How do you travel with kids and only one carry on bag?
To travel with kids and only one carry on bag, choose a bag that slides over your suitcase handle, converts to a backpack when you need your hands free for kids, and has a pocket for every travel essential. The Heiych H-Carry All holds 30 litres, fits a laptop up to 17 inch and weighs 1 kilogram. For lighter trips the H-Convert holds 18 litres at 900 grams and comes with a change mat for the plane.
Key takeaways
- One bag on the suitcase handle frees both hands for the kids.
- Keep every passport together in one wallet.
- Pack the plane bag for the flight, not the whole trip.
- A change mat and wet bag cover nappy changes in a small bathroom.
- Check your airline carry on and infant allowance before you fly.
How to pack one bag for the whole family
Families tend to overpack the carry on. These five steps keep it to one bag.
1. Passports first
The Passport Wallet holds up to four passports and a pen for arrival cards, so you are not searching at check in.
2. One bag on the suitcase
Slide the back sleeve over your suitcase handle in the terminal, then switch to backpack mode on the aerobridge when you are carrying a child.
3. Snacks and drinks
Insulated bottle pockets keep milk and water cold. The H-Case holds snacks as an insulated lunch bag.
4. Changes and spills
The H-Convert change mat fits a plane bathroom, and a Wet Bag holds anything wet until you land.
5. Entertainment
An iPad, headphones and a small toy for each child. Everything else goes in the suitcase.
Family carry on checklist
| Item | Where it goes |
|---|---|
| Passports and boarding passes | Passport Wallet |
| iPad and headphones | Padded sleeve |
| Milk, water and snacks | Insulated pockets and H-Case |
| Nappies, wipes and change mat | Change mat pocket |
| Spare outfit for each child | Main compartment |
| Wet clothes | Wet Bag |
| Your phone, cards and keys | Internal pockets |
Which bag for your family trip?
| Trip | Bag | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend away or one bag for two kids | H-Carry All | 30 L | 1 kg |
| Flying with a baby | H-Convert | 18 L | 900 g |
| Short flight, older kids | Mini H-Commuter | 11 L | 700 g |
What travelling families say
"My drink bottle, laptop and work essentials, change of clothes for the gym, the kids puffers, snacks, all the essential supplies like sunscreen and hats without it feeling too bulky or over filled."
Ally B., verified buyer
"Such a great strong build, it converts so easily between shoulder bag and backpack and no signs of wear or strain when converting which I've had previous convertible bags do."
Nicole R., verified buyer
Heiych bags average 4.9 out of 5 from more than 170 verified reviews.
Why buy from an Australian family business
Heiych is designed in Brisbane by mum of 2 and founder Laura King. You get 40 days to return your bag, faults are covered for as long as you own it, and every order ships with free tracked shipping. If you are not sure on size, compare all three side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Can a family travel with one carry on bag?
Yes, if you pack the carry on for the flight only. Passports, snacks, drinks, a change of clothes for each child, nappy supplies and entertainment fit in the 30 litre H-Carry All.
Which Heiych bag is best for flying with a baby?
The H-Convert. It comes with a change mat, has insulated bottle pockets and converts to a backpack when you are carrying your baby.
Do Heiych bags slide over a suitcase handle?
Yes. The Mini H-Commuter, H-Convert and H-Carry All all have a back sleeve for your suitcase handle.
Is the H-Carry All a carry on size?
It measures 38 to 54 by 32 by 22 centimetres as it expands and fits under the seat in front. Check your airline carry on size before you fly.
What if it is not right for me?
You have 40 days to return it, and faults are covered for as long as you own the bag.
Written by Laura King
Laura King is the founder and designer of Heiych. A former lawyer, she ran the corporate fashion label 400 Co. for over a decade before founding Heiych in Brisbane in late 2024.
As a mother of two boys who travels whenever time allows, she could not find one bag that worked for meetings, school pick-up and flights. So she designed it. Laura designs every H Bag herself and writes the Heiych Journal, practical guides to choosing a bag for work, travel, uni and life with little ones.
