Whether you are planning a holiday to the Caribbean, a tropical location or simply taking a journey during the hotter time of the year, if you are traveling with a baby or infant, you face some obvious, and not so obvious, challenges. After all, tropical areas or summertime travel can mean unpredictable spikes in temperature coupled with the fact that many buildings are air conditioned to very cold conditions. How can you keep a child comfortable in such varying settings?
There are also the issues of getting to and from the destination, feeding a child the typical formulas or foods they enjoy and are used to, and ensuring that you can safely and easily take them with you on excursions or day trips once you arrive. That is a lot to consider, and there is still the issue of things like insect repellent, sun block and acclimating the child to one or more different areas for sleeping.
Fortunately, we have an array of tips to help you plan your holiday to the Caribbean or other tropical or warmer weather destination with a great deal of ease.
Consider a Family-Friendly Accommodation
While you might be considering a resort or hotel, these are not as family-friendly as one might expect – particularly for those traveling with a baby. After all, your child may have one or two nights of disrupted or difficult sleep because of the journey. If he or she cries throughout the night or for several hours, you may find that a resort or hotel suite is not soundproof and your neighbors less excited to see you the following morning.
With a private villa or similar setting, it is like being at home and an infant can fuss as much as they need without upsetting anyone in the area. Additionally, the sleeping arrangements in luxury villas can be more amenable to the child’s adjusting to a new location. They will have an authentic crib, a separate room that is dark and quiet and which can enable a family or group to continue enjoying their holiday while the child sleeps in a safe, secure and comfortable environment.
Consider the Food
While your baby’s diet may still be quite minimal and controlled, it is incredibly beneficial if you, as a parent, have access to a refrigerator and even a kitchen space in which you can prepare things they like, keep formula and milk in the best conditions and store baby food in a safe manner. While you will want to bring your child’s favorite brands and flavors of baby food to ensure he or she eats properly, you are probably going to have to put those items in your checked luggage. So, have a few contingency plans in mind and even get in touch with your accommodations provider to ensure your child’s dietary needs can be met should your luggage go astray.
Consider the Clothing
Warmer weather travel and tropical destinations are great for babies as they can often be quite comfortable in light tops and short pants, or sundresses for girls. Remember that swim “nappies” keep the water in the pool safe while baby takes a swim, but don’t forget to provide the baby with a sun hat, sun screen and adequate protection.
Of course, there is also a matter of air conditioning, and most parents familiar with Caribbean or tropical holiday travel know that a light cover or jacket is going to keep the baby happier. If the accommodation features windows that can remain open throughout the night – to enjoy those sea breezes – ask for mosquito netting over the child’s bed, but also find a healthy and safe method for insect repelling.
If you keep the clothing, food and accommodation in mind, you can enjoy traveling with your child during even the hotter seasons in the Caribbean and other tropical areas.