10 Tips on Travelling with Toddlers to Family Friendly Barbados

Barbados is known for being a family friendly Caribbean destination and we couldn’t agree more! There are so many family friendly tours to choose from and things to do but travelling with young kids requires a bit more planning. Here are 10 useful tips for travelling to Barbados with toddlers.

Protect their skin Mr. Sun

Some sun exposure is good for a daily dose of Vitamin D but be responsible when it comes to your kid’s skin (and your own for that matter). Barbados is only 13 degrees north of the equator causing the suns warmth to be intense year-round. Avoid being in direct sunlight between 11 am and 1 pm when the sun is at its hottest.

Use both reef friendly sunscreen, hats and rash guards to cover and protect your kid’s skin. You can purchase these items at the nearby Quayside Centre in Barbados, just a 5 minute drive from Craggy Nook.

Choose a family friendly accommodation

Having a kid changes everything especially your priorities while travelling. Look for accommodations that have all you need for the safety and comfort of your kids without sacrificing the holiday amenities you deserve.

At Craggy Nook we provide a cot for babies and toddlers, beach toys for kids and paddle boards for the big kids. We know that our guests cannot truly relax on holiday unless they feel secure and well taken care of. That is why we have a private fenced beach area where your kids can play while you relax. We have 24 / 7 security and a friendly team who will go above and beyond for even the youngest of Craggy Nook guests and their needs.

Rent a Car with a Booster Seat

Public Transport in Barbados is not the most kid friendly means of getting around the island. We highly recommend renting a car for your family vacation, for convenience and safety. Don’t forget to request a booster seat for your kids ahead of time or travel with your own. Tip: Craggy Nook guests get 10% off their rental from Stoute’s Car Rental.

Pack Snacks

Parents will know the power of their kids favourite snack. Healthy snacks are a good way to keep your kids busy on the plane ride to Barbados and their tummies full while on the go. While in Barbados try new snacks like local fruit or the local kids favourite Tea Time cookies. Please be sure to pack extra snacks as supermarkets in Barbados may not stock your kids favourite cereals, juice boxes or snacks.

Family Friendly Fun

Barbados has many family friendly excursions. In fact, we wrote a blog post on 11 Family Friendly things to do in Barbados which you can read by clicking here. Surf Lessons, swimming with turtles and a day at Boatyard Beach are some action packed ways to keep your active energized kids busy by day leading to early nights in bed and some quiet time for the grown-ups.

One of the most magical family friendly experiences can happen right on our beach. Craggy Nook is on one of the top turtle nesting beaches in Barbados. Watching baby turtles emerge from the sand and wonder to the ocean is an experience you and your kids will never forget.

Keep Hydrated on the go!

Walk with an insulated, reusable water bottle so that you can keep your kids hydrated all day long. Tap water in Barbados is perfectly fresh and safe to drink, so you can fill up your water bottle on the go. Heading to the beach for the day, pack a cooler bag with your kids favourite frozen juice boxes. These will keep kids cool, hydrated and happy while on holiday.

Remove sand easily with Baby Powder

Beach days in Barbados call for this beach hack. Kids can get sand stuck on their bodies or between their toes. Sprinkle some baby powder whenever sand is stuck and then easily dust off the sand.  The baby powder removes the moisture from your kids’ skin and allows the sand to easily come off leaving a fresh, sticky free feeling.

Hire a sitter from Island Sitters.

Island Sitters is an award-winning family care agency based in Barbados. They have a team of personally screened and certified babysitters and nannies. Trust your kids with the reliable team of friendly sitters while you spend a date night out at one of the many top-rated restaurants in Barbados.

Chef Marielle – the built-in chef and babysitter

Mum and Dad want a night off? Chef Marielle can keep your kids entertained and prepare kid-friendly recipes with them – a built-in chef and babysitter. Local Chef Marielle may also be hired to prepare meals for the whole family, so while you spend the evening on the beach with your kids you know dinner is being taken care of.

Marielle’s services are truly one of a kind, we could not recommend her more to our guests. Let us know if you are interested in experiencing the delight that Marielle and her food will bring to your family vacation and we can book her for you. To learn more on Chef Marielle, click here.

Stay in a Central Location

While Barbados is a small island, it can take some time to get around. We recommend staying in a central location, like Craggy Nook, to minimize the time spent in cars or walking around with your kids. Staying at a ground floor beachfront location, like our Hawksbill Villa makes keeping your kids entertained as easy as opening your front door to their secure beach space.

Interested in learning more about Barbados? Leave a comment below and we would be happy to help.