Taking Babies: Child Friendiness Checklist

With this category, we pass into very different territory. As I began my resort and restaurant surveillance, I found many destinations that scored well in terms of romance, but were not welcoming of youngsters. Much of “baby/child friendliness” begins with the attitude of the management, marketing, sales, and public relations personnel, which funnels down into the staff and into the development of children’s programs, amenities and safety features which I will highlight. Taking your youngsters to a resort or restaurant that does not possess a hospitable attitude toward them can be a highly uncomfortable and regrettable experience. My hope is that this site will spare you from accidentally stumbling into any such hostile or awkward vacation situation.

Many of the features of a child-friendly resort are also appropriate for persons using wheelchairs or who are mobility-challenged, since my scoring system includes items such as wide elevators and ramps. In determining which resorts were baby/child friendly, I used the following list of criteria:

Major Issues:

• Safety
• Services
• Conveniences

Safety:

• Cribs that meet safety standards. Cribs in good condition.
• Child/baby safety-proofing kits offered upon arrival.
• Ramps available for pushing baby in stroller.
• Automatic doors.
• Elevators large enough to accommodate stroller.
• Hotel entrance within close proximity of parking or valet
• Pedestrian walkways free from hazards such as racing golf carts or flying golf balls.
• Are pets allowed? If so, are restrictions in place for them so that they cannot accidentally harm babies or young children?
• Absence of boisterous patrons. Nightclub on the premises?
• Staff walking, driving vehicles, pushing carts at a safe rate.
• Sidewalks/ramps blocked. Passageways clear of debris (i.e. trays, garden trimmings, trash cans, service carts).
• Secure balconies with baby-safe railings.
• Resort located away from busy streets and traffic.

Services:

• Children’s programs—activities for youngsters.
• Bonded baby-sitting services.
• Room baby-proofed by staff.

Conveniences:

• Spaciousness of the room—not cramped for baby and baby necessities.
• Bathroom space—large counter and tub space for washing baby.
• Lobby, lounge, and gathering areas within the resort offer space to sit comfortably while accommodating stroller.
• Room provides comfortable places (chairs, loveseats, couches, etc.) for holding, nursing and/or feeding baby.
• Soundproof or semi-soundproof walls that buffer baby’s cries.
• Lobby bathrooms provide changing tables.
• Hotel restaurant is child/ baby-friendly (see list).
• Refrigerator in room for bottles.
• Music available in room (CD players, radio, etc.) for soothing baby.
• Proximity of hotel to other activities or town. Is the hotel close enough that parents can push baby into town or nearby activities without the car?
• Room service availability, providing ability to eat in room with baby at any hour if necessary.
• Child items on menu. Special orders available.
• Laundry room or service available in hotel for dirty baby or children’s clothes.
• Pool for young children with attending lifeguard.