If you are a Kiwi parent, you probably know the feeling. You are heading out the door with your baby for what should be a simple outing, yet you somehow end up carrying enough gear to survive several days in the bush. The nappy bag is full. The pram basket is full. Your arms are full. Spare clothes, snacks, wipes, toys, bibs, bottles, creams and anything else that might be remotely useful somehow ends up coming along.

I have been there too. 
But recently, travel has taught me something important. 

I spend a lot of time in Asia. And every time I am there, I am struck by how differently parents approach going out with their babies. While Kiwi parents often leave the house prepared for every possible scenario, many Asian parents head out with almost nothing. A tiny shoulder bag, a couple of nappies tucked into a side pocket, a small pack of wipes and a single muslin cloth seem to be enough for most outings. 

Meanwhile, we stand there as Kiwi parents with a fully loaded nappy backpack wondering what we are so afraid of forgetting. 

This contrast made me rethink everything I believed about what babies truly need and what we as parents assume they need. 

What I Noticed When Travelling in Asia 

After visiting many parts of Asia with my kids over the years, the pattern is interesting. 

Parents move freely without overpacking 

They trust that whatever happens, they will figure it out. They are not weighed down by the “what ifs” that drive so much of our packing at home. 

Babies are part of everyday life 

Restaurants, markets, cafés and public spaces expect babies. There is no sense that you need to bring everything yourself. Someone always helps. Staff fetch warm water, find a cloth, pull out a highchair from somewhere or offer fruit for your little one. There is an unspoken understanding that parenting is shared, not isolated. 

Improvisation is completely normal 

Forgot wipes? A café napkin works. No spare outfit? The baby goes shirtless for a bit. No toys? The surroundings entertain them. Parents trust the moment instead of the gear. 

Essentials truly mean essentials 

A muslin cloth becomes shade, burp rag, blanket and bib. A bottle is enough without needing a full feeding set. A single spare nappy covers most outings. 

As a Kiwi parent, this was refreshing to watch. It felt lighter. Calmer. More human. And it made me question why we carry so much back home. 

Why Kiwi Parents Pack So Much 

I think there are a few reasons, and none of them mean anyone is doing anything wrong.

We are raised to be prepared for every scenario 

Kiwi parents seem to feel responsible for anticipating everything that might go wrong. The extra outfit, the second snack option, the backup toy, the full change kit. Preparation feels like safety, but it can also become a burden. 

Our baby product world encourages more 

Walk into any baby store and you will find a specialised product for every situation. It is tempting to pack it all when the options exist. 

We fear being caught out 

Forgetting wipes or running out of snacks can feel like a failure. We pack to avoid looking unorganised. 

We rely less on community 

Asian parents often have extended family, neighbours or strangers who step in to help. In New Zealand we are more used to doing everything ourselves. 

Our spaces are not always set up for spontaneity 

Many parts of Asia are naturally baby friendly. In New Zealand you sometimes need to bring things because you cannot guarantee access to them. 

But none of this means overpacking is necessary. And this is where being aware of your environment and choosing the right gear makes life easier. 

How Kiwi Parents Can Lighten the Load 

A lighter, more relaxed way of going out with your baby is absolutely possible here at home. 

Start with a true essentials only list 

You probably only use two nappies, a pack of wipes, a muslin cloth, a bottle or snack and a simple change mat. 

Trust that you can solve problems without your whole house in your bag 

Shops, cafés and people are around. You do not need everything with you at all times. 

Choose multi use items 

A muslin cloth replaces five individual accessories. 

Make short trips with fewer items 

It builds confidence quickly. 

Let go of the fear of forgetting something 

It happens to everyone and nothing collapses when it does. 

Choose baby gear that lets you stay mobile 

This is where Edwards & Co comes in. 
Our strollers and accessories are intentionally designed to help parents carry less while doing more. 

The Oscar M2, Olive, Lucci systems keep you nimble without needing a giant nappy bag. With generous baskets, clever pockets and accessories like our parent organiser, you can take only what matters and feel confident that you are prepared without being overloaded. 

We design all our products with the same philosophy I see when travelling through Asia. Parenting should feel simple. It should feel free. And you should not be weighed down by stuff every time you step outside 

Lighten Up and Live More 

Travelling has shown me that babies need far less than we think. They adapt quickly. They take in the world around them. They are happy with simple comforts. 

Most importantly, they need you — not a perfectly packed bag. 

When you carry less, you move more freely. You feel lighter. Outings become spontaneous again. You are more present. And your baby learns to be flexible too. 

At Edwards & Co we want parents to feel that same freedom right here in New Zealand. We design products that reduce your load, support your everyday life and make getting out with your baby something you look forward to instead of something you need to prepare for. 

Final Thought 

Imagine leaving the house with your baby and carrying almost nothing. Imagine trusting that you will handle whatever comes your way. Imagine valuing presence over preparation. 

You already have what you need. 
Everything else can be figured out along the way.