Everything you need for travelling with young kids – and what you can do without

Holidays change after you have children: the promise of rest becomes a feat of logistics where one forgotten item can mean a week of no sleep. Despite those fears, my partner and I have taken numerous trips with our two offspring, both under four, including a memorable trip to Thailand when our eldest was seven months, and frequent family trips to New York.

Along the way we built a spreadsheet of tested advice and must-haves drawn from our experience and tips from friends and family. The most intimidating challenge is the extra luggage you think you need for sleep and comfort. We learned some things can be bought at the destination or provided by hotels, while others are worth packing: a supportive sling for babies up to about two, and a portable, light buggy.

In Thailand we rarely used our Babyzen Yoyo because there were few pavements, and we once had to rent a car seat in a scramble, so prioritising a sling and a travel pram that fits overhead can save a lot of trouble.

Thailand, New York

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