Traveling with a baby

[Casey Clemens]

Looking for some advice for places to travel with a baby for diving. My wife and I both would like to dive but we will have to bring our 1.5 year old with us as we have no one to watch him. I really had my heart set on bonaire for the ease of diving but that doesn't look doable with a young child and just the two of us traveling. Our budget is a little tight. Does anyone have experience with this or with all inclusive resort baby care?


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[diversteve]

The Beaches properties have U.S. certified nannies and will watch newborns on up.

Our budget is a little tight

is going to be the problem. I think Ocho Rios (Jamaica) is the cheapest of the 3. I know the one on Providenciales in the Turks/Caicos isn't - it starts about $350pp/day. Includes diving plus everything else the AI offers. Everything on Provo is expensive. All Inclusive Resorts & Caribbean Vacations for the Whole Family - Beaches Caribbean Family Resorts.

In another 1.5 years the Sunscape AI (former Breezes) on Curacao has a Kids Club - 3yr. olds and up. Welcome to Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino - it's basically the same diving as Bonaire with more beaches. And more people.

 

[drrich2]

We have a baby, too; younger than yours.

Last September, I chose Rainbow Reef Dive Center out of Key Largo, Florida. Easy access to U.S. health care, avoided long plane rides, stayed at the Courtyard Marriott so the dive boats were at the end of the parking long, and took along the mother-in-law to help look after our child, and we all shared 1 room.

If I had to go looking for a professional daycare outside of a resort/hotel, I'd suspect that Florida, being a vacation magnet with a strong tourism industry, would have some you could work with. I don't know how far from Key Largo a good one would be.

Some people like diving out of Pompano Beach and other places up the east coast of Florida.

Richard.

 

[Doubler]

From Small Hope Bay Website:

By arrangement, we have experienced child care persons who can watch over and entertain your children during the daytime or evening hours for a nominal charge.

Babysitting for 2 to 7 year olds is complimentary between the hours of 6 PM and 8:45 PM. It is a Small Hope tradition that children under 8 dine at 6:30 PM in their own seating area in the Games Room. This allows adults time to enjoy the evening social hour and dine later in the evening, while young children enjoy supervised post-dinner activities. A nominal fee for private babysitting services will be charged for babies under two. Your preteen children may also eat in the games room if you like, it is your choice. (In 2009 we will change this policy to be complimentary babysitting for 2 to 7 year olds in the games room at dinner/cocktail time)
[h=3]Accommodations:[/h]

Small Hope has 13 one-bedroom cottages and 4 two-bedroom cottages. There is no surcharge for extra cot service or cribs. During the summer months (June - Labor Day) we waive the 2 adult requirement for children to qualify for their reduced rate. Consequently, single parents can travel with their children without paying an extra single charge. Please see Rates for more information.

Small Hope Bay Lodge is located on Andros Island Bahamas, great ocean and blu hole diving, all inclusive.

 

[oldschoolto]

Just bring the crib on the dive boat.... Tell the crew they will have a nice big tip if the baby is not crying and still on board...

Jim..

 

[robint]

I would be uncomfortable with a baby out of the country. You can't depend on having medical care available if something happens.

 

[Casey Clemens]

Thanks everyone! looking a possibly paying to bring the mother inlaw along :shocked2:!! or possibly we just won't dive. Our little guy has not had any issues with his health to this point so I am not too concerned about medical care and it is a risk we all take anytime we do anything really. Hoping perhaps prices will go down some before we book but that seems unlikely. I am more worried about other passengers on the plane taking our baby with us then anything else. He is a good and quiet kid but everyone gives you that "look" when you bring a baby on a plane! lol

 

[drrich2]

Our little guy has not had any issues with his health to this point so I am not too concerned about medical care and it is a risk we all take anytime we do anything really.

True, but consider. In the U.S., I'm using to Wal-mart being 15 minutes away, open 24/7 with a lot of over-the-counter med.s available. In Bonaire, I had a bad leg abrasion & wanted some triple antibiotic ointment. Turned out I needed to go to the pharmacy. Stores on Bonaire aren't open near the hours I'm used to in the U.S., and I couldn't just walk into a grocery store and find as good a range of med.s. So it's not just whether a given location as a Pediatric I.C.U. around; being able to get Infant Tylenol and Infant Motrin an also be an issue.

In other words, figure out what you regularly use and might want want in a pinch, and take plenty with you.

He is a good and quiet kid but everyone gives you that "look" when you bring a baby on a plane! lol

Oh, yeah! On a flight waiting to take off, my wife & I were sitting with our then 10 month old baby & 1 empty seat beside us, and they announced that it was a full flight. So I asked my wife 'Hm, wonder who'll draw the short straw?'

Richard.

 

[diversteve]

Look at Aruba. Basically the same good diving as Bonaire since it's 100 miles away along the same reef structure. If needed, the hospital there is large, modern and has a Level III trauma center. It's also 5 minutes from the resort area. Compared with the Bonaire "hospital" where they ask you to bring your own sheets...

Probably find something with babysitting also: All Inclusive Aruba Resorts : Aruba Resorts are Luxury & Relaxation

Start with the Divi properties - I think they're kid/family friendly. Dive with Clive gets good reviews. www.divearuba.com

Maybe consider Grand Cayman also except it's as expensive as Turks/Caicos. The Marriott Grand offers babysitting - don't know the age limit. Not the cheapest place to stay though...LOL. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/gcmgc-grand-cayman-marriott-beach-resort/ If needed they have a new world-class medical center there. http://www.healthcitycaymanislands.com/

You can also shore dive there to save money - most sites are at most a 10-15min. drive away. And there's some good ones, We boat dove in the mornings and shore dove in the afternoons. Boat dives are pricey though 2/$100 is typical.