Thailand with Baby or Toddler: Our Best Tips
Thailand is one of the top destinations to travel with kids of all ages. I’ve visited the country multiple times with and without kids. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling in Thailand with baby or toddler.
Tips for Thailand with Baby and toddler
While Thailand might be an easy destination to travel with kids, you can’t expect top-notch facilities as you would in Japan or Taiwan. I’d say it’s comparable with Italy where changing tables or any family amenities are rare outside of expensive hotels.
However, as I always say – just because it doesn’t officially exist it doesn’t mean that people can’t make it easier for you when you travel with kids. For example, in Dubai we were told to skip the immigration line because our toddler was having a meltdown and couldn’t wait an hour, and in South Africa we were told to just go forward before security. Thai airport and immigration officers made sure my kids were happy by talking to them and even giving them lollipops when we had to wait.
Thai people are welcoming and warm when it comes to babies. When it comes to toddlers I will say that many are curious and especially older ladies might sometimes be a bit too loving and staring to the extent of making kids uncomfortable (according to my kids), which was interesting considering we just came from India on our way to Thailand and it never got that intense there. Basically, Thai people just love kids!
Although I have cursed at the high curbs more than once, we have encountered plenty of amenities.
In most hotels and restaurants you will find highchairs for children or travel cots. The most friendly ones also have kids clubs, books, and toys in the rooms, paddling pools with slides, children’s menus, and special cutlery and dishes. There are also cool playrooms, public playgrounds, nurseries and kindergartens. In shopping malls you can also count on attractions and shops for children.
Other things to note are that tap water isn’t drinkable and safety standards might be different (very normal to see a little kid riding a motorcycle and car seats aren’t widely used), but other than that Thailand is very safe for visitors. Even the mid-range hotels offered us a crib and all bunk beds had railings that were safe for our kids. It’s also better to wash fruits and vegetables with prepared water or from a bottle.
Car Seats in Thailand
Undeniably, Thailand isn’t very car seat friendly. Around towns, you’ll be mostly traveling with tuk-tuks and boats and therefore car seats aren’t going to be possible to install.
Many families transport kids on scooters, especially around islands, which is completely normal as long as the child is wearing a helmet. The only thing is that you are not allowed to transport children in the front, in front of the driver, and with children under 7 years old you are not allowed to exceed 40 km/h.
If you rent your own car, which honestly I don’t recommend, then you potentially might have a chance installing a car seat. Many taxis though might not have seatbelts in the back.
From our experience bringing a car seat to shared vans taking you on excursions and between towns, the chance of installing a car seat isn’t big because they usually expect small children to squeeze in or keep them on your lap. Not ideal, but there’s not much you can do about it.
Bringing a Stroller to Thailand: Yay or Nay?
When it comes to debating whether to bring a stroller to Thailand, it really depends on your preference. A stroller might be very useful for airports and if you’re staying at a luxury resort with long paved walkways, but anywhere outside of it you won’t really be able to use a stroller. Sidewalks are often broken or non-existent so a stroller would be more of a hassle than convenience – especially since you can always catch a tuk-tuk if the kids are tired. We did that a lot, especially when coming back from late dinners at our hotel.
Where to go in Thailand with Toddlers
Most tourists start with the islands, due to their well-known stunning beaches, but if you want to see the true beauty of the country you need to add central and northern parts of the country to the itinerary. Bangkok can offer a surprising amount of things to do with kids, while the north – Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai will charm you with its temples, elephant sanctuaries and natural beauty.
When to Go
Thai New Year (Sonkran) happens in April. During a week or so, the entire country slows down, so I’d avoid that time.
Otherwise, the best season runs from November to mid-April. Summer months are rainy seasons, but while you might get a high chance of rain you can still sneak in some sunny days.
If you do go during the rainy season a mosquito repellent is a must. Bugs are present in Thailand year-round, but they’re more aggressive during the summer months.
Baby Products in Thailand
Thailand has everything available, especially in bigger towns as it caters to tourists. Some products might not be available on small islands, but if you ask around someone will help you find whatever you need.
You will be able to find baby purée in jars at big supermarket chains, but most will be American style (not European-style as I used to say), which means quite often the vegetables will be mixed with fruits in a weird combo.
The formula is available even in various 7elevens while bigger chains will have goat and lactose-free formulas as well.
Diapers can be bought anywhere. The main brand is called MamyPoko, but you can also get Pampers or Huggies. Just remember that the sizing on local brands is slightly off, so I suggest buying size-up.
I haven’t found any swim diapers around Thailand. It might be my experience, but I usually see swim diapers only available at big resorts, so bringing them from home just to be safe.
If your toddlers get hungry don’t worry – you don’t need to go to sit-down restaurant every time, you can always get a quick bite for them in 7eleven. My kids loved the toasties, but there are many other ready-to-go meals available everywhere.
What Can Kids Eat in Thailand
Everything is available in Thailand, even for the most picky eaters because every restaurant will also have french fries on the menu. Fresh fruits are available everywhere. From local specialties, there are a few dishes that aren’t spicy and loved by most kids:
- Tom Kha Gai – coconut milk-based soup with chicken and shitake
- Chicken Soup – basically a chicken noodle soup with clear broth
- Spring Rolls
- Pad Thai
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Omlett
Things to Bring to Thailand with Toddlers or Babies
While snorkeling masks for adults and older kids will usually be provided during your excursion, we tend to bring our own masks for kids because smaller sizes aren’t usually available.
