Traveling to Bali with a baby or toddler under 3 years old is radically different from traveling with older kids—and surprisingly, it works beautifully. Bali is genuinely one of the best destinations for families with young children. The climate is warm, the people adore babies, services are affordable, and the pace feels spacious. Yet traveling with infants and toddlers requires specific planning around naps, feeding, temperature regulation, and safety. This guide addresses the real challenges young families face and provides practical solutions from families who've done it successfully.
The Honest Assessment: Yes, Bali Works with Babies & Toddlers
Why Bali Is Great for Young Kids:
- Locals genuinely love children; they'll smile at your baby constantly
- Weather is warm year-round (no complicated clothing)
- Private villas make nap times flexible
- Affordable nanny/babysitting services allow parent downtime
- Beaches and water are warm for young swimmers
- Affordable private drivers reduce travel stress
- Pace of life allows slow mornings and midday rest
Challenges to Anticipate:
- Long flights to reach Bali (jetlag impacts young kids)
- Heat + tropical sun require constant vigilance
- Infrastructure (changing tables, stroller-friendliness) varies
- Tap water not suitable for babies
- Unfamiliar food/bacteria requires precaution
- Sleep disruptions (new environment, heat, time zone)
- Limited familiar items (toys, specific food brands)
Flying to Bali with Babies & Toddlers
Long Flights Reality Check
From Australia (4–5 hours):
- Generally manageable; most babies/toddlers sleep most of flight
- Overnight flights can work well for adjusting body clocks
From Europe/USA (20–24 hours):
- Much more challenging with young kids
- Multiple connections possible
- Jetlag significant (important factor when planning trip length)
- Consider breaking journey with stopover
Flight Day Tips
Before Flight:
- Confirm stroller allowed as checked baggage (usually free)
- Request bassinet at booking (available for babies 0–6 months on international flights; limited availability)
- Pack change of clothes for both you and baby (spills, accidents, diaper blowouts happen)
- Bring empty bottles/sippy cups (fill at airport after security)
Boarding:
- Early boarding often available for families with young kids (ask at gate)
- Stroller checked at gate, retrieved at destination
During Flight:
- Offer bottle/pacifier during takeoff/landing (pressure relief)
- Change diapers frequently (bathroom access)
- Walk aisle with baby if fussing (motion helps)
- Bring familiar toys/comfort items
- Expect less sleep than predicted
Pro Tip: Most babies sleep significantly during long flights. Jetlag is less about baby sleep and more about your sleep deprivation. Accept this.
Accommodations: Finding Baby-Friendly Options
Sanur & Nusa Dua (Top Choices for Young Families)
Sanur:
- Beachfront: 5km paved boardwalk perfect for stroller walks
- Beach: Shallow water, gentle waves, calm swimming
- Vibe: Family-oriented, less party scene
- Stroller Access: Good; paved paths available
- Where to Stay: Family resorts with kids' clubs, private villas
Nusa Dua:
- Resorts: All major international chains present
- Beaches: Pristine, calm, safe for toddlers
- Infrastructure: Excellent (changing facilities, restaurants with high chairs)
- Cost: Premium pricing but includes amenities
- Where to Stay: Luxury resorts have exceptional baby facilities
Ubud (If You Want Non-Beach)
- Cooler climate (1,000m elevation reduces extreme heat)
- More green space, rice terraces
- Less ideal for young babies (more uneven paths, stroller-challenging)
- Better for toddlers 18+ months who walk confidently
Canggu (Trendy but Busy)
- Many family-friendly cafés with play areas
- Beach clubs with kids' activities
- Can be chaotic; requires staying near beach to walk
- Good for families with toddlers 2+; less ideal for babies under 12 months
Private Villas vs. Resorts
Private Villas (Often Better for Babies):
- Flexible nap schedules (no noise disturbance)
- Kitchen for preparing specific foods/formula
- Private pools
- Laundry in-house (critical with young kids)
- More spacious
- Cost: USD $40–200/night typically
Resorts (Better for Less Planning):
- All facilities on-site
- Kids' clubs (optional childcare)
- Restaurants with high chairs
- Professional changing facilities
- Baby amenities included
- Cost: USD $100–300+/night
Hybrid Option: Resorts with villa-style rooms; best of both worlds.
