Parents with small children - luggage question
Aug 25th, 2006, 07:18 AM
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Parents with small children - luggage question
This is for parents who travel or have travelled with small children (infant up to 4-5 years old) and your luggage.
Here's our situation: my DH and I travel every year, usually to Europe, for 2-3 weeks at a time. We usually move around a bit by car. Now we're trying to start a family, and as far as I know, we will still make trips with our child.
I recently bought a new Samsonite 28" rollerboard, which is lighter than my previous 28" suitcase. Now after reading some threads about the size of suitcases, I wonder whether it's too big. I'm also thinking ahead to when we will have a child and will have to take sleepers, clothes, receiving blankets, toys, etc. That's why I opted for a bigger suitcase. I think that when we do travel with our kid, we'll probably rent an apartment and travel around less.
When you travel with your kid(s), how big of a suitcase do you take and how many do you take? Would it be advisable to downsize to a 26" (expandable)? Would there be enough room in it for my stuff and some of the child's (assuming it's distributed between my suitcase and daddy's)? We most often travel in September, and depending on the destination, the amount of clothing I take varies.
Thanks in advance for your insight
Here's our situation: my DH and I travel every year, usually to Europe, for 2-3 weeks at a time. We usually move around a bit by car. Now we're trying to start a family, and as far as I know, we will still make trips with our child.
I recently bought a new Samsonite 28" rollerboard, which is lighter than my previous 28" suitcase. Now after reading some threads about the size of suitcases, I wonder whether it's too big. I'm also thinking ahead to when we will have a child and will have to take sleepers, clothes, receiving blankets, toys, etc. That's why I opted for a bigger suitcase. I think that when we do travel with our kid, we'll probably rent an apartment and travel around less.
When you travel with your kid(s), how big of a suitcase do you take and how many do you take? Would it be advisable to downsize to a 26" (expandable)? Would there be enough room in it for my stuff and some of the child's (assuming it's distributed between my suitcase and daddy's)? We most often travel in September, and depending on the destination, the amount of clothing I take varies.
Thanks in advance for your insight
Aug 25th, 2006, 07:40 AM
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missypie, we've managed to get the suitcase into the trunk of 2 different compact rental cars, one in France and one in Spain, and had no problems. They're roomier than you might think!
We're leaving in 2 weeks for Germany and Holland and we're taking the train this time. That's why I'm concerned with the size of the suitcase. However, I don't believe we'll be travelling around by train in the future, especially with a child.
That's why I'm curious about parents' experiences.
We're leaving in 2 weeks for Germany and Holland and we're taking the train this time. That's why I'm concerned with the size of the suitcase. However, I don't believe we'll be travelling around by train in the future, especially with a child.
That's why I'm curious about parents' experiences.
Aug 25th, 2006, 07:51 AM
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We traveled to Italy last summer with a 3yr old. We took a train from Rome to Sorrento, a overnight ferry to Palermo, an overnight train back to Rome. All with luggage and the 3yr old.
He had his own little suitcase (little kid size) with wheels and he managed just fine with minamal help from mom and dad. I think if we traveled with an infant we would use a regular 22" roller for clothes and "stuff". Thats all my husband and I each have with a carry on for our two week trips.
We saw several young families with infants using the trains and they never seemed to have any trouble.
He had his own little suitcase (little kid size) with wheels and he managed just fine with minamal help from mom and dad. I think if we traveled with an infant we would use a regular 22" roller for clothes and "stuff". Thats all my husband and I each have with a carry on for our two week trips.
We saw several young families with infants using the trains and they never seemed to have any trouble.
Aug 28th, 2006, 07:18 AM
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You do not have children, and are not expecting your first child and you worry about what suitcase you will need when you have children?
I suggest you wait until you have a baby, then take some short trips with baby and see how much stuff you need; there is really nothing that I or any other parent can say that will prepare you for travel with children if you have only traveled without children so far.
I suggest you wait until you have a baby, then take some short trips with baby and see how much stuff you need; there is really nothing that I or any other parent can say that will prepare you for travel with children if you have only traveled without children so far.
Aug 28th, 2006, 07:38 AM
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All I was looking for was helpful answers on the size of suitcases parents with small children use when travelling, but getting helpful answers seems to be difficult on this board sometimes.
No we do not have children yet, but I do think of the future and don't want to spend hundreds of dollars buying different types of suitcases for travelling now, and then travelling with a family.
So if anyone else has some helpful, practical advice, I would be grateful.
No we do not have children yet, but I do think of the future and don't want to spend hundreds of dollars buying different types of suitcases for travelling now, and then travelling with a family.
So if anyone else has some helpful, practical advice, I would be grateful.
