Malaysia with a 7 month baby?

[stripeyink]

Hi,
We're thinking of going on holiday to Malaysia and Singapore, but then, we're wondering how much of a holiday it would be with a young baby.
We are used to backpacking, don't like resorts on the whole, but obviously we'll need a higher standard of accommodation with a babe in arms.
Also, I'm still bfing, so would that mean we'd have to spend most of our time in the hotel, as I doubt it'd be acceptable to feed in public?
Anyone have any experience of this, or in similar places?

Anyone out there? How safe wd you feel travelling around malaysia with a baby?

Hi am bumping you.

Singapore is quite good with rooms for nursing mothers in shops and so on. Malaysia ..I've not seen anyone bf-ing in public but that's a bit meaningless I guess.

I would feel quite safe travelling round parts of Malaysia with a baby. Where are you thinking of?

Not sure, as never been, but would stick to the peninsular to avoid malaria, probably KL, Melaka and an island?

I've only done beach hut type resorts on local islands and not sure they would be ideal for a baby just checked one of them out and there's not even a baby cot! Shame as I wanted to recommend it. It's a lovely island.. Bintan.. you could google some of the "proper" resorts on there it's a 45 minute ferry ride from Singapore (Bintan Resort Ferries website) and not expensive to get there. There is Nirwana which has nice pools and is away from main resort area so quiet for bf privacy etc.

If you come across Sibu I would not necessarily recommend as there was quite a bit of pollution last time I went, about 4 years ago.

Have you investigated Langkawi. The Datai is nice if you can splash out for a couple of days.

The Cameron Highlands is a really nice part of the country if you are hiring a car. Check out the SmokeHouse hotel. Driving is horrible though. Lots of overtaking on two way roads.

Singapore no problem whatsoever.

Malaysia has very decent sanitary conditions pretty much everywhere. Hospitals are well equipped (been in Langkawi & Penang).
BF is the norm but as it is a muslim country you'd guess modesty is an issue. Just keep a large scarf/flannel to cover baby when BF.
Malaria is not an issue in Malaysia I think. But get a mosquito net in mothercare and baby friendly repellent.
You can buy that and everything else you need in Singapore (cheaper and less luggage for the plane).

Malaria is an issue in Malaysia but only in parts - KL definitely not a problem but would check if you are going elsewhere. Mosquitos there also carry dengue fever so insect repellent absolutely essential.

Never been to Malaysia with a baby but I have breastfed in Dubai, which is also Muslim - no problem at all, I just took a large shawl thing which covered everything up. Practise latching on by touch beforehand!

We too are travelling to Malaysia in May. With 3yr old and a 5mth old.

I have travelled there before, as a student a few years back (i'm 27 now, so not that long ago.....) and can honestly say it is the cleanest, safest, friendliest, cheapest, easiest place to travel around, most fantastic country ever.

I have no fears about going there with small children. I think the people will be fantastic with them (went to indonesia with 1st son when he was 11mths, and he was treated like a king everywhere we went!)

Use bottled water for the baby, but even the tap water is not that bad to be honest. Depends how strong your stomach is(!)

You'll have a great time! It is different with a baby, admittedly, you don't get those quiet moments in a cafe watching the world go by for example, but you see other places, do other things. And a beach is great at any age!!

(sorry, not sure about the breastfeeding, but Malaysia is a pretty liberal country- just be respectful and discreet would be my advice- ie, not the usual wipping out a boob at a table in the middle of Starbucks- perhaps use a muslin cloth draped over your shoulder and your baby's head, I've done that