TO PRAM OR NOT TO PRAM...

I can't emphasise enough how vital it is to be organised with your packing. This is key to surviving the journey. The weeks leading up to your trip are your chance to research the logistics of the destination for things like car seat laws, your hotel's ability to provide certain equipment, the public transport situation for little ones, vaccination requirements, the hazardous elements (mozzies, snow etc), the foods available, etc etc. 

If you can be on top of this then you will have more time on the ground to enjoy your trip rather than spend the entire time chasing equipment, medicines, formula and so on. Wouldn't you rather be shopping or lunching?

Strolling the streets of New York

STROLLERS
My first tip is specifically related to your mode of stroller. It's easier and cheaper than you think. Go to KMART or Target or Big W and buy yourself something called an Umbrella Stroller for under $100. It'll change your life. Leave the expensive bugaboo at home. The compact, knock about, reclining, fold-up pram is your new best friend. And surprisingly, they're seriously good! 

This little baby is allowed through the airport check in with you as opposed to traditional strollers. The word "umbrella" is what airport staff listen for. It's like a James Bond code word that means "this little baby will fold up smaller than my handbag."  However, it's probably best you refrain from winking and touching your nose suspiciously as they may take you for a security threat. Just a suggestion. 

Most airlines will allow you to take it as far as the boarding gate (so if your little muppet is asleep at the airport, you can let them continue snoozing right up to stepping onto the plane). Some airlines, such as Qantas (International), actually allow you to take the pram onto the plane with you and will store it up from (depending on how full the flight is - and you're at a clear advantage if you're up the pointy end of the plane). This means it is ready for you the second you land and you can breeze through security at the other end. 

Of course you need to bear in mind this stroller applies to babies not requiring a flat bassinet, usually over the age of about 5 months and with reasonable neck strength. 

Isabella takes a nap in her Maxi Cosi. 

MAXI COSI
Anything younger, my tip is to get yourself a second hand Maxi Cosi capsule that clicks into a good selection of pram bases (some require adaptors). This capsule can also double as your car capsule if you take (pack in check in luggage) the base also. And, more importantly, it is a portable little piece of genius that can prop up on the seat next to you at cafe tables and dinners so bub can snooze while you eat. Just leave the pram base by the door. It's a brilliant all-rounder. You're far more likely to get a table at a nice eatery if you don't arrive with a tractor. Plus when you're ready to head home, just pop the bassinet straight in as the car seat! 

Our Baby Bjorn was a godsend
 

BJORN AGAIN
The other handy little option to have with you for kids aged from 3 months to about 18 months is the baby bjorn (or similar brand). This eliminates all need for a stroller and means you are hands free for the airport, shopping and sight seeing etc with out having to deal with all the logistics of prams. The only downside, your back and shoulders will be killing you if this is your only option and baby may not be a fan of having his/her naps in the upright bjorn position, especially if they're older. Still, I don't leave home without it. It's a good one to just roll up and tuck under the pram and pull it out if baby gets frustrated from being strapped into the pram too long, or you're somewhere like New York, which is NOT a pram friendly city!