Babies are adorable, to me at least, but not every country will agree with that. Traveling with an infant comes with its fears, including whether the country’s policies are baby-friendly and whether the people are hospitable, especially to infants. I’m writing this post to address these concerns by showing you the 7 best countries to visit with infants and why they are family-friendly.
In addition, I’ll be sharing with you some great fun activities for babies in these destinations.
Now, let’s dive in!
Best Destinations to Travel with Infants
Below are my top picks for the best destinations to visit with infants:
1. Portugal – Best Countries to Visit with Infants
Family Vacation in Portugal | Credit: Bkamprath
Portugal tops my list of the best countries to visit with infants because of its family-friendly laws. The law of the country supports babies, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. These categories of people have dedicated lines at the airports, even at restaurants. So as a parent traveling with an infant in Portugal, you get to skip the long queues at airports, restaurants, and attractions.
Some of the streets are rough and can damage a stroller, so I recommend you travel with a carrier as well. It is also better to get bottled water for drinking and making baby foods instead of using tap water. If you rent a car in Portugal, it may not come with a car seat, so be sure to bring that along too.
Why Portugal is Ideal for Babies
- People generally love babies in Portugal.
- Baby necessities are readily available in stores.
- Many hotels have pre-booked cribs for babies
- The Laws of the country are family-friendly.
Baby-Friendly Things To Do in Portugal
Portugal is also known for its beautiful beaches and great sites to visit with babies. Hence, head to the Coast of Algarve with your baby and take a boat tour to see dolphins and the Benagil Cave. The weather in Portugal is favorable all year round, and you can have a family picnic on the beach.
For sightseeing, explore Castle de lo Jorge in Lisbon, an archaeological site with various fascinating antiques. Let your baby play on the outdoor playground close to Estufa Fria, a botanical garden in Lisbon.
2. Mexico
Baby-Friendly Activities in Mexico
Although there are no dedicated lines for parents with babies in Mexico, it is still one of the best countries to visit with infants. The people are friendly, and there are many fun things to do with infants in Mexico. That being said, moving around Mexico is easy with a rented car, and baby items like food, diapers, and formula are readily available in stores.
While you are in Mexico, be sure to use bottled water for baby foods and drinking as the water is not safe for drinking. I also recommend you travel with mosquito nets and repellent cream for infants to avoid mosquito bites. Also, you can easily hire babysitters for daytime care in Mexico.
Why Mexico is a Baby-Friendly Destination
- It is easy to navigate the country from one end to another.
- Easy access to baby items.
- You can nurse a baby in public.
- Mexicans are family-friendly.
Things to Do in Mexico with Infants
Just like the best places to visit in the U.S. with family, Mexico is a good vacation spot for babies. Visit the Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanico) with your baby to see various plants like cacti, orchids, and more. Babies can relax and nap in the quiet garden. Take your baby to the playground called “Juegos Infantiles” in the Condesa Roma region for a fun day out. The park features baby swings and other baby-friendly play equipment. Your baby would also enjoy visiting the Mexico City Zoo or Chapultepec Zoo, where they can see tigers, lions, hippos, monkeys, and best of all, the giraffes.
3. Thailand
Best destinations to travel with Infants – Thailand
Thailand is one of the safest destinations to travel with a baby as the locals are very hospitable and most hotels have cribs and nannies to make your stay comfortable. No wonder it is among the best places to visit in the world. Although you shouldn’t expect designated family lines in major places except Bangkok airport, you can expect to have many people wanting to carry your baby. Don’t worry: Thai culture places a huge value on family, so don’t be surprised if almost everyone smiles at your baby or wants to hold them.
Like Portugal, some sidewalks are rough, making it difficult to use strollers all the time. So, it is better to travel with a baby carrier as well. Airbnbs and some high-end hotels provide electric heaters where you can boil water. You can use boiled water to wash baby feeders and pacifiers and sanitize after. If you’re not satisfied, you may buy bottled water. If it’s within your means, you can check out this excellent family-friendly hotel, Six Senses Koh Yao Noi.
In addition, you should travel with enough baby formula as it’s difficult to get formula in Thailand. I recommend renting a car or hiring a driver in Thailand to use your car seats.
Why Thailand is Best to Travel with Babies
- Thai culture values family.
- Easy to navigate with a rented car.
- Affordable transportation and childcare items.
- Baby changing facilities are available in most places.
Things To Do in Thailand with Infants
Thailand is known for its stunning beaches and wildlife attractions. Enjoy some family-friendly beaches like Nai Harn and Surin beaches in Phuket. Head to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, and watch amazing marine creatures with your baby. Also, drive around Safari World to see wildlife in their habitat. Infants would love to see lions, tigers, and giraffes moving around.
