With long lists of what to pack for your next family holiday, comes the next brain teaser; Do you pack the car seat, or leave it behind? And what about the stroller/pushchair? Both are necessary everyday items, but adding them to the already extensive and exhaustive list of essential, must-have items for your next holiday, are they really imperative? Not all vacations have the same answer, unfortunately.

If you are travelling for a substantial time you may want to take a car seat with you. Another option may be buying a car seat in the country you are travelling to – we have done this and it works a treat if they are much cheaper in the country you are travelling to. It is also ideal if you are due to upgrade a car-seat or will use it in the future. Investigate the particular car-seat you buy though, and never assume it reaches the safety standard in the country you reside in. Car seats vary greatly. You can, however, hire car seats in most countries from either hire companies specializing in baby equipment, or from your rental car agency. If you are only hiring a car for part of your holiday, then car-seat hire may be the best option. If you decide to take a car-seat you may need to do a little research on the specific legal requirements for the country you are travelling to. Most countries require under 3-year old’s to be in a car seat, but children over 3 years can differ greatly from country to country. You also need to check the safety requirements of car seats in the country you are travelling to and make sure the one you own is compatible. For example, most certified car-seats in New Zealand and Australia would come under the same safety standards in the USA. Pass the border into Canada and you may be given a hefty ticket for the same car-seat. Canadian laws are quite different. So taking a little time to investigate the varying laws before you travel is a must. If you are only going to be travelling mostly on public transport while on holiday, then taking a car seat with you may be an extra hassle you just don’t need.

You are allowed two large baby items free of charge when flying. This may be a stroller, a car seat or a port-cot. So if you do take a car-seat you may have to decide whether to take your stroller/pushchair with you. Many airlines will allow you use your stroller in the airport, right up until you board the plane, which can be very handy. Once you reach the gate, sometimes even the door to the plane, they meet you with ginormous plastic bags to put your stroller into, and away you go. Quite often the strollers will be unloaded first so they are waiting for you when you reach the baggage terminal, or even as you exit the plane. They can be a much-needed item, especially if you have younger children. They may help with those sleep times if you are out and about seeing the sights (or shopping). You may be doing more walking than you usually do at home, so strollers may also be a lifesaver for tired little legs, even if they haven’t needed the comfort of a pushchair for a while.

They may not be practical for some vacations though. I will never forget travelling to Venice, and watching many families struggle with their ill-equipped strollers, jiggling over the cobblestoned streets, and carrying them up and over the challenging bridges. Though it may bring a little giggle to many onlookers, if you are travelling to a small town filled with cobblestone streets, an island which has very few footpaths, or a place where a stroller may be impractical consider investing in an alternative. A baby sling is ideal, and there are so many amazing versions out there now. Some come with multiple pockets for carrying personal items, others grow with the child. Child carriers or backpacks can also be very handy. Your child can see everything from up high, which is perfect if you are exploring, and want to share the view with them. The male caregiver is usually more inclined to wear these, which can be a welcome break if the other half is the main carer when not on vacation.

If you know taking a stroller on vacation is going to be a necessity, you may find a lightweight option easier than the tank type of pushchair which takes out any poor old lady that happens to get in the way of you, your child, and your fifty shopping bags. An easily collapsible, lighter pushchair can be very inexpensive from your local retail superstore and can cause a lot less stress when trying to cram them, and all your luggage into a taxi or your hotel room. Quite often I see them for around $25 making it less of an ordeal if they happen to get damaged slightly in your travels, rather than your everyday, better quality stroller.

It isn’t a case for one size fit all, unfortunately, your holiday is unique, and whether a stroller and car seat should be taken is entirely dependent on what your holiday entails. A little bit of planning will help you work out which option is best for you though- long walks venturing through the sites- take a pushchair. Hiring a car for just a couple of days –hire the car seat. Remember that no matter what you do, or where you go, safety always comes first. Taking a vacation should be as stress-free as possible.