Baby Gear & Equipment: What to Bring vs. Rent
Critical Items to BRING from Home
Medications:
- Infant fever reducer (paracetamol/ibuprofen in correct child dosage)
- Any prescribed medications
- Thermometer
Feeding Items:
- Formula if not breastfeeding (full supply + extra; specific brands hard to find)
- Bottle sterilizing tablets (Milton tablets)
- Preferred bottles if particular style
- Sippy cups
Sleep Items:
- Lightweight sleep bag (familiar comfort item; helps with jet lag)
- Blackout curtains or sleep mask (helps adjust to new environment)
- White noise machine app or device (masks unfamiliar sounds)
Sun Protection:
- Baby-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (expensive/poor quality locally)
- UV rash guard or baby swim suit
- Sun hat
Diapers & Hygiene:
- Swim diapers (NOT available in Bali; absolutely critical to bring)
- Regular nappies for first week (local nappies are "pants" style; different fit)
- Preferred wipes (local wipes heavily scented)
- Baby wash (if child has sensitive skin)
Travel Items:
- Compact changing mat (changing tables rare; you'll improvise frequently)
- Baby carrier (more practical than stroller for Bali's uneven terrain)
- Lightweight stroller or umbrella stroller (optional; baby carrier often better)
Safe to Buy/Rent in Bali
Available at Pepito/Carrefour Supermarkets:
- Regular nappies (Merries, Mamypoko brands)
- Formula (standard brands like Enfamil, S-26)
- Baby food pouches (increasing organic options)
- Wipes
- Baby toiletries (though quality/sensitivity varies)
Rental Services (If Packing Light):
- Bali Baby Hire & Bali Bubs: Rent travel cots, strollers, high chairs, car seats, safety gates, bottle sterilizers
- Cost: USD $4–5/day per item
- Available at airport pickup
Items to Rent Instead of Pack:
- Travel cot (bulky to pack; can rent at accommodation)
- High chair (most restaurants provide)
- Stroller (lightweight umbrella stroller USD $4–5/day rental often cheaper than luggage space)
- Car seat (if safety priority; can arrange through private driver)
Diapers: The Unexpected Challenge
Local Diaper Reality
Style: Indonesian nappies are predominantly "nappy pants" (pull-up style) that you rip off from sides, not tape-front styles
Quality: Noticeably different from Australian/Western brands; often leak, especially overnight
Availability: Merries, Mamypoko (pull-up styles) available at supermarkets; inconsistent stock
Cost: Often cheaper than home countries
Diaper Strategy
Option 1: Pack All Nappies from Home
- Bring full supply for entire trip
- Luggage space significant but peace of mind valuable
- Estimated: 70–80 nappies for 2-week trip
- Weight: 5–7 kg
Option 2: Pack for Nights, Buy for Days
- Bring overnight nappies (better fit/comfort where it matters)
- Buy daytime nappies locally
- Compromise solution; saves luggage space
Option 3: Buy Entirely Locally
- Requires testing fit/comfort upon arrival
- Higher risk of leaks/discomfort
- Saves luggage completely
Swim Diapers: CRITICAL TO BRING
Disposable and reusable swim nappies almost impossible to find in Bali. If planning any water time (beach, pool), bring swim diapers from home. Reusable swim diapers excellent alternative (wash/reuse throughout trip).