4. Bali, Indonesia – Best Countries to Visit with Infants
Water Slides in WaterBom, Bali
Bali is well-known for its beautiful landscapes, tropical beaches, and abundant marine life, hence it’s considered one of the best warm places to visit. Traveling with infants may be daunting, but destinations like Bali make it an unforgettable experience. The first thing you would notice is the hospitality of the Bali people. Getting the services of nannies and babysitters in Bali is easy and affordable.
Baby necessities are easy to find on the island and you have easy access to rent cars or hire a driver. But, you can decide to use the tuk-tuk or buses to get around. Just ensure you have a baby carrier to enable you to carry your baby on your lap in public transport. I still advise you to get bottled water for drinking and making baby formula here.
Why Bali is Ideal for Infants
- The Balinese adore babies.
- Ease of access to childcare services.
- Baby necessities are affordable.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Bali
Bali is generally one of the best places to travel with infants due to the numerous family-friendly things to do on the island. Head to the Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali where your baby can watch different species of monkeys running around. From there, visit the Rice Terraces, just away from the streets of Ubud to see the vast plantation. Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare Balinese foods for a beautiful family bonding moment. You can also get tickets to watch the Balinese Dance Show at the Ubud Palace featuring elaborate costumes and fascinating performances.
In addition, visit WaterBom, the most famous water park in Kuta, Bali. The park features water slides and a fantastic kid’s playing arena so that everyone can have a fun time.
5. Japan
A Local smiling at a baby in Japan
Among the best countries to visit with infants, Japan is one of the cleanest and safest places. Japanese love babies and would often want to hold your baby. Beyond that, you can skip queues at airports, restaurants, and attractions, if you’re with a baby. Matter of fact, there are baby-changing facilities at the airport and some attractions.
Although a stroller is useful here, it is good you have a baby carrier as well. The railway system is excellent in Japan, making it easy to move around the country. Feeding a baby in public is not allowed, so find a private place whenever you need to feed your baby outside.
Why Japan is Best to Travel with Infants
- You have access to abundant changing areas.
- Skip long queues at airports, restaurants, and attractions.
- Baby items are easy to find in stores.
- Easy and affordable transportation around the country.
Family-Friendly Activities in Japan
There are many fun things to do in Japan with a baby. First, head north of Tokyo to the Tokyo Skytree Observation Tower and catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Mount Fuji from a distance. Spend an afternoon at Ueno Park, a lovely place for kids, where you’ll find the Ueno Zoo where your baby can see pandas.
Another fun place for babies is the beautiful city of Nara. The city has Nara Park where your baby can see the deer. The park also features the old temple of Todai-Ji with a large attractive Buddha statue.
6. United States of America (USA)
Stroller-friendly Boardwalks in the USA
The United States is a great place to travel with family for its walkable streets, nice attractions, hiking trails, and cruises. While the people are not as friendly as in Asia or Europe, there’s always something to see and do in the US.
Why Travel to the U.S with Infants
- Streets are generally stroller-friendly.
- Car seats can be rented at affordable rates.
- Many hotels have cribs for babies.
- Plenty of baby-friendly activities abound in the U.S.
Fun Things To Do in the USA with Infants
One of the best hiking trails to go with infants is the Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park. The parks have stroller-friendly boardwalks which makes it easy to move around.
Visit Walt Disney World and take your baby to the Animal Kingdom to interact with furry creatures. Your baby will never get enough of Walt Disney World. Spend a day at Central Park, and take your baby to the zoo to see some wildlife. The National History Museum is also a great place to visit with babies. You can also go on an Alaska Cruise for a sizzling family moment.
7. South Africa
Baby-Friendly Safari in South Africa
Africa is generally a family-friendly continent. South Africa, in particular, is one of the best African countries that are baby-friendly and known for safaris.
I advise you to rent a car or use ride-sharing services in South Africa since it is affordable. The roads are not usually smooth off the major roads, so it’s best to travel with a carrier. Travel with a car seat for your baby. Also, getting baby items is easy in the city.
Why Visit South Africa with Infants
- Locals are hospitable.
- Baby necessities are easy to come by.
- Transportation is cheap.
- Abundant wildlife and lush landscapes.
Baby-Friendly Activities in South Africa
The stingrays, penguins, and fishes in Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town are a must-see for your baby. Take your baby to the playground in Green Point Urban Park in Cape Town. The park has a lot of green grass where you can have a family picnic as well.
Give your baby a safari experience – visit Kruger National Park to see the Big Five games and other wildlife. Add a visit to the Johannesburg Zoo to see animals in cages.
Best Countries to Visit with Infants – Conclusion
Whether you are planning a long or short family vacation, I’ve got you covered with these destinations. Take note of the baby travel tips for each country, so you’re well-prepared.
Have you visited any of these countries with your baby? I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to share your experience in the comments. If you have questions, drop them in the comments as well. I’d ensure to answer them.
