Seven Things You Don’t Need When Traveling to India

Sometimes as parents we tend to go overboard and pack a ton of unnecessary things, particularly if we are going overseas. Mansi from KidsStopPress, a native Mumbaikar tells us what we can skip taking when traveling to India. Here are her top seven:

1. Stroller: You will find very quickly that strollers are not meant for Indian roads, so you may as well leave them behind.You may at best use them at the airports. The pavements when there are any are bumpy and uneven and places rarely have ramps at entrances and exits.
2. Car Seat: In India car seats are not required by law and are a rare sight. To give you some perspective on road safety in India, seat belts were mandated only a few years ago. It doesn’t mean it’s right, it’s just how it is.
3. Booster seat: Most restaurants in India now have boosters or high chairs so don’t bother taking your own. You will only need your own If you are traveling to the interiors or smaller towns.
4. Clothes: India has lovely lightweight cottons and easy breathable fabrics for you to shop and indulge, that are appropriate for the local weather. Do not buy a lot of heavy or synthetic materials for your kids in India – they will just be uncomfortable. In addition, all international brands are available here if you forget something specific.
5. Packaged food: India is a country that is driven by food. Do not carry a lot of packaged food that needs to be warmed in a microwave. Barring the 4 – 5 stars not many hotels have microwaves and it can be difficult to warm your food. Instead, the local fare which is wholesome and nutritious. Anywhere in India you can find rice, yogurt, chapatis (wheat pancakes) or naans (a type of Indian bread). Indians typically eat freshly cooked warm food at all times, but beware of the uncooked food.
6. Hard to remove footwear: In India it’s customary to remove your shoes outside a temple or religious place or while entering someone’s house. I would recommend you to carry easy to slip on and off shoes for your little one so you are not expending time and effort in putting the shoes on or removing them.
7. Diapers and wipes: All major cities in India stock brands such as Huggies and Pampers so you will have no problem finding your basic baby supplies at local corner stores. Typically humid conditions mean that babies are more prone to diaper rashes to creams and frequent changes are compulsory.

At the end I would only like to add that kids are as fussy as you make them to be. If you are an easy travel your child will inherit it. Indian hospitality is unmatched be it in flights, hotels, restaurants or stores. They will bend backwards to accommodate you so sit back and relax and enjoy Incredible India!