Tips for Travelling in Singapore with Your Baby

The thought of travelling with your baby can be daunting. There are endless lines, checks and then possibly a long plane ride to navigate. It’s perhaps that last part – where you’re in a confined space with hundreds of other passengers – that makes parents so nervous to travel. But don’t be.

First-off, your child has every right to be on that bus, train, plane or ship. And second, there are loads of things you can do to make the trip to Singapore and your time in the country much easier for you and your child.

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When’s the right age to take them?

There is no right or wrong age to take a baby travelling. In fact, babies can travel pretty much days after they’re born. This largely depends on whether your child is healthy and also, what the airline’s preference is. While some don’t mind whether your baby is two days old or two years old, others prefer the baby to be at least two weeks so always check with the airline prior to booking. Also, keep in mind that newborns are susceptible to infection, especially as they build up their immunity so if in doubt, always talk to a doctor about whether your baby can handle the confines of an airplane.

It’s also worth noting that taking a baby who is just weeks old can sometimes be easier than taking one who is six months or older. Newborns are generally easier in terms of feeding and transporting, and it’s usually easier for them to sleep on the go in a carrier, a bassinet or a pram.

Planning for your trip

There are some tips and tricks to follow when booking your flight, accommodation, and activities.

• If you can, choose a flight that works best for your baby’s routine. Generally, night flights are better if you’re going long haul or if you’re just hopping over to Singapore from somewhere local, try to time the flight with naptime.
• Let the airline know that you are travelling with an infant. If the child is over the age of two, you’ll need to book a separate seat for them.
• Try to get an aisle seat. There’s nothing worse than being trapped next to the window when your baby is squirming. Walking the aisles is definitely something you should get used to so it’s better to be able to come and go as you please.
• Take enough food and milk for double the flight and preparation time. You can never be too prepared when it comes to baby food and milk. Obviously, it’s much easier if you’re breastfeeding, but if you’re bottle feeding, take enough formula to last you the duration of your trip and then a few more hours. In terms of food, some airlines will provide toddler food and above so check with them.
• If possible, get to the airport at least one hour prior to the recommended time. This gives you ample time to check-in, go through immigration and security, and find your gate.
• Dress your baby warmly. Remember, it can get quite cold on an airplane so make sure you have layers for them. And always, always, always, pack at least a couple of spare outfits in your carry-on luggage.

Baby-friendly accommodation in Singapore

First, when choosing your accommodation, you’ll want to find somewhere that is child-friendly. This doesn’t mean a hotel with loads of things for your child to do, but it does mean a hotel that has slightly larger rooms so a cot can fit in, is local to parks and play areas for children, has a kids’ pool and can help with bottle warmers, sterlisiing, and babysitting services.

Once there, set up and unpack as quickly as possible. Make sure you have your child’s favourite toys, books, blankets, and foods you know they like to eat so you can make it as similar as possible to home. Assign a spot for changing your baby and set it up just as you would at home with nappies, wipes and creams at your fingertips.

Also, set aside somewhere in your room where you can keep all your baby’s food and other supplies so you always know where everything is.

It’s also worth trying to get your baby into their similar routine at home as quickly as possible. While you’re away, there will have to be some flexibility as their bodies adapt to the time difference but the quicker you establish their routine, the easier it will be. It’s an added bonus if your child will sleep in the pram or carrier because then you can be out and about for the duration of the day. But if your child will only sleep in the cot, see it as a time for you to rest and rejuvenate as well, rather than a burden of staying indoors.

Where to eat with your baby in Singapore

When it comes to restaurants, there are plenty around Singapore that are child and baby friendly. If you have a baby old enough to enjoy playing, there’s the EatPlayLove Café at the Aliwal Arts Centre. The café has craft corners so your baby can really let his or her imagination run wild. There’s also Café Melba in two locations which has a kids club so your child will be well and truly looked after.

What to know about where else to eat during your stay? Read our guide to the Top 15 Baby-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes Every Singaporean Mum Will Love

Kid-friendly attractions

Besides from sleeping and eating, you’ll also want to do some fun things with your baby. If it’s shopping you’re after, there are options in Singapore that cater even for the tiniest tots with many malls providing nappy-changing facilities. City Square Mall has an interactive play fountain and a playground so when your baby gets fed up, you can both take a break and play. Alternatively, Westgate has a rooftop playground so you can enjoy the fresh air. Both malls also provide pram rentals and nursing rooms.

There are also plenty of child-friendly activities including the Singapore Zoo, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and of course, Universal Studios Singapore. They’ve got everything for even the littlest tots including a Sesame Street!

Getting around

While the MRT is a fantastic way to get around Singapore, it can be a bit of a challenge if you have a stroller so be prepared as there are big crowds. However, if your baby is strapped in a carrier, you’ll have no problems zipping on and off.

Of course, there are also taxis. Taxis are actually exempt from the child restraint laws in Singapore, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe. If you are travelling with a car seat, this is an option, as long as you know how to buckle it in correctly. Many people will travel in taxis in Singapore without a car seat, merely holding the child on their lap. But remember, it’s not really a safe option. If you’re going to be travelling by taxi a lot, it’s worth taking a car seat with you or hiring one once you get to Singapore.

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