds! See below for a photo of us hiking with her in the mountains.

Packing Kit:

Stay organized and stress-free with these handy essentials:

• NICOSHOW 6-Set Compression Packing Cubes: Keep your belongings neatly compartmentalized with these space-saving cubes, perfect for clothes, diapers, toys, and souvenirs. (Amazon link)

• Login Life Travel Size Bottles for Toiletries: TSA-approved and leak-proof, these travel bottles ensure your favorite toiletries stay securely packed.

• 3 Pack Baby Wipes Dispenser: Say hello to convenience with these portable, refillable wipe holders – a must-have for on-the-go parents. (Amazon link)

• Lerine 10 Pack Dishwasher Safe Reusable Bags: Ditch single-use plastics with these reusable storage bags, ideal for snacks, lunches, and travel essentials.

Jackets are HEAVY and hard to pack. Opt for a puffer that can be tightened into a travel sack, here are my choices that are also budget friendly:

• WUSENST Baby Boys Girls Winter Coats Hoods Light Puffer Down Jacket Outwear: Keep cozy without the bulk with this lightweight, packable puffer jacket for your little one. (Amazon link)

• ROYAL MATRIX Women’s Packable Puffer Jacket: Stay warm and stylish on your travels with this versatile, space-saving puffer jacket designed for maximum comfort. (Amazon link)

Tips for Embracing a Minimalist Mindset:

Now, let’s delve into the power of the minimalist mindset. Beyond just packing light, adopting a minimalist approach can transform your travel experience, fostering a sense of calmness, trust in yourself, and flexibility along the way. Here’s how to cultivate that mindset:

1. Embrace Calmness: Traveling with a toddler can be chaotic at times, but maintaining a sense of calm amidst the hustle and bustle is key. Take a deep breath, go with the flow, and remember that unexpected challenges are simply part of the adventure.

2. Trust in Yourself: Believe in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. You’ve meticulously planned and packed for this journey, so trust that you have everything you need to navigate any situation that arises.

3. Flexibility is Key: No matter how well you plan, things don’t always go according to script – and that’s okay! Embrace the beauty of spontaneity, be open to unexpected detours, and approach each day with a flexible mindset.

By embracing these principles, you’ll not only lighten your physical load but also free yourself from unnecessary stress and worry, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the joy of the journey.

Intrigued and Want to Dive Deeper?

If you want more information on what I packed in my travel backpack for the 12-hour flight to Italy, you’re in luck! Head over to my latest blog post for a comprehensive breakdown of my in-flight essentials, from entertainment options to snacks and everything in between. Get ready to fly in comfort and style!