Aug 29th, 2006, 11:44 PM
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I understand your question and see how you are trying to think ahead. Having said that I think Tullip has a point and no one really knows what it is going to like when they first have children(s). I would buy the largest suitcase that fits you now and worry about children(s) later. If you do need more or another suitcase you could always use the one you buy now later in your life.
Aug 30th, 2006, 02:40 AM
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We have a 4 year old and a 2 year old and have been travelling since before either was born - continued to travel in Europe for 2 weeks at a time after they were born. Now we live in London and travel much more than that.
Before kids, we went with one 22 inch each. Now, we use a Victorinox backpack/roller bag and a 28 inch (I think) roller bag. I push the kids in the double wide Mountain Buggy and my husband loads the backpack and rolls the large bag. There is ALWAYS a crunch for me to fit everything in. I would take more bags if I could. Things that take up space include diapers to get you started, special dolls/blankets, a few toys to keep them happy, formula if needed, bottles, sippy cups. I put the clothing items in one bag and the rest of the stuff in the other.
I could bring less but I have found that we are all happier if the kids have enough familiar stuff and things to do, and I don't have to go searching for size 5 diapers or soymilk formula or something like that when we arrive. Plus, while you could probably wear some of your clothes twice without washing now, your kids definitely will not and if they are like mine, you may be a Mommy napkin.
We prefer to travel by train. We never do a train/drive because that would mean relying on the rental company for a car seat and I don't trust that. Plus our kids do better in the train than the car. They like to roam around, go to the dining car, use the bathroom, use the tables for coloring and activities, etc. Before we go we look for destinations with direct or few connections. In Switzerland in June we used the luggage transportation service from Grindelwald to Zermatt and it worked out perfectly.
We tend to stay at smaller towns than we used to, for a bit longer times, but we still usually move some when we travel. We never stay in apartments as we prefer hotel service.
I think you should keep the large roller bag but plan on having one person manage the kids (with diaper bag/carry on entertainment), and one person manage the bags. That is why the backpack/roller bag combo works for us. Now we only pull the 22 inch out for my husband's work travel.
Before kids, we went with one 22 inch each. Now, we use a Victorinox backpack/roller bag and a 28 inch (I think) roller bag. I push the kids in the double wide Mountain Buggy and my husband loads the backpack and rolls the large bag. There is ALWAYS a crunch for me to fit everything in. I would take more bags if I could. Things that take up space include diapers to get you started, special dolls/blankets, a few toys to keep them happy, formula if needed, bottles, sippy cups. I put the clothing items in one bag and the rest of the stuff in the other.
I could bring less but I have found that we are all happier if the kids have enough familiar stuff and things to do, and I don't have to go searching for size 5 diapers or soymilk formula or something like that when we arrive. Plus, while you could probably wear some of your clothes twice without washing now, your kids definitely will not and if they are like mine, you may be a Mommy napkin.
We prefer to travel by train. We never do a train/drive because that would mean relying on the rental company for a car seat and I don't trust that. Plus our kids do better in the train than the car. They like to roam around, go to the dining car, use the bathroom, use the tables for coloring and activities, etc. Before we go we look for destinations with direct or few connections. In Switzerland in June we used the luggage transportation service from Grindelwald to Zermatt and it worked out perfectly.
We tend to stay at smaller towns than we used to, for a bit longer times, but we still usually move some when we travel. We never stay in apartments as we prefer hotel service.
I think you should keep the large roller bag but plan on having one person manage the kids (with diaper bag/carry on entertainment), and one person manage the bags. That is why the backpack/roller bag combo works for us. Now we only pull the 22 inch out for my husband's work travel.
Aug 30th, 2006, 07:24 AM
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mjs and where2, <b>thank you soooo much</b> for your insight. Where2, your experience is especially helpful. During our previous trips to Europe, we've rented a car and found it very convenient, so I thought it would be a good way to travel with children. It never occurred to me that the train would be a fantastic option so they could roam around. When the time comes, we'll have to try different things. I had thought about the rolling backpack as well. Could be a good option for a second suitcase.
I really, really appreciate your advice and am copying this to my travel folder. Thank you!
I really, really appreciate your advice and am copying this to my travel folder. Thank you!
Aug 30th, 2006, 07:50 AM
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Train travel with a child is pretty easy. I think it's easier than a car, and my kids prefer it too. No car seat, they can take walks to the dining car, etc.
I probably overpack (husband says I do). That being said, we all have rolling duffle bags. Yes, since birth, each child has had one too. If I'm looking for a burp cloth or a sleeper, I don't want to look through all of my stuff to find one.
I probably overpack (husband says I do). That being said, we all have rolling duffle bags. Yes, since birth, each child has had one too. If I'm looking for a burp cloth or a sleeper, I don't want to look through all of my stuff to find one.
