March 5, 2018; Thinking of taking a holiday to Croatia, with your baby in tow? Fantastic! Croatia is a perfect destination for a family vacation. Here are a few tips we have for travelling to Croatia with a baby or young child.
Offering a multitude of options for those seeking a relaxing holiday soaking up the Adriatic sun and sea to travelers looking for on the go adventure. Whether you’re island hopping through Dalmatia on a charter, sightseeing the world famous sites like Plitvice Lakes or driving through the farms of Slavonia to Zagreb and its Zagorije – there is something for every family.
Now that you’re all booked, what do you actually need for baby when heading to Croatia? I mean if leaving the house with a baby and her stuff can feel like taking a trip then taking a vacation with baby….can feel like moving house? It doesn’t have to! Packing the right things and minimizing to the essentials is simpler than it sounds.
Read below for recommendations on what you actually need for baby on your trip to Croatia.
1. Carriers
When travelling in Croatia a carrier is a must! Every city has an old town that is great to explore – and as in a lot of Europe – the streets are cobblestone or brick with tram railways lining the streets. The walls of Dubrovnik, Tkalčićeva in Zagreb, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and even Plitvice Lakes (all must-sees when visiting Croatia!) are not very stroller friendly.
While a stroller could come in handy at Plitvice, it’s important to note that forest paths are unpaved as you circle the lakes and there are numerous narrow wooden bridges where even the most off terrain stroller just can’t go. With over a 1,000 islands lining its coastline, your trip will likely include a ferry ride or two. Popping baby into the carrier can allow you to easily move about and take in some fresh air on deck.
When deciding on which carrier to use keep in mind that summer temperatures in Croatia can reach 35C+ and the coastline is humid so you’ll want to ensure its made of a breathable fabric and offers some sun protection for little one.
Recommendation: Definitely pack a carrier.
Cedit: Zdravko Photography
2. Strollers
While many people will opt to bring a lightweight stroller for ease of travel, consider these three points below:
- Canopy
The Croatian coast is sunny year-round. No matter what time of year you visit, sunshine is plentiful. When it rains its usually only for an afternoon, or at most a day or two in a row and then the sun glows again. This is fantastic news for holidaymakers – but not so exciting for the tired, fussy baby trying to nap outside. That’s why a canopy that provides coverage for a sleeping baby or toddler is key! It comes in handy during those gusts of Bura wind as well, and if you happen to be caught in the rain it can keep baby dry as you make your way indoors.
- Reclining Seat
Many lightweight strollers comprise on this one crucial feature – a fully reclining seat. When baby does nap on the go, being able to lower the seat can provide a more restful (and sometimes longer) nap allowing them to wake up more refreshed and recharged for the rest of the day. This can make or break a day of exploring; vacation time is just not as relaxing with a cranky baby or toddler in tow!
- Storage Basket
Whether you’re hitting the beach for the day, heading into old town to shop and explore, or spending the day at a café people watching, having a sizable and sturdy basket can alleviate a lot of hassle and keep those arms free for baby! Keeping beach towels, baby’s diaper bag, a carrier, and a perch chair (see below) allows you to sit back and relax knowing your things are safe and sound in one place. Think of it as a rolling car trunk with you all day long – so handy!
Recommendation: Bring a reliable stroller you’re used to using, don’t worry about the weight and size as much as comfort for baby.
3. Perch High Chairs
Many moms heading on a trip (especially for the first time) wonder whether it’s worth spending the $100 or so on a perch high chair. I’m here to tell you YES!
It may seem like just another thing to have to pack, lug around and worry about – but when you take it out of its handy travel bag that most come with, screw it quickly to your café table and pop baby in there on a 37C sunny day you’ll never look back. Some restaurants will have a high chair available, but cafes will not. Notice a high chair – meaning one, maybe two. When they’re occupied holding and feeding a sweaty, wriggly baby while trying to sip your espresso and relax becomes challenging. In two quick minutes, you can set up the perch chair on practically any table and voila baby is securely fastened with the built-in harness to play with a couple of toys or have a snack.
Couldn’t you just keep baby in the stroller and roll it up to the table?
In an ideal situation yes. Keep in mind Croatia is an incredibly popular tourist destination that keeps restaurants and café tables positioned very close to each other and full. You’ll often have to fold your stroller to keep it nearby or leave it on the edge of a café in eyesight.
Plus the perch is compact and light enough (usually around 2-3kg) that you can pop into a backpack if heading out to dine and leave the stroller altogether.
It can also be set up on a dining table or even a desk if you’re staying in a hotel, for baby meals at your home away from home for the duration of your stay.
Recommendation: Spend the money and bring one. You’ll be surprised when you return from your trip and can’t live without your perch when on the go at home!
Credit: Guzzie and Gus
4. Cribs and Pack & Plays
This varies on two things, the type of accommodation booked and the type of trip planned. Croatia has become one of the world’s top travel destinations, and accommodations available range from five-star resorts, to hotels, hostels, inns and apartment rentals.
If you’re renting an apartment you will need to decide based on your baby’s needs if you can make due with co-sleeping or setting baby up on a sofa/extra bed will be sufficient, or whether you want to bring along a pack and play. Most airlines will allow pack and plays, car seats and/or strollers to be checked baggage free of charge. However often only two of the three things are permitted so make sure to check your airline’s policies and extra fees before flying! If you’re purchasing a pack and play specifically for your holiday, try to give baby two weeks at home to get used to it first before leaving to make sure the mattress is comfortable enough and they will sleep soundly. Some mattresses are very hard and baby will wake right up when you put them down for a nap.
If you are staying in a hotel or resort, many will have an infant bed or crib available, sometimes complimentary with your stay but some do charge a nightly fee.
Recommendation: Skip bringing a pack and play. Even the best pack and play is large and heavy, and you should be able to create a safe sleeping environment for baby during your stay.
5. Car Seats
If you’re flying to Croatia, as millions of visitors do each season, car seats are one of the two free checked items almost all airlines will allow. If room permits some will let you bring the car seat onboard for baby to sit in during the flight even if you haven’t purchased a separate ticket. To ensure you can do this, you need to pay for a seat for baby, then you are guaranteed to bring your car seat on board, granted it meets safety regulations.
An important thing to note is that EU standards for car seats are different to those than in the US/Canada and many countries abroad so the car seat you have at home may not be legal to use. Make sure you check the standards of your car seat.
Car rental agencies have car seats available but they are not guaranteed. Make sure to call the agency a few weeks and then again a few days before your trip to ensure one is reserved for you.
Recommendation: If you will be renting multiple times during your stay or moving around a lot, especially with a baby younger than 6 months, it is advisable to bring your own infant car seat. Otherwise with a little bit of follow up with your car rental agency you don’t need to lug one from home.
With so many things to explore and do in Croatia, it doesn’t take much to keep the whole family entertained for the duration of your trip. Make your travels to and from your holiday easier by sticking to the essentials; a carrier, stroller and perch high chair plus a small suitcase with clothing essentials, a couple of toys and baby’s diaper needs and holidaying in Croatia with a baby is a breeze!
Happy travelling!
