Travelling with Kids in Oistins Barbados: Tips for a Smooth Family Vacation

Island Greetings from Oistins Barbados! When embarking on a family vacation, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of your little ones is a top priority. While you may meticulously plan what to pack—diapers, clothes, bottles, and more—there are unforeseen challenges that can arise when travelling abroad, especially with children. To help you navigate your journey to Oistins Barbados with your kids, here are key considerations to keep in mind.

Navigating Transportation

While Barbados has seatbelt laws mandating their use for both drivers and passengers, including children under 5 who require appropriate child seats, enforcement is lax. When driving with children, the local practice often involves placing them in the back seat and securing them with the vehicle’s regular seat belt. Taxis and ZR vans, common modes of transportation, generally don’t adhere to strict child seat requirements either. Families should be prepared for these practices, although bringing car seats or booster seats is a personal choice, as the rules aren’t heavily enforced.

Stroller Considerations

Strollers are convenient for transporting infants and young children, but navigating them in Barbados can be challenging due to the absence of sidewalks and narrow, two-way roads. The island’s road infrastructure was historically designed for carriages and carts, making stroller use less feasible. Opting for a lightweight baby carrier can be a better alternative, allowing you to navigate bumpy roads and hills more easily. However, tourist-friendly areas like St. James, St. Lawrence Gap, and the boardwalk offer more suitable environments for stroller use.

Ideal Stroller-Friendly Areas

Tourist-centric locations like St. James, St. Lawrence Gap, and the boardwalk are well-suited for stroller use. The boardwalk, in particular, offers a picturesque route for strolling with your little ones. You can explore the entire boardwalk using this link.

Child Essentials: Groceries and More

Massy Supermarket, conveniently situated in the heart of Oistins, provides a range of children’s essentials, including diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, and baby cereal. However, these items are often pricey and overpriced. Many parents find it more economical to purchase these items in their home country and pack them for the trip. Planning ahead and bringing essential items from home can save you money and hassle during your stay.

Smart Packing: Travel Light for More Fun

When it comes to travelling in Barbados with kids, opting for smaller, essential items and leaving behind heavy gear like strollers, car seats, and booster seats can make your journey smoother and less stressful. While these items might be suitable for tourist hotspots, exploring local areas of the island might prove cumbersome with bulkier gear. Travel light and focus on the essentials for a more enjoyable family adventure.

Share Your Family Travel Insights

Have you travelled with kids in Barbados before? We’d love to hear your experiences and insights.

Island Greetings,
Thoywell & Shanelle
T&S Barbados Rentals
PS. Your family-friendly Barbadian escape awaits— Book your stay with us!