Hello All, I've read a few posts on bringing babies/children to St. Barths and have a few follow up questions. We'll be bringing our 2 month old f

[Stickies05]

Hello All,

I've read a few posts on bringing babies/children to St. Barths and have a few follow up questions.

We'll be bringing our 2 month old for about a month in Nov/Dec of this year. We're renting a house with a pool and kitchen. And, we'll be bringing our infant carrier (with car seat attachment and w/ universal stroller attachment). I'm breastfeeding exclusively, so hopefully we won't need any formula. I understand I can buy diapers/wipes and other baby needs at the grocery.

Is there a web address, email or phone number for the place where people have rented cribs (and mosquito nets) from? Any ideas on costs here?

Does anyone have names/numbers of baby sitters that we could use?

We'll need to wash our clothes while down on the island. Do you think we can ask the housekeepers at our villa to do them as an extra load for an extra cost? Or - do you suggest trying one of the laundromats? Where are those laundromats?

Because our baby is so young, I don't think we'll be using mosquito repellant (even the natural kinds) or sunblock -- but am curious if others have used these on babies so young.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something and will need to post again -- but this is it for now.

Thank you!

Mimi (and baby Stella Pearl)

 

[JEK]

Mimi, welcome to the Forum!

Here is a thread on the topic. You should ask your pediatrician about the subject of this thread.

 

[betsyparker]

Congratulations to you!
We have not gone with our children yet (at least not once they've been born... both have been there in utero But both Wimco and St. Barth's Properties offer crib and other baby equipment rentals (looks like $5/day?) and can give you referrals to childcare also. I don't know if you are renting your villa through either of them, but I would imagine you can get this information from wherever you are renting.

I also remember seeing a car seat at one of the car rental counters before... but I would definitely bring yours from home. It didn't look all too modern to me.

I haven't used sunscreen or mosquito repellant on either of my sons when they were that young- our pediatrician advised against it, but to be honest, we haven't really used much mosquito repellant ourselves in SBH-- although we have used various Off lamps/outlet insect repellants (of questionable efficacy).

Otherwise, I have noticed that the grocery stores and pharmacies have all sorts of baby stuff you could need (and tons of kids clothing on the island, too). I would bring a sling or soft carrier, too because that will be easier than trying to lug an infant seat/stroller to Saline.

There is a laundromat in St. Jean across from the airport I think. Maybe we have been lucky, but we have had laundry access in most of the villas we have rented in the past. It is at least worth a shot to ask the maid about it. I know how much laundry a baby can go through in a day!
Good luck and have fun!