Three Things I Always Pack for Trips

Amazing! I went to Greece and Italy last summer with a 15 month old, and the only big item we brought for him was an umbrella stroller (brand: summer infant) as we just rented everything else (pack n plays for sleep at hotels, and car seats along with car rentals). I didn’t want to schlepp a heavy and awkward car seat around the whole trip, and the euro ones are much lighter, more narrow (and only use a three click system instead of 5). Just make sure the car you rent has the ISO fix in it, although pretty all cars have it now. We had three car rentals + car seats throughout our trip and while they definitely felt used, they were more than fine.
Invest in a chic, neutral backpack that could accommodate some diapers and stuff for you and your partner (ideally something you could take turns wearing or put in the carriage of the stroller). Diaper bags are not a thing in Europe. Don’t pack too many diapers and stuff while travelling: you can buy it all, and if you’re in a pinch another parent will help you! Speaking of, when we were in Monterosso al Mare, we arrived for dinner about an hour before the rush and the servers took turns entertaining and snuggling our cherub while we had a romantic dinner and enjoyed the view and our meal in peace. I wish you a similar experience! Italians love babies so you’ll be fine! Don’t stress just enjoy:)

native shoes are the booooomb! Super comfy/light and definitely don’t scream “Im a tourist!” All shoes eat my feet but these don’t, bonus!
https://www.nativeshoes.com/womens/shoes

Don’t bother brining your car seat! Or stroller if your baby is small enough for the carrier – those narrow cobble streets aren’t worth the trouble. We were in Italy for six weeks with our 4 month old daughter and had no problem with getting a car seat for a rent a car and a hired taxi/driver. The only problem we had was the driver brought a booster seat instead of an infant seat but he was so sweet about the mistake. He left us for ten minutes and popped into a store to buy the right sized car seat. We brought her baby bed with us and we really didn’t need it. Everywhere we stayed we could have asked for a crib and been fine. I would bring less than you think because you can always buy something there. It is horrible lugging stuff around with a fussy baby.

Everyone was so kind to us and our daughter. Even teenage boys would stop and say hello to the baby. It was so sweet.

I hope you have a lovely trip!

hello Eliza! You’ll be fine, and as everybody as said, Italians really love kids and babies, you’re way more likely to be celebrated than to be scoffed at for any child noise or issue! As for the packing and not looking touristy, I’d go for Birkenstocks as shoes – I hated them badly as a child, as my mum forced them on me, but I love them now, they are so comfy and the right pair can do day and evening with a dress too, at least I find so, and they’re perfect for long days out exploring (I’m Italian, but not necessarily to be trusted because of that alone! :) ) . When my English boyfriend first came to visit he was walking everywhere in flip-flops (which here scream “tourist”, unless you’re at the beach, so silly of us Italians), and he complained about backache and too much walking: comfy shoes are definitely a must if you want to explore. A tip, for I love my Birks but my favourite pair of sandals is a leather one that goes up the ankle and looks oh so ancient roman, there’s artisans in the squares of Firenze who sell them for 30-40 euros and they last years and years. :) Final note is, we’re absolutely thrilled that people visit and love our country, so don’t worry at all about the touristy-look thing, I am sure people will be touched you’ve chosen to go there and visit their hometowns, full stop. Have lots of fun!! xxx

Oh, man. When my kids were little, we used to haul strollers when we traveled. Then we realized a front pack for the baby solved all of our problems—easier to haul places, could be packed in our luggage if necessary, weighs almost nothing, and keeps well-meaning strangers from touching the baby (mostly). I never went back to strollers after that. Just make sure you use the front pack a few times before you go, and buy a good one. It makes a big difference. Good luck!

Same here, I always travel with a big light scarf. It’s perfect as a fashion accessory and you can use it on the plane, one of those chili afternoons to cover your shoulders (instead of wearing a jacket) and I even used it once as a hair turban on a very sunny and hot day.

This is me! I would feel totally lost without reading material. However, we leave for a 10 day trip on Friday and in an effort to lesson my load, I am only taking one book! (and an e-reader, which I’m trying to get used to), and my family has been looking at my packing pile like something’s wrong. I have googled bookstores along the way and at our destination, so I’ll be well taken care of. We live in a rural town with no independent bookstores, so my vacation souvenirs are books bought in lovely little hometown bookstores.

I always thought jumpsuits and rompers were so incredibly impractical for the exact same reason, Lauren, but somehow recently I have come to love them. For me the ease of slipping on an outfit — free of fuss or layers — and also the coolness factor in summer, combined with how put together they can look, outweigh the few extra seconds it takes in the restroom. :)

I would love for someone to answer my biggest universe question today: does a flattering jumpsuit for a petite, curvy body exist? bc I have been on a failing QUEST. guidance welcome <3

From a brit….expect rain anything else is a bonus. Carry an umbrella and have a lightweight raincoat. Bring good shoes as you will walk miles and miles . We are currently having wonderful weather ….hoping it will still be here in July. Come with layers in mind….the underground is sweltering in the summer. Enjoy!

Yep, I second Jo- expect rain, and anything else is a bonus. It’s also been very muggy (humid) recently, and I’ve basically just been running around in sun dresses, denim jackets, and waving an umbrella above my head.
Please also remember that in the UK we don’t really do air conditioning, so if you’re staying in Airbnb’s, bring cool PJs (though I presume that hotels should have aircon)! The tube is also bloody boiling at this time of year so bear that in mind when packing.
If the weather is good though, London really is at its best in the sun. Everyone spills outside onto the pavements outside pubs, picnics in parks, and is a lot more smiley than the rest of the time!
And please- remember to stand on the right, walk on the left on the tube escalators. Otherwise you might get a grumpy Londoner shouting at you (I have been that grumpy Londoner on many occasions, though I always feel terrible afterwards!!)