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Travel to India with Children

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!

15 years ago, September 30th 2008 No: 1 Msg: #50265 Delete Edit

Moxie6
Barbara

N Posts: 2

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.

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15 years ago, September 30th 2008 No: 2 Msg: #50297 Delete Edit

deleted_49612
deleted_49612

D Posts: 24.6K

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
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15 years ago, October 2nd 2008 No: 3 Msg: #50533 Delete Edit

Moxie6
Barbara

N Posts: 2

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! Reply to this

15 years ago, October 2nd 2008 No: 4 Msg: #50552 Delete Edit

manishk
Manish

B Posts: 9

@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. Reply to this

15 years ago, October 2nd 2008 No: 5 Msg: #50553 Delete Edit

deleted_49612
deleted_49612

D Posts: 24.6K

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.

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15 years ago, October 2nd 2008 No: 6 Msg: #50612 Delete Edit

ThroughMyEyes
Sofia Mona Holzer

B Posts: 148

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!!!! Reply to this

15 years ago, October 3rd 2008 No: 7 Msg: #50635 Delete Edit

Sparsha
Sparsha

N Posts: 4

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.

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15 years ago, October 5th 2008 No: 8 Msg: #50866 Delete Edit

Maisondubonheur
Pierre-Alexandre

B Posts: 1,583

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 Reply to this

15 years ago, October 8th 2008 No: 9 Msg: #51110 Delete Edit

siddhartha kongara
Siddhartha Kongara

D Posts: 14

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.

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15 years ago, April 2nd 2009 No: 10 Msg: #68050 Delete Edit

Capt
Capt Suresh Sharma

S Posts: 6

I travel a lot and my wife and me had travelled with our daughter when she was only 40 days old. We travel in our own home made caravan. We are based in India. You may know about us more here
1. Indian roads can be quite an experience to a westerner. Drive with extra care.
2. Use only bottled water, which is bought from a good shop. Spurious is also being sold on the roadside. Good brands for water in bottles is Kinley, Aquafina, Bisleri. Others are not recommended. No need of water purifying tabs. No ice at all. If you are having anything cold anywhere, then ensure that there is no ice used in your drink.
3. Delhi to Agra and Delhi to Jaipur highways are very good. I am not sure about Agra to Jaipur.
4. Do not eat salad in any of the restaurants, its raw and washed in ordinary tap water, which is not at all safe for a westerner.
5. Carry 5 of re-hydration sachets, in case you have bad tummy. Which is very easy to have for a westerner.
6. Also, carry wonder pill called 'PudinHara', it works magic, in case of bad tummy or loosies. Its the best. I have tried it with my westerner friends and they love this wonder pill. carry your other medicines as well, you will not get your brands in India.
7. If you can carry a mosquito repellent then its really good. Otherwise, on your arrival you can buy Odomos mosquito repellent sold in India, best in India (I think).
8. Carry temple socks, you would not like to walk around bare footed on the sticky floors which have never been washed in some of the monuments.
9. Bring your own baby seat. No matter will say, if it is available in India, then someone should arrange in advance, I am sure you do not wish to invest your time in shop hunting for baby seats, these are NOT common in India. But its NOT mandatory in India. Its your own discretion.
10. Just do not eat 'chuttenies' (ask your husband about it, he will tell you) especially in southern India, raw salad; anything which is not cooked.
11. Do not dress up with short clothes, keep yourself decently covered. Now, its not that bad in India, earlier you just could not afford to wear any dress of the West. Now, one can see Indian girls wearing scanty clothes from the west.
12. Bring your own stuff like tampoons, sanitary napkins, baby diapers, etc.
13. No pre-cut fruit. Whatever you buy, wash it in running water very well and then give it a final wash with bottled water, otherwise, you are going to buy trouble very easily. Any water other than bottled one, is a big dangerous thing for western tummy.
14. Do not check your mail in cyber cafes (good ones may be used), avoid if possible, they can steal your passwords easily and then misuse it. Do not do any online transactions from cyber cafes.
15. carry brim hats. Wear cotton clothes of light colours. Carry plenty of sun lotion, which is of high power.
16. India has 220 volts of AC electricity. Carry chargers accordingly.
17. India has the cheapest cell phone network. Bring your own cell phone and you can buy a sim card in India, which is pre-paid card.
18. Carry hand sanitiser bottles (Purell etc.), give small ones to each child. Its a must.
19. You must bring a baby harness to carry your baby on your chest or back. It will make things very easy for you. Its worth bringing that and not baby seat.
20. Waist pouches to carry your passports and money. Pickpocketing is quite possible easily in India, while travelling or visiting monuments.
21. Easy shoes to walk around, while you are walking around on the floors of monuments.
22. carry a small umbrella for yourself, if you can not bear with the Sun, it will be quite harsh for a westerner.
23. Do not ever leave any valuables even in the best of the hotels, i.e. passport, credit cards, money, cameras, etc.

