Must Know Bali Baby Travel Advice
Moms and dads need vacations too and shouldn’t worry about going on an international trip to Bali. It’s true that every child and family is unique, but many families who are eager for new experiences will be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to travel with a small child. It might be less difficult now than later on when they’re older. And just because a baby is a little older now doesn’t mean you can’t go on trips, but it does mean you’ll have to modify your approach for a while.
Traveling with a sling or a more structured front-pack baby carrier is a lot more practical than a stroller. This holds true for Bali’s busy, bumpy streets, and your baby becomes mobile and happy.
In connection with the above point, once you strap your baby to your chest, they’ll usually fall asleep. This way, you can explore the island or have lunch without disruption the entire time.
Napping is much less of a hassle in the air or on a long taxi or ferry ride. Even if your infant is unhappy with the change in routine, they are likely to sleep through much of it.
Infants pretty much just stay wherever you lay them down. You won’t have to worry about your baby sticking their fingers in electrical outlets or falling down the stairs before they can crawl, walk, or even roll. Toddlers, on the other hand, have a completely different agenda. They are hard to handle at home, let alone while traveling, where you are almost certain to find uncovered electrical outlets and unguarded stairs. Children at this age are naturally curious. They are eager to gain knowledge, have fun, and discover new things, just like their parents. This is a healthy curiosity that will serve them well as they explore the world. Unfortunately, toddlers don’t always think about the risks involved, so it’s up to mom or dad to keep their curious toddler out of harm’s way.
They fly for free (well, almost for free). Some airlines waive the ticketing fee entirely for children under two, while others charge only the taxes (10% of fare plus taxes/fees is common). Babies aren’t given their own seats and instead must either sit on your lap or be buckled into a comfy bassinet.
This may seem ideal, and in some ways it is; however, it does not come without difficulties. When there are many infants on a flight, the bassinets are often given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Many people would prefer that infants not be allowed in airplane first-class and business-class cabins, but the fact remains that infants of all ages are welcome in any class on almost all airlines.
“In business and first class, obnoxious, loud, or drunk adults are a bigger nuisance than infants and children,” says World Travel Guy. Most importantly, parents should not ignore their children while flying because this causes the majority of problems for other passengers.”
Traveling with a baby before they turn two makes sense if you and your family are on a tight budget or if grandma and grandpa are unable to visit you for medical reasons.
Babies in Bali are easily captivated. This eliminates the need to visit kid-centric sites like theme parks, playgrounds, and other places where adults may have as much fun as their children. When you have an infant, you have a lot more flexibility in scheduling your own activities. Even a whole day at the Bali Zoo could be too much for an infant in a front carrier, but the two of you can enjoy shopping in Ubud or a leisurely lunch without worrying about the little one being fussy.
Every baby in Bali is precious (some are treated as gods), and their immune systems are still growing along with their curiosity.
As you may already know, the tap water in Bali is not safe to drink because it may contain bacteria, chemical pollutants, heavy metals (like lead), and a wide range of other harmful contaminants. Many new parents stress about this since infants’ delicate skin is prone to irritation, redness, and other unpleasant symptoms. And what toddler doesn’t like playing in the shower and maybe even trying to drink some of the water? Even if you are staying in a hotel or villa that has filtered or cleaned water, it is still best to use bottle water for bathing your infant. If you don’t have any bottled water, you may either use the hotel’s electric kettle to boil tap water or get some from the lobby.
Maintain your personal hygiene. Bali belly is constantly on the prowl. This may make you ill for days and is usually transferred by touching, and you don’t want your kid to get it. As a result, you should always use antibacterial soap to wash your hands. Especially after handling money, restaurant menus, and shaking hands. Consider using antibacterial wipes whenever you can.
Another major fear is mosquitoes and dengue. Bali is a high-risk dengue nation, but this doesn’t stop many pregnant or nursing women from coming since over 100 countries carry the same risk. The dengue mosquito is most active in the early morning and late at night. Wear breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs. Even if it says “organic” on the label, you may not want to use mosquito repellent on infants less than five months. Please consult your child’s doctor. DEET-based insect repellents, however, have been tested and approved as safe for babies older than 2 months. But use caution while using them: Pick a repellent with a DEET concentration of no more than 30%. (look for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label).
Most stores sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread, so carrying a tiny portable hand blender might come in handy. Cooks are more than willing to accommodate special requests in order to make you happy.
It’s natural if parents want to hold off on taking their kids on vacation until they’re a little bit older and will really remember it. Even though babies won’t remember trips, that doesn’t mean they don’t benefit from being in new places and doing new things with you. It’s healthier for you (and your baby) to live a normal life without putting the brakes on just because a new baby has joined it. Think of all the beautiful stories and photographs you get to share with them later.