Navigating Vietnam with Toddlers Safely
Prioritize private car transfers over motorbikes and stick to a 'one activity per day' schedule to avoid toddler meltdowns. Rely on Grab for reliable, air-conditioned transport and prioritize hotels with enclosed courtyards or pools for safe play time.
- Use the Grab app for everything. Download Grab before you land. Select the 'GrabCar' option rather than 'GrabBike' to keep your toddler in a safe, enclosed vehicle. You can request a car with a booster seat in some major cities, but always bring your own lightweight travel car seat to ensure safety.
- Master the art of street crossing. Do not wait for a gap in traffic; there isn't one. Hold your toddler’s hand firmly and walk at a slow, steady, and predictable pace. The traffic will flow around you like water.
- Establish a base for midday naps. Vietnam's heat and noise levels are high. Plan your sightseeing for 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, then head back to your accommodation for a mandatory afternoon nap. Attempting to sightsee through the afternoon will lead to exhaustion for everyone.
- Manage food and water safety. Only consume bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Stick to cooked, piping-hot street food or established restaurants. Avoid raw salads or fruit washed in local tap water.
- Can I use a stroller in Vietnam?
- Yes, but only in tourist areas or wide parks. Sidewalks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are often blocked by parked motorbikes, so a carrier is essential for backup.
- Are high chairs available?
- Rarely. In local restaurants, you will likely be holding your toddler or putting them on a plastic stool. Bring a portable fabric high chair harness if you need one.