Most of the points have been covered by other contributors. If you still have anything in your mind, do not hesitate to write to me directly I have no selfish motive in attending you here, its shear spirit of a traveller, as I travel a lot in India and I know what is needed in India. So, do write and I will give you all the update about travel in India.

REMEMBER: You are coming to see India in its pristine state. It is not what New York or London look like. Here there is not much discipline on Indian roads, there is plenty of smell, people are very warm,

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!! India a treasure trove for travellers and photographers. So do not forget to carry your small digital camera with lots of memory cards or storage.

With regards

Capt Suresh Sharma

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15 years ago, April 4th 2009 No: 11 Msg: #68223 Delete Edit

system
TravelBlog System User

H Posts: 1,526

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15 years ago, April 5th 2009 No: 12 Msg: #68288 Delete Edit

system
TravelBlog System User

H Posts: 1,526

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13 years ago, July 13th 2010 No: 13 Msg: #115518 Delete Edit

ShikhaC
Shikha Colwill

N Posts: 1

I will be travelling to India with my husband and 2 kids (4 and 5yrs). This will be my first trip after 15 yrs. So it will be almost like going for the first time. I would welcome some feedback from recent travellers with children.

I would like to know which airlines and trains to take within India. Also, is it best to travel during the day or night and is it safe? My main travel will be from Delhi to Mumbai, and Delhi to Dehradoon. I wil be travelling in Jan.

Also any information on safe accomodation in Delhi, Dehradoon and Mumbai would be helpful.

Thanks,
Shikha Reply to this

13 years ago, July 13th 2010 No: 14 Msg: #115520 Delete Edit

Capt
Capt Suresh Sharma

S Posts: 6

Welcome to India! Yes, you will get a feeling as if visiting India for the first time. It has undergone lots of change in the past 15 years, sea-change in fact. I will recommend Rajdhani Express for long distances (overnight) and Shatabadi Express for short distances (within 6 to 8 hours). The best airline is Jetairways, one pays a bit more on some sectors, but its worth it anyday. What is your budget for hotels?

Its safe as long as you take care of your belongings, must buy a good metal chain and padlock. Do NOT carry laptop in softbag, I have seen these being stolen by opening the zipper and leaving behind the bag. Try to carry tings in lockable suitcases, etc. If you have more questions, you may write to me here

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13 years ago, July 19th 2010 No: 15 Msg: #115990 Delete Edit

Capt
Capt Suresh Sharma

S Posts: 6

13 years ago, August 24th 2010 No: 16 Msg: #118130 Delete Edit

krisna
Mrs.yogita

N Posts: 2

Hi,

Wel come to the most colour full country of world india, as you ask about trip to india with family i would say that in month of dec and jan its realy very cold and its realy full with FOG but still its fine coz after 11am its OK you can visit place easily . and i travel with my daughter which is only 2and half and its fine you only need to make sure with food and water for them rest is fine if you need any other help ask me.
Thanks
Mrs Yogita

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