Thousands of Australians flock to Bali each year to experience its rich culture, exquisite cuisine, pure rainforests and sense of adventure. But if it’s your first time with baby in tow, there are a few things to consider. Here are 10 practical tips to keep things cheery in our favourite holiday spot:

Let your littlies be Bali beach babes. (Image: Shutterstock)

1. Baby carriers, not prams

While footpaths in tourist areas such as Kuta, Sanur and Ubud are ever-improving, they are often narrow with entire pieces missing or simply non-existent. It’s best to leave jogger-style prams at home and opt for a sling or umbrella stroller.

2. Bali is hot, damn hot

Bali’s average year-round temperature is between 26-28 degrees, with a humidity level of 85 to 90 per cent. Dining out for breakfast or dinner is ideal. Try lunch by the hotel pool, with an afternoon nap in your air-conditioned room. Rehydration ice blocks are great and can be frozen in most hotel fridges, while a wet face washer on bub’s forehead will keep them cool when out and about.

3. Creepy crawlies

If your squirmer likes to roll or play on the ground, don’t forget a beach mat or towel, even by the resort pool. And remember your tropical repellent; the wrist ones or stickers are popular.

4. Bottle baby?

Antibacterial tablet solutions are practical and also work well in the bathtub for bub to bathe in. Don’t forget a small container for soaking bottles. For formula, it’s best to boil bottled water.

Look for alternate ways to transport your baby. (Image: Shutterstock)

5. It's a bouncy ride

A bit unsure how your bundle of joy will take to the wild and wondrous streets of Bali? While most major airlines offer to cart your baby seat for free, often taxis won’t have the required anchors and seatbelts to fit them. So, if buckling baby onto your lap doesn’t cut it try searching online for car drivers who have baby seats permanently fitted to their cars. There are also baby gear hire places online that deliver to your hotel door.

6. Entertainment

If your baby is too young for screen time, the Barrel of Monkeys game has always been a winner in my backpack. Also handy are sight words, crayons and paper. A friend of mine wraps tiny presents for her babe to open on the plane. Inflatable baby rings for the hotel pool are also fun.

7. Baby essentials

Take enough formula, baby food, nappies and wipes for the entire trip. There are some limited supplies in local shops, but these can be hit and miss, and hard to find. Baby ibuprofen and paracetamol, band-aids and hand gel are also must-haves. Just think of all the souvenirs you can buy with that extra space when you use them up.

Kids love fruit - choose fruit you can peel or cut to avoid contamination. (Image: Shutterstock)

8. Eat like when you were pregnant

My obstetrician always told me, “When eating out, always eat cooked foods”. Use this motto for your family in Bali and you won’t go wrong. But steer clear of street vendors, where food and hygiene may not be so hot.

9. Visit your GP

Make sure your baby’s vaccinations are up to date.

10. Relax

The locals will want to squeeze, cuddle and “coo” over your baby. At first this may seem alarming to new parents not used to having their babies whisked away from them. But if the breakfast buffet waitresses want to take your baby for a cuddle, let them. Give yourself a break; after all, that’s what you are in Bali to do.

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Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Bali.

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