Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Planning & Practicalities
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Child-safety seats for cars, high chairs in restaurants, nappy-changing facilities in public restrooms are virtually
nonexistent. Parents will have to be resourceful in seeking out substitutes, or follow the example of Thai families (hold-
ing smaller children on their laps).
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Baby formula and nappies (diapers) are available at minimarkets and 7-Elevens in larger towns and cities, but sizes are
usually small, smaller and smallish. If your kid wears size 3 or larger, head to Tesco Lotus, Big C or Tops Market stores.
Nappy rash cream is sold at pharmacies.
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Thailand's footpaths are often too crowded to push a pram. Opt for a compact umbrella stroller that can squeeze past
the fire hydrant and the mango cart and that can be folded up and thrown in a túk-túk. A baby pack is also useful but
make sure that the child's head doesn't sit higher than yours: there are lots of hanging obstacles poised at forehead level.
Eating with Kids
Dining with children, particularly with infants, in Thailand is a liberating experience as the
Thais are so fond of kids. Take it for granted that your babies will be fawned over, played
with and, more often than not, carried around by restaurant wait staff. Regard this as a
much-deserved break, not to mention a bit of free cultural exposure.
Because much of Thai food is so spicy, there is an entire art devoted to ordering 'safe'
dishes for children, and the vast majority of Thai kitchens are more than willing to oblige.
In general Thai children don't start to eat spicy food until primary school. Before then
they seemingly survive on
kôw nĕe·o
(sticky rice) and jelly snacks. Other kid-friendly
meals include chicken in all its nonspicy permutations -
gài yâhng
(grilled chicken),
gài
tôrt
(fried chicken) and
gài pàt mét má·môo·ang
(chicken stir-fried with cashew nuts) - as
well as
kài jee·o
(Thai-style omelette). Mild options include
kôw man gài
(Hainanese
chicken rice).
