China is an amazing country to visit with kids even if that is challenging. Don’t let anyone scare you from traveling to this beautiful place with your little one! You’re going to enjoy every moment if you just stay open minded and follow the tips below٠

Time of the visit: October 

Duration: 16 days

Hashem’s age: 16 months

 Pick appropriate destinations

China is a big country and not all destinations are suitable for kids. You have to be selective. We visited Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an and Yangshuo. They are all fun, interesting and kid-friendly. You will enjoy it as adults, and at the same time, you will find different activities to do with your little one٠

 Plan a light schedule in every destination

There are plenty of things to do and see in China. You have to choose the activities that are right for you and for your kid. Plan for a lot of downtime to catch your breath٠

Use the most convenient transportation to get around

By air

China is a large country, so you have to consider taking airplanes between destinations. With a baby, it’s faster and safer to fly than taking a train. Most destinations are linked by direct flights٠

Pre-book your air ticket before arriving to have the best price and time٠

On the plane, the flight attendant will give you a seat belt for your child to attach it to yours٠

By taxis

We used taxis between the airport and the hotel only. Taxis are usually expensive and not as fast as the subways due to the traffic jam٠

By subway

In major cities, we used the subway to get around. It’s a fast and inexpensive way to go almost everywhere. Try to book a hotel near a subway station٠

P.S: Not all subway stations are equipped with elevators for strollers and there’s a security check before entering the station. With an infant, give yourself more time to get to the train before the departure time٠

 Baby’s supplies are available

You can easily find the baby’s formula (large choices including Western brands), food (Heinz) and diapers (Pampers and Huggies—weight is in kilogram not in pound) in supermarkets, especially in big cities. If your baby has a special formula or you’re a nervous parent, bring yours from home٠

For older kids, you will always find soup, noodles and fried rice on the restaurant’s menu٠

Make sure, if you travel to the countryside, to stock up on formula and diapers٠

 Changing tables rarely exist

Don’t expect to find changing tables everywhere. They are available only in malls and never in public toilets. Prepare to change your baby’s diaper on the stroller or standing. Chinese people change for their babies in public on sidewalks, in subways, in supermarkets or elsewhere٠

 Pack your own medication

A medical kit can be helpful when traveling with a kid. Bring medications that your kid is used to in case of any minor emergencies (fever, vomiting, allergies, diarrhea…). Most medicines are labeled in Mandarin language and the Chinese people rarely speak English٠

 Bring a sunscreen and a diaper cream

These two items, for your kids, are rarely available in local stores and pharmacies in China٠

 A baby’s carrier is a must

Not all destinations and attractions are stroller-friendly. If you plan to visit the countryside or the Great Wall for example, using a baby carrier is your only choice٠

 Do not forget the stroller

Cities in China are usually stroller-friendly and there is a lot of walking to get to the attraction or even when visiting an attraction (Forbidden City in Beijing). That’s why a lightweight stroller can save your vacation

In addition, your baby will be safer in a stroller than walking because Chinese drivers don’t always follow traffic rules٠

 Car seat or no car seat

It depends on how you will get around in China. Most taxis don’t have seatbelts to attach the car seat. On the plane, you will probably hold your baby. The only time to bring your seat is when hiring or renting a private car٠

 Paparazzi are everywhere

Your baby will be treated like a celebrity in a swarm of paparazzi٠

Chinese people love kids so prepare yourself for lots of people wanting to take pictures of your little one. Your kid will feel like a rock star٠

Child can easily get lost

You will see crowds like you’ve never seen in your life. Be prepared to keep your child on your side all the time. In addition, keep the address of the hotel in the local language with him٠

 Tap water is not drinkable

Be careful and use only purified water that is available everywhere in hotels and supermarkets٠

 The food will be different for kids

The food in China, for Western travelers, will be completely different. Prepare your kid to a change of diet. Choose only cooked food and avoid uncooked one. In every restaurant, you will find at least rice (white or fried) and noodles with some meat and vegetables, and they are usually safe to eat everywhere٠

 Liquids are not allowed through the airport security

Forget about packing liquids in your carry-on for your little one when traveling in China by air٠

 Avoid guided tours

If you really want to enjoy your trip in China with your kid, skip tours and get around alone or with a private tour with your own guide and driver. In this way, you plan your day, as you want, without any rush. With kids, you can never secure your plan and they don’t tolerate stressful situations٠

 Snacks are everywhere

You don’t need to bring snacks from home unless for your journey on the plane٠

You will find a wide variety of snacks that your kid will love٠

Always remember, to resolve any trouble, your kid is your MasterCard. He’s the best way to get what you want٠