Travel to India with Children

Asia » India

I have never been to India before, and will be travelling there for the first time in December with my 4 children. I have alot of questions!

Moxie6

Barbara
Post Count: 2

Msg: #1 63 days ago, September 30th 2008

I will be travelling to India (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Bangalore, Hospet) for the first time this December/January. I will be accompanied by my husband (who is Indian), our four children (ages: 12, 9, 7 and 1), and extended family members. The first part of the trip will include more of the Northern "tourist" spots, and the second part will be spent visiting other extended family members.

Does anyone have any advice/guidance related to travelling in India with young children? Some of my questions include: (1) do I need to bring a car seat for the baby? (2) how much should I worry about purity of food/water? (3) should I bother to bring a stroller? (4) Is it worthwhile to invest in things like water purifiers, mosquito nets, etc.?

I want to make sure the children stay healthy and safe, and at the same time have a wonderful experience that they'll remember for the rest of their lives.

P.S. I have already taken the children to their physician, and they are all set with immunizations and other medications.

Mell

Mel Fla
Post Count: 5072

Msg: #2 63 days ago, September 30th 2008

Hello Barbara :)

(1) do I need to bring a car seat for the baby?

Unless your husbands family can loan you one then taking one with you might be an idea.

(2) how much should I worry about purity of food/water?

You need to worry about it a lot. Dont drink or brush your teeth with tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere so you can buy that or else boil water to drink.

3) should I bother to bring a stroller?

I would also try to borrow one of those from you husbands family. If not then I would take one. The airlines are generally very good about storing them and having them ready for you when you get out of the plane.

(4) Is it worthwhile to invest in things like water purifiers, mosquito nets, etc.?

I would just buy bottled water in India. Maybe a mosquito net is something you can borrow from your husbands family too. I wouldnt bother to buy one. Take some child friendly mosquito repellant with you instead.

Mel

Moxie6

Barbara
Post Count: 2

Msg: #3 61 days ago, October 2nd 2008

Hi Mel -
Thank you for your response. I have received mixed feedback from folks regarding the need/practicality of car seats and strollers in India. I know car seats are not required when traveling in India, but I'll feel better bringing one. I'm not so sure about the stroller - I've heard that the streets are so crowded and bumpy in some areas, that it will be impossible to navigate with one.

I just invested in a backpack carrier for the baby, so that will definitely be making the trip!

If there is any more advice out there regarding taking kids to India - I'm open to all comments! Anything else I should be thinking about? (or worry about?)

Thanks!

manishk

Manish
Post Count: 3

Msg: #4 61 days ago, October 2nd 2008

@Barbara

Ans) 1) do I need to bring a car seat for the baby: In India I have never seen any car seats being used anywhere. Not required for sure, lest you need to increase your baggage for some reaons best known to you :)

2) how much should I worry about purity of food/water? ..Well, Mells answer to this questions makes me think whether I live in the same country or has she visitied India on some other planet. Tap water at most of the places should be safe for brushing teeth etc. Although do not expect to get warm water from the tap at any place except some good hotels in India.As far as drinking water is concerned, I have seen foriegners even NRI's in India have problems with it, so best drink water from the hordes of known brands of packaged water. Aqua Fina, or Rail Neer, or Biseleri, or one of these variants should be readily available.

3)) should I bother to bring a stroller? You could bring a stroller if you feel the need for it. or else you could borrow from someone locally. If your husband is an Indian someone in his family should eb able to arrange for it.

4) Is it worthwhile to invest in things like water purifiers, mosquito nets, etc.? Well these are items which are readily available in India. Another thing if your husband is an Indian, he is likely to get a very warm reception at whereever he is visiting in India (from his extended family members) Mosquito Nets should be definitely made available by his family members At hotels you generally dont require Mosquito nets alternate arrangements are readily available.
One more thing, keep common medicines for the children like some analgesics and antipyretics with you which children might require suddenly. Depends on how old your childern are .

I hope my answers help you in making the right arrangements for your travel to India.

Mell

Mel Fla
Post Count: 5072

Msg: #5 61 days ago, October 2nd 2008

I know car seats are not required when traveling in India

Maybe not by law but safetywise I think they are. ;)

I've heard that the streets are so crowded and bumpy in some areas, that it will be impossible to navigate with one.

Thats a point for sure. Last time I was there was without a child. One does not tend to notice the child inconveniences until one has on. Maybe your husband can carry your 1 year old on his shoulders. My boyfriend used to do that when my daughter was younger. It looks tiring but my boyfriend didnt seem to notice that much. Yeah, I think those backpack carriers seem like a good idea. I never had one but a lot of people seem to use them. Only problem with that is in the crowded streets of India you wont be able to watch who is doing what and giving what to your child. You husbands family may be very helpful with the kids. Asia is so much more child friendly than a lot of Western countries. I really noticed that when I was in Thailand with my daughter. I heard that it is similar in India.

