I’m travelling to Hawaii for the first time with my baby and the thought of packing is a bit overwhelming. What gear do I really need to bring and what should I leave at home?
Jenny W. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and our travel experts at Wee Travel, answered:
Thanks to the abundance of baby equipment rental companies, it’s no longer necessary to bring your nursery with you on vacation! Most cities have at least one company, and Hawaii is no exception. Cribs, pack ‘n’ plays, highchairs, toys, diapers; all can be waiting for you upon arrival at your hotel. Renting is a great way to pack light and still have everything your baby needs.
If you’re worried that rental gear will be old or dirty, have no fear. While it’s always best to ask questions before renting, most companies only rent gear that has been sanitized, safety checked, and in like-new condition.
The one item you’ll likely want to travel with is a stroller. It’s the easiest and quickest way to get through the airport with a child, and most airlines will let you gate check it free of charge.
If your 'everyday' stroller is large or bulky, it may not be the one you want to bring on your trip. Think about the purpose of your trip. Are you primarily going to be touring around the city? Taking public transit? Getting in and out of a car? Shopping? If so, you may want to invest in a fairly inexpensive lightweight stroller, like the $99 Evenflo Aura Select. We like it because it is highly rated by users, and has all the features of strollers twice the price:
- One-hand fold
- Large storage basket
- Parent and child trays
- Sun visor
- Reclining seat
After your trip, you can keep this stroller in the trunk of your car for quick trips to the store.
Wee Travel launched in Vancouver in 2005 as Canada's first baby equipment rental company. The company has now expanded to Toronto and Victoria. Started by two sisters, Lesley and Shana Cherry, the purpose is make it easy for parents to travel lighter by providing the full range of hard-to-pack baby necessities.
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