Water, Feeding & Hygiene with Babies
Water Safety for Babies
Tap Water: Absolutely unsafe for babies (use bottled water exclusively)
Bottled Water Uses:
- Formula preparation
- Drinking (if offering water)
- Bottle washing
- Rinsing pacifiers
- Infant food preparation
- Tooth brushing
Hygiene: Wash hands before water/bottle handling. Keep bottled water in clean containers. Freeze small amounts in ice cube trays for on-the-go.
Breastfeeding in Bali
Breastfeeding fully accepted in public (culturally normal). Nursing rooms available at major shopping centers (Pepito, Carrefour).
Formula Feeding
Standard formula brands available at supermarkets. Specialized formulas (hypoallergenic, soy-based) harder to find; bring full supply if specific brand needed.
Baby Food/Solids
Organic baby food pouches increasingly available at Pepito/Popular supermarkets (brands: Organik Patah, Little Journey). Traditional foods (nasi kuning, bubur ayam) usually soft enough for babies 6+ months.
Changing & Hygiene
Changing Tables:
Rare outside resorts/upscale restaurants. Expect to change diapers on:
- Your lap
- A compact changing mat on any clean surface
- Quiet corner of restaurant
- Bathroom floor
- Vehicle seat
Portable Changing Mat:
Absolutely worth packing. Also useful for:
- Changing clothes
- Play surface on beach
- Washing baby if no facilities available
Hand Washing: Carry hand sanitizer constantly. Many venues lack sinks or soap.
Temperature & Sun Protection
Extreme Sun in Bali
UV intensity significantly higher than most Western countries. Babies' skin burns rapidly (15–20 minutes unprotected exposure can cause sunburn).
Sun Protection Strategy:
- Avoid peak sun (11am–3pm when possible)
- SPF 50+ daily
- Reapply hourly (especially after water/sweating)
- UV rash guard or swim shirt at beach
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Zinc oxide on nose, ears, cheeks (white paste; obvious but highly protective)
- Shade constantly (parasol at beach, indoors during peak heat)
Heat Management
Babies Don't Regulate Heat Well:
- Keep baby cool (light clothing, minimal blankets)
- Frequent baths/showers (cooling effect)
- Hydrate constantly
- Monitor for heat rash
- Portable fan helpful
Sleep & Jetlag
Sleep Environment
Challenges:
- New environment disrupts sleep
- Heat affects sleep quality
- Unfamiliar sounds (roosters, insects, ocean)
- Jetlag (if flying from very distant timezone)
Solutions:
- White noise app/machine masks foreign sounds
- Blackout curtains (some villas/rooms have; bring compact ones if not)
- Familiar sleep toy or blanket
- Lightweight sleep sack for comfort
- Consistent bedtime routine despite jet lag
- Dark room essential for daytime naps
Jetlag Reality
Jetlag with Babies: Less pronounced than adult jetlag but still impacts timing
Managing Jetlag:
- Don't overschedule first 2–3 days (allow adjustment)
- Expose to morning light to reset circadian rhythm
- Maintain bedtime routine despite timezone difference
- Accept irregular sleep first few days
Nannies & Childcare Services
Bali offers affordable, high-quality nanny services (massive advantage over Western costs).
