Journey to Diani Beach with your toddler

You have this lovely 9 month or older tot who you must take on your Kenyan Safari at Diani Beach but are torn between dropping the trip and facing the numerous facets of baby travel. Take that trip without a doubt but first, some words of advice.

It all begins with packing proper clothing depending on the destination, Diani beach it is. Anti malarial shots and any other necessary vaccine should be first on the pre-travel check list. Emergency medicine for the cautious parent like fever tabs, play toys and diapers to boot.  Before you can do your own packing your luggage should be exceeding your airline’s weight limit.

A huge chunk of your time will be spent on the beach and kids of this age are hard to contain. You could spend a better part of your time panicking when you see an oncoming wave, running for cover and grabbing things from their mouths. Therefore a portable crib or playpen will come in handy to contain the ever wandering toddlers plus it also serves as the baby’s beach bed when they need to take a nap. Remember to carry an umbrella to shield the baby from the sun and a hat to cover them when they are awake and raring to crawl around. Sunscreen is also vital.

Take off on your flight to Diani beach could be the onset of your first problems with the baby if it is a first time flight. Ear pressure as the plane takes off and descends could be a source of discomfort for the young one. A simple trick of breast feeding at take off and landing does the trick or with the alternative of a suckling bottle. Older kids of three years or there about can do with chewing gum to tone down the anomaly.

You need a smaller bag with some of the basic necessities nearby during the flight containing change of clothes medication and baby food where necessary.

a small baby bag is necessary on long trips

Depending on when you decide to come down to Diani Beach you could be greeted by warm or cool weather. Weather changes agitate kids and they could turn cranky before adjusting to the new weather and environment. Pray that your baby sleeps soundly for most part of the trip probably until you get to your hotel room. Actually, the hotel room is another point of concern. Ensure that the hotel you are booking into offers child sitting services incase you need to leave the baby behind.

The room has also got to be child friendly with all the hazards taken care of like broken tables and sharp objects removed or replaced or better yet covered.
Before venturing out to the beach upon arrival it is advisable to give your child time to adjust to the new surrounding having found comfort in the familiar home territory. You can however bring a few home items like their favorite toy, blanket or photo to calm them down. Once they adjust, you can hit the beach with vigor.

Remember Diani beach just like any other beach has tiny shells or stones that could pose a choking hazard to the curious baby who will collect stuff and instantly sample with their mouths. Keep a watch before they choke on foreign elements.

Don't let the baby sit on the beach without a blanket

If you are in the company of another adult, take turns to watch over the baby to reduce the pressure on the mother being the sole minder. You are at Diani Beach for a holiday and not an extension of your home stay.

Ask your hotel if there is a resident doctor incase you need one and if not ensure there is a good hospital nearby. At Diani beach some of the hotels employ a resident doctor but without one the nearby Diani Hospital is safe and well equipped to handle most emergencies.
Finally when using a vehicle to get around, use a baby car seat at the back.

A baby's car seat

Hope those tips help to make your trip to Diani Beach with your baby uneventful and memorable.

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