Visiting Aruba with a Baby: What You Need to Know
Traveling to Aruba with a baby might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a very family-friendly destination. The island is safe, clean, and full of beautiful beaches and calm waters, perfect for even the youngest visitors.
With a little planning and the right gear, your trip to Aruba can be both relaxing and memorable for the whole family. Here’s everything parents need to know about visiting Aruba with a baby or infant.
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Baby Gear Rentals: Travel Lighter
One of the best things about visiting Aruba with a baby is that you don’t need to lug every piece of baby equipment with you.
Aruba Travel Light
Aruba Travel Light is the go-to baby gear rental company in Aruba. They offer cribs, pack ‘n plays, car seats, high chairs, strollers, beach tents, and more. Everything is clean, well-maintained, and can be delivered right to your hotel or rental property.
Alternative: Coconut Rentals
If Aruba Travel Light is out of stock or doesn’t have what you’re looking for, Coconut Rentals is another solid option. While not as baby-focused, they may be able to help fill in the gaps or arrange special requests.
This flexibility means you can pack lighter and still have everything you need when you arrive. Make sure to book your baby gear in Aruba in advance to make sure you don’t show up unprepared!
The Sun and Heat: Protect Your Baby’s Skin and Hydration
Aruba is sunny year-round, with intense UV rays and warm temperatures. Babies are especially sensitive to heat and sun, so some extra precautions are key. Here’s some ideas of how to make Aruba a great family-friendly destination even for the tiniest of visitors.
- Avoid peak sun hours: Try to stay indoors or in shaded areas between 11 am and 3 pm.
- Use sun protection: Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. For older babies, apply a baby-safe mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+), and reapply frequently.
- Cover up: Bring wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective rash guards or swimsuits, and a lightweight muslin blanket for extra shade.
- Stay hydrated: Make sure your baby is drinking frequently, especially if you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding. You can safely drink tap water in Aruba, which makes bottle prep and hydration easier.
What to Pack for a Baby in Aruba
Here’s a quick list of essentials to bring when traveling to Aruba with an infant.
- Lightweight stroller or baby carrier (you can also rent either on the island with Travel Light Aruba)
- UV sun hat and baby sunglasses
- Swimsuits and swim diapers
- Rash guards and beach coverups
- Baby-safe sunscreen and bug spray
- Travel blackout shades or sleep covers
- Baby monitor (for hotel naps)
- Any specialty formula or baby food (availability in Aruba can vary)
- Travel-friendly diaper bag with extra wipes, diapers, and a changing mat
Most common baby items (like diapers and wipes) are available at local grocery stores, but you’ll want to bring specific brands or formulas just in case.
Where to Go in Aruba with a Baby
Aruba offers a great mix of peaceful nature and stroller-friendly attractions. Here are some places to explore with your little one.
Baby Beach
This calm, shallow lagoon in the southern part of Aruba lives up to its name. Baby Beach is perfect for babies and toddlers thanks to warm water with barely any waves. There are shaded palapas available, and beach rentals nearby. Bring a beach tent or umbrella just in case!
Palm Beach & Eagle Beach
Both beaches offer soft white sand and calm waters, perfect for stroller walks or gentle splashing. Palm Beach is livelier, with more dining options and resorts, while Eagle Beach is quieter and more spacious, great for napping under a tree.
It’s quite possible that if you’re staying at a beachfront resort, you’ll be on one of these two beaches. This will also make it easier to make trips to and from the beach while carrying all of your necessities.
The Butterfly Farm
This shaded tropical garden is a wonderful sensory experience for babies (and adults). Butterflies float around freely in this safe environment, and the farm is small enough that it won’t overwhelm you or your baby.
Philip’s Animal Garden
A fun stop for older babies and toddlers who can enjoy seeing animals up close is Philip’s Animal Garden. It’s the closest thing they have to a zoo, and it’s stroller-accessible! You can also feed many of the animals by hand (though babies might just enjoy the sights and sounds).
Arikok National Park (Short Visit Only)
If you have a baby carrier and want a bit of adventure, consider a short, early morning visit to Arikok National Park. Stick to shaded trails or scenic viewpoints like the Visitor Center or Fontein Cave, and avoid rough terrain and long hikes. Generally, most tours around the park will be too bumpy for an infant, but toddlers and above may love it!
Where to Dine: Eat Out with a Baby in Aruba
Dining out with a baby in Aruba is easier than you might expect. Many restaurants are welcoming to families and offer both indoor and outdoor seating, which gives you more flexibility.
High Chairs & Stroller Access
Most mid-range to upscale restaurants have high chairs available. You just need to ask when you’re seated. Outdoor patios tend to be stroller-friendly and often more relaxed, especially if your baby gets fussy or needs a little room.
Best Baby-Friendly Dining Tips
Eating out with a baby can be challenging, but you’re on vacation, and it can make your schedule hard to keep. Here are some tips to make the most of the great restaurants in Aruba while still being baby-friendly.
- Go early: Dinner service begins around 5–6 pm, so arriving early helps avoid crowds and long waits.
- Try beachside restaurants: Casual places like beach bars and grills (especially on Palm Beach) are great for families. Babies can nap in the stroller or sit in a high chair while you enjoy a cocktail or dinner with a view.
- Ask for shade: Midday meals are best enjoyed under an umbrella or in a shaded spot to keep your baby cool. Most restaurants will be able to accommodate this.
- Pack snacks: While most places are accommodating, having your own snacks or pouches ensures your baby doesn’t go hungry.
Bonus: Aruba’s Tap Water
Aruba’s tap water is safe to drink and tastes great. That means you can safely prepare bottles, rinse utensils, or hydrate your baby without worrying about bottled water all the time.
Yes, Aruba Is Baby-Friendly!
Don’t worry if you’re traveling with a newborn or a crawling explorer, Aruba offers a welcoming environment for young families. With baby gear rentals, calm beaches, and plenty of shaded, relaxing spots, you don’t have to miss out on paradise just because you’re traveling with a little one. In fact, Aruba might just be your new favorite family getaway.
Have additional questions about traveling to Aruba with an infant?
Let us know in the comments!