Finding Nannies
Through Hotels/Villas:
- Concierge arranges vetted nannies
- Cost: USD $8–15/hour typically
- Reliability high
Agencies:
- Bali Angel Holiday, Bali Nanny Services
- Vetted, background-checked caregivers
- Slightly more expensive but safer
Recommendations: Ask other travelers, hotel staff, Facebook expat groups
Nanny Rates
- Standard: USD $8–15/hour
- Overnight: USD $50–100/night
- Full days: USD $60–80/day
- Includes transportation usually
Why Consider Nannies
- Gives parents spa/couple time
- Nannies take kids to activities, beach, parks
- Cultural immersion for older toddlers
- Remarkably affordable compared to home countries
Activities Safe for Young Kids
Ages 0–6 Months (Infants)
Best Activities:
- Beach time (shallow water, supervised)
- Pool time at resort
- Casual restaurants with quiet areas
- Walks around villa/resort
- Markets (short, quiet periods)
Skip: Long car drives, high temperatures, crowded attractions
Ages 6–12 Months (Mobile Babies)
New Options:
- Shorter beach visits (sun protection critical)
- Gentle water park (Waterbom toddler pool—Funtopia area)
- Shallow snorkeling with adult (tethered, supervised)
- Casual family restaurants
- Short walks/stroller travel
Still Skip: Long hikes, intense heat, adventurous activities
Ages 12–24 Months (Toddlers)
Expanded Options:
- Waterbom water park (limited to toddler areas; avoid big slides)
- Sanur beach extended time (calm, shallow)
- Gentle hikes to waterfalls
- Animal parks (Bali Zoo, Bali Safari) from stroller/carrier
- Kids' clubs at resorts
- Casual cultural experiences (temples viewed quickly)
Still Manageable: Private driver day trips; structure around nap times
Ages 2–3 Years
Nearly All Activities Possible:
- Water parks fully accessible
- Longer beach days
- Moderate hikes
- Cooking classes (participation if interested)
- Cultural sites (short visits, flexible timing)
- Snorkeling (if comfortable in water)
- Island trips (calm boat rides)
Practical Daily Routine with Young Kids
Sample Day Structure
6:30–7:00am: Wake, breakfast (before extreme heat)
7:30–9:00am: Beach time or activity (best timing—before heat peaks, before crowds)
9:30–10:00am: Return, freshen up, second breakfast/snack
10:00am–12:00pm: Pool time at villa/resort or casual activity in shade
12:00pm–1:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm–3:00pm: Nap time (CRITICAL; don't skip or evening meltdowns guaranteed)
3:00pm–4:00pm: Wake, snack, quiet play in shade
4:00pm–5:30pm: Gentle activity (stroller walk, shallow pool time, café)
5:30–7:00pm: Dinner prep, bath
7:00–8:00pm: Dinner (dinner can be 7–8pm for babies/toddlers; earlier than you'd prefer but prevents overtiredness)
8:00pm+: Bedtime routine, sleep
Flexibility: This is a guide; your baby dictates actual schedule.
Pre-Travel Checklist for Young Families
6–12 Weeks Before:
- Schedule pediatrician visit; discuss Bali travel
- Confirm vaccinations current
- Arrange any prescriptions needed
- Book accommodations (villa or resort with good reviews for families)
- Arrange travel insurance (critical for families)
4 Weeks Before:
- Book private driver/airport transfer
- Consider hiring nanny for specific dates
- Research baby-friendly restaurants/activities
- Arrange gear rental if not packing full items
2 Weeks Before:
- Start packing (leave room in luggage for flexibility)
- Confirm all bookings
- Download offline maps, restaurant info
- Share itinerary with trusted person at home
1 Week Before:
- Final packing
- Ensure phone/chargers working
- Confirm passports/visas valid
- Pack medications in carry-on
Final Perspective: Bali with Babies is Genuinely Manageable
Thousands of families with babies and toddlers visit Bali annually and have wonderful experiences. Yes, it's different from traveling pre-kids. Yes, jetlag impacts young children. Yes, heat requires vigilance. But the upside—affordability, family-friendly culture, warm weather, private accommodations, affordable services—often outweighs the logistical challenges.
Key Success Factors:
- Realistic expectations (baby dictates pace)
- Flexible planning (naps/weather impact schedules)
- Quality accommodation choice (villa vs. resort matters significantly)
- Private drivers/nannies (worth the cost for stress reduction)
- Don't overschedule (this isn't a sightseeing race)
Traveling to Bali with young kids is wonderfully doable. You'll slow down, relax, and create family memories that last decades. Your baby won't remember it, but you will cherish the photos, stories, and moments of watching your infant experience tropical beaches, warm water, and gentle island culture.
Go for it. Bali with your baby is a beautiful choice.