If there is any more advice out there regarding taking kids to India - I'm open to all comments! Anything else I should be thinking about? (or worry about?)

I would take note of where the nearest good hospital or clinic is in case you need it while in India. According to my daughters doctor it is OK to take her travelling but if she gets a fever I should take her to a hospital as soon as possible.

ThroughMyEyes

Sofia Mona Holzer
Post Count: 11

Msg: #6 60 days ago, October 2nd 2008

I just travelled to India/Nepal for 5 weeks over the summer alone with my just turned 3yo. It was a great trip.

You can check out our blog mytb.org/throughmyeyes

I brought a booster seat that I used for a couple long car trips but that was a lot easier to bring than a car seat. If you are doing a lot of travelling by car I would recommend brining one.

I did not bring a stroller and glad I did not. I would recommend a baby carrier such as those by Kelty/Deuter. Much more convenient, is a day back also 2 free hands, and can sleep while walking as well. Only prob is the stroller is nice to place the child in if you are sitting down and they are sleeping. I would recommend borrowing one there as the others mention

I also would recommend seeing a travel doc to get the recommended immunizations, diarrhea self treatment, malaria meds depending on itinerary. I do recommend bottled water at most places.

My greatest purchase prior to this trip was a portable DVD player. IT WAS AWESOME for long train rides and I even took it to dinner to have some relaxing time (she still ate and it was easya to get the waiters attention as they were usually watching with her)

Let me know if you have any other questions. Have fun!!!!

Sparsha

Sparsha
Post Count: 4

Msg: #7 60 days ago, October 3rd 2008

Hi Moxie,
Your questions are rightly answered by Mell. Yes take care about the water, and mosquito repellents/net. Please take care of the food also. Don't buy anything from the street hawkers and take something, which is hot and freshly made. Wishing your stay and journey in India will be most pleasurable one.

<snip>

[Edited: 07:26 - Mell - Removed URL]

PA Leslie

Pierre-Alexandre
Post Count: 232

Msg: #8 57 days ago, October 5th 2008

Hi Barbara,

I've travelled all over the place...been to India, but never with my son...who's been everywhere else...

for me, put it simply, Sofia ha great advised, and I would follow Mell advise on the water.

DVD...for 7 and above...more than a good idea...not a big fan of gameboys and so...but when you have a 6 or mre hours drive...you must admit, they save us...

You are going to have a great trip...

Peter

siddhartha kongara

Siddhartha Kongara
Post Count: 14

Msg: #9 55 days ago, October 8th 2008

Hi Barbara,

Travelling to India with kids can be quite an experience!

You should be especially careful while visiting monuments like the forts and palaces, as these will be very crowded - a lot of them (esp. the Jaipur and Agra forts) have narrow (and occasionally dark) passages, and it is very easy to lose track of your group even for adults.

Another thing to keep in mind, while in North India is that December and January will be quite cold and chilly in the mornings and evenings. You will need to keep the kids well wrapped up from the cold, given that they are likely to be vulnerable to flu and other illnesses.

Carry a supply of pills you trust for Flu, Stomach Ailments etc. These formulations will be easily available in India, but the comfort of having a label you trust will make you feel more secure. Don't hesitate to see a doctor at the first sign of trouble - Indian doctors are generally quite good. If you are staying at a 4-5 star hotel, you should be able to trust the hotel's doctor on call without hesitation. If you need to go outside, look for a clinic that looks prosperous. :)

You can buy a car seat for the baby easily enough in a good mall in Delhi or Bangalore (depending on where you land), but this will be far easier if you have someone to take you to the right place. Always better to bring your own strolly, provided it folds neatly for travel.

Ensure you have a good, large and spacious car for the longer drives - for your family, a Toyota Innova, or a Chevrolet Tavera. Have a quick look at the condition of the car tyres, and the cleaniless of the car itself and the driver's uniform/turnout. These are often a good indication of how safe the driver will drive. :)

Dont worry too much about bringing a water purifier. You can buy bottled water as and when you need. Look for good brands like Kinley, Aquafina or Bisleri and you will be safe. When going on a long drive (between Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, for instance), buy enough bottles for the journey in advance so you don't have to depend on whats available on the way.

Avoid ice in any drink, and don't buy pre-cut fruit. Keep the kids on a largely fruit based diet when travelling. Keep a bug spray around, but depending on where you plan to stay, you should not need mosquito nets.

You will find most hotel staff friendly and keen to help you out with any trouble, so be patient yet firm and give them a chance to sort things out, should you be dissatisfied with anything.

Above all, keep your sense of humour about you! Have a good trip.

[Edited: 05:53 - siddhartha kongara - missed a word!]

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