Things can get tricky when it comes to the large baby and toddler gear. In a perfect world, you wouldn't need to bring a car seat (taxis would actually have them on hand), and you could travel with a big and comfortable stroller. You wouldn't need a carrier, because everything would be handicapped accessible. Well, now back to reality.
Odds are, you will need all of those items, but you won't be able to carry them all. If you know you will never take a taxi, and you don't plan to buy your baby his or her own plane ticket, then maybe you can ditch the car seat. You will definitely need a stroller. If you will be visiting essentially anywhere in France (with very little elevators and ramps), or will be doing any hiking, you will have to have a baby carrier.
Unfortunately, there are not many items that take into account a traveling baby. While combo units usually are not the best at either world, they are fabulous for reducing the carry-on demands. Here are some innovative choices that, thankfully, do exist:
- Sit 'N Stroll Stroller & Car Seat Combo
- Convertible Stroller 2-N-1 BackPack
- Tour Sport Universal Umbrella Stroller, which can accomodate almost any infant car seat
- Snap N Go Infant Car Seat Carrier & Stroller by Swan
- Car Seat Carrier Bag
Next is Step 4: Feeding and Changing