Walking along the Cairns Esplanade
Bali, Port Douglas, Cairns, Singapore, I could go on. We love tropical holidays for a few reasons – plenty of time spent in the water, interesting flora and fauna, and often a diverse culture to experience. As well as the usual bits and bobs that you should pack when travelling with a baby or toddler though there are a few extras you shouldn’t forget. Luckily they don’t take up much space in your luggage, and they will contribute to you having healthier happier travels together.
Mosquito repellant.
At best mosquito bites cause an irritating itch, at worst, depending on your destination they can cause serious disease. Unfortunately mozzie bites are more likely if visiting a tropical destination. The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using repellent on any child older than 2 months. For those infants less than 2 months extra precautions are necessary such as draping the infant’s carrier/cot/stroller with mosquito netting. You should apply the repellant to your infant or toddler, don’t let them do it themselves. Be careful not to apply the repellant to your baby or toddler’s hands (and feet if they tend to make their way into little mouths). Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide or diethylmethylbenzamide) or repellents which contain picaridin every 4 hours (or earlier if you or your children start getting bitten). Always check the label of any repellant you purchase to ensure that the active ingredient and concentration is safe for the age of your child.
Sunscreen
Baby and toddler skin is particularly sensitive to the damaging properties of the sun’s rays. Scientific evidence has demonstrated a direct link between sun exposure during childhood and the later development of skin cancer. Pack a SPF30+ broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen. Broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen (SPF 30+) may be applied to any small areas of skin that cannot be protected by clothing (such as face, ears and backs of hands). Sunscreen will need to be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every couple of hours or more often if it has been wiped or washed off.
You may be told to avoid using sunscreen in infants under 12 months. This is incorrect. The evidence suggests that sunscreen use is safe for babies.
A broad brimmed hat
Pack either a broad brimmed or legionnaire style hat that will protect your child’s face, neck and ears.
A bathing suit that also offers sun-protection
While your bathing beauty may look sweet as pie in a ruffled bikini, pack a swimsuit that offers good torso and limb coverage as protection from the sun.
Light swaddles or sleeping bag
Look up the expected night-time temperatures at your destination and pack swaddles or a sleeping back that is appropriate for that temperature. This will usually be much lighter than at home.
Long sleeved, light colored clothing.
These will help protect your child from mosquito bites. In addition, nocturnal temperatures in tropical destinations may be lower than you are anticipating, so being able to layer your child’s clothes and keep them warm if necessary is helpful.
A carrier that is appropriate for the weather
Babies and toddlers are not great at regulating their own temperatures and putting them in a heavy carrier or sling runs the risk of overheating them. If heading to a tropical destination consider investing in a lightweight carrier, knowing that you will also be able to use it at home during summer.
A stroller that offers shade
You will want to ensure your baby or toddler gets enough shade when in their stroller. A simple umbrella stroller can be improved with an extender – we’ve used a Dreambaby Strollerbuddy Extenda Shade ourselves.
You might also be interested in the toddler and baby carry on luggage checklist and the travel medical kit.
Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with kids including attraction and accommodation reviews. You can join us on Facebook or Twitter to receive updates to your news feed.
