With summer vacation winding down and only a week (!!!) before Palm Beach County schools are back in session, you may be feeling the maternal urge to squeeze in one last minute family trip. (Notice how I called it a trip versus a vacation? Traveling with kids at any age, but especially when they’re little, is simply ‘parenting in a different location’. Don’t let anyone else tell you differently.)
Like relaxing, packing light can often feel impossible when you have children, but fear not! I’ve rounded up a few mom-approved tips and tools to help you and your family travel smarter, not heavier, for that last minute getaway…
Rent, instead of packing. Meet BabyQuip
Instead of stuffing your SUV’s trunk with pack ‘n plays, strollers and high chairs, why not rent what you need at your destination instead? BabyQuip is the #1 baby gear rental service in the U.S. (it’s even a secret weapon of celebrity parents like Hilary Swank and Jesse Tyler Ferguson).
BabyQuip delivers clean, insured, top-quality gear right to you—hotel, rental home, grandma’s house, wherever. They’ve even expanded into pet essentials and beach gear (yes, you can rent a sun tent and cooler!).
All you have to do:
- Visit BabyQuip.com or download the app
- Enter your destination and travel dates (Orlando is one of their top rental locations! No surprise there.)
- Browse gear and choose a trusted local provider
- Confirm your rental and get direct communication for drop-off/pick-up
Say yes to lighter luggage AND less stress.
Side note: This rental service would be ideal for snowbird grandparents in Boca Raton with grandkid visitors on the way. Take note!
Make the Must-haves Fun for Kids
Fun fact: You can pack fewer items if your kids are more excited to use the ones they bring. Case in point? Their toothbrush.
Say hello to brushing fun with Babsy’s Build-A-Brush — a customizable toothbrush designed by pediatric dentists (and a mom!) based in Boynton Beach. Kids can mix and match their toothbrush pieces to create one that is uniquely them. If they want a new design every day? No problem! Build-A-Brush helps kids feel ownership over their oral care routine, which means less complaining and more excitement about their brushing routine, even when traveling.
But, How Can I Actually Pack Light?
Here’s your Boca mom cheat sheet:
- Rent big gear for delivery at your destination
- Pack the essentials—think: layers/mix and match, one pair of shoes, multi-use items
- Choose kid gear that doubles as entertainment (like Build-A-Brush)
- Roll, don’t fold (trust me on this!) and use packing cubes for organization
- Limit the “just in case” stuff—we promise you’ll survive without it…and there’s usually a Target or Walmart close by in case of a true emergency.
With the right tools, services and products, traveling light (even with littles) is totally doable. You’ll save space, stress, and actually enjoy the journey. You got this!
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