Aug 30th, 2006, 08:01 AM
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Here's some more info. Our kids are now to the point where we each have either a 22" or 24" (Dad) rolling bag, and they can pull their own most of the time (except up steps, etc.). They are 11 and 7, and have been doing that for several years. I think we've only once used a 26" bag - it's too hard to manuver, especially if you also have the baby/kid to deal with.
Before that, as I recall, we used a 26" bag maybe once, plus maybe two 22" bags. The time period where you'll have extra equipment is actually pretty short (though it won't seem like it at the time), and it'll depend on where you're going. We only travelled in the U.S. when our kids were young, and mostly to city-type destinations. The hotel would provide some sort of crib or the baby would sleep with us. We only took a crib to places that didn't have one, in cases where we were driving. Once when we were staying at a condo (we don't do that kind of trip much), we took a portable "highchair," a foldup kind you strap into a regular chair. That was a great help. On that trip, we took an extra, small, duffle bag. The only other piece of "equipment" that I remember taking is an umbrella stroller (greatest invention since Post-Its, IMO) and/or a back carrier, both of which we'd be using, so it wouldn't need to be pack. Oh, and the infant seat/car seat, which opens up an entirely different discussion topic!
On kids toys, and stuff like that, even when they were younger (but walking on their own), we took most of their stuff in a backpack that they carried. With very young kids and the small, kid-size rolling bags, I think the tendancy is the kid gets tired, and the parent then has to carry it. Must easier to insist the kid keep a backpack on their back.
Kids clothes takes up MUCH less room - that's why you'll be able to include it in your own bags for a long time. Even now, my youngest's 22" bag is never full; I use that space for extra stuff from everyone else (guidebooks, etc.)
Personally, I prefer car travel where it makes sense, as then everybody can spread out and doesn't have to keep their stuff put away all the time. On one long car trip when the kids were 9 mos and 3, we kept a plastic box in the back seat, and just kept tossing the car-type toys in there; we never even took the box out of the car.
Bottom line, I agree with your decision that 26" is the best way to go.
Before that, as I recall, we used a 26" bag maybe once, plus maybe two 22" bags. The time period where you'll have extra equipment is actually pretty short (though it won't seem like it at the time), and it'll depend on where you're going. We only travelled in the U.S. when our kids were young, and mostly to city-type destinations. The hotel would provide some sort of crib or the baby would sleep with us. We only took a crib to places that didn't have one, in cases where we were driving. Once when we were staying at a condo (we don't do that kind of trip much), we took a portable "highchair," a foldup kind you strap into a regular chair. That was a great help. On that trip, we took an extra, small, duffle bag. The only other piece of "equipment" that I remember taking is an umbrella stroller (greatest invention since Post-Its, IMO) and/or a back carrier, both of which we'd be using, so it wouldn't need to be pack. Oh, and the infant seat/car seat, which opens up an entirely different discussion topic!
On kids toys, and stuff like that, even when they were younger (but walking on their own), we took most of their stuff in a backpack that they carried. With very young kids and the small, kid-size rolling bags, I think the tendancy is the kid gets tired, and the parent then has to carry it. Must easier to insist the kid keep a backpack on their back.
Kids clothes takes up MUCH less room - that's why you'll be able to include it in your own bags for a long time. Even now, my youngest's 22" bag is never full; I use that space for extra stuff from everyone else (guidebooks, etc.)
Personally, I prefer car travel where it makes sense, as then everybody can spread out and doesn't have to keep their stuff put away all the time. On one long car trip when the kids were 9 mos and 3, we kept a plastic box in the back seat, and just kept tossing the car-type toys in there; we never even took the box out of the car.
Bottom line, I agree with your decision that 26" is the best way to go.
Aug 30th, 2006, 10:40 PM
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I don't know how close you are to actually having a child but when you are ready you should invest some time into finding a good stroller to travel to Europe with if that is what you plan on doing. I have seen some people here swear by their umbrella strollers because they are so light weight but I wouldn't push one of those things over cobblestones for one hour. We have a double and a single all terrain stroller with front swivel wheels - ours are Mountain Buggy. They have tires instead of plastic wheels. I always travel with one of them, always gate check them, and I have never regretted it. I say you should look into it when you are pregnant because the strollers aren't cheap - $450 for the single - so you may not want to buy it JUST for the vacation. But they are awesome every day strollers for outdoors as well.
Aug 31st, 2006, 02:20 AM
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I don't know how much difference a 26 or 28 inch would make. It depends on how lightly you and your husband pack.
When our first baby was tiny (under age one), we typically took one bag for all of us. Baby clothes obviously are small but you need to take a lot of them because of spit-ups, leaks, etc. And fall trips are tough because you have to pack for a variety of temps. But one bigger bag was easier than two smaller ones.
The lifespan of that bag would depend on how many children you plan to have and how far apart. If we still had only one child, we'd probably still have enough space using one large bag. But now we have three kids (ages 4,3,and 2) and we pack one suitcase for us and a smaller one for all the kids. The two older ones take a rolling backpack, containing toys, crayons, activity books, on flights and in the car.
Trips where you have a flight/train ride and a car ride are more difficult than car-only or public transportation-only. Having to bring along carseats is a hassle we like to avoid.
When our first baby was tiny (under age one), we typically took one bag for all of us. Baby clothes obviously are small but you need to take a lot of them because of spit-ups, leaks, etc. And fall trips are tough because you have to pack for a variety of temps. But one bigger bag was easier than two smaller ones.
The lifespan of that bag would depend on how many children you plan to have and how far apart. If we still had only one child, we'd probably still have enough space using one large bag. But now we have three kids (ages 4,3,and 2) and we pack one suitcase for us and a smaller one for all the kids. The two older ones take a rolling backpack, containing toys, crayons, activity books, on flights and in the car.
Trips where you have a flight/train ride and a car ride are more difficult than car-only or public transportation-only. Having to bring along carseats is a hassle we like to avoid.
Aug 31st, 2006, 08:18 AM
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clz, thanks for the additional info. I test-packed my new 28" suitcase yesterday and it's surprisingly manoeuvrable and light. (I also accidentally locked everything inside because I had programmed the wrong combination into the built-in lock and had to take it to the store to get it opened!). I think it's going to be a good choice for travelling. I'll know as of next week when we leave for Berlin.
where2, thanks again for the info about the stroller. I don't even know how close we are to having kids (we're actively trying and just waiting for it to happen), but I keep all the advice I get for when the time comes. I've seen those strollers and I'm sure we'll get one for our child.
where2, thanks again for the info about the stroller. I don't even know how close we are to having kids (we're actively trying and just waiting for it to happen), but I keep all the advice I get for when the time comes. I've seen those strollers and I'm sure we'll get one for our child.
Sep 4th, 2006, 07:52 AM
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Here's what seems to work for us (mom/dad, 4yr old and 18 month old).
1. Your child will have a carry-on luggage allowance on the airlines. Make sure you have all changing and feeding necessities (and add 2 or 3 more extra nappies, and a change of clothes just in case). My 4yr old likes to carry a back-pack but she gets tired easily so we keep it light, only with her change of clothes, snacks and toys.)
2. Restrict to one piece of in-flight toys per child. We bring "safety blankeys" on board, as our baby is really attached to it, and we can't risk checking it in lest the luggage gets misplaced.
3. We use 26' or 22' for the "main luggage" depending on how long we'll be away (adult clothes, shoes etc), use a smaller soft-sided bag for kiddie clothes, another foldable boston bag for nappies--which you just fold up on the way back.
4. You can get nappies and formulas locally in most European countries. I bring my own stocks only as a back-up in case I cannot locate a store in the following day or so. As for children's clothes, it's a good idea to plan time for doing laundries. clz is absolute right about need to bring spares for "accidents".
5. Think about how you'll transport the kids--we usually rent baby/child car seats, bring a fold-up buggy and/or baby bjorn.
6. I'm more in favour of smaller pieces. You may be able to put a 26" on the back of a compact car, but it may be a squeeze when you have a stroller to deal with.
1. Your child will have a carry-on luggage allowance on the airlines. Make sure you have all changing and feeding necessities (and add 2 or 3 more extra nappies, and a change of clothes just in case). My 4yr old likes to carry a back-pack but she gets tired easily so we keep it light, only with her change of clothes, snacks and toys.)
2. Restrict to one piece of in-flight toys per child. We bring "safety blankeys" on board, as our baby is really attached to it, and we can't risk checking it in lest the luggage gets misplaced.
3. We use 26' or 22' for the "main luggage" depending on how long we'll be away (adult clothes, shoes etc), use a smaller soft-sided bag for kiddie clothes, another foldable boston bag for nappies--which you just fold up on the way back.
4. You can get nappies and formulas locally in most European countries. I bring my own stocks only as a back-up in case I cannot locate a store in the following day or so. As for children's clothes, it's a good idea to plan time for doing laundries. clz is absolute right about need to bring spares for "accidents".
5. Think about how you'll transport the kids--we usually rent baby/child car seats, bring a fold-up buggy and/or baby bjorn.
6. I'm more in favour of smaller pieces. You may be able to put a 26" on the back of a compact car, but it may be a squeeze when you have a stroller to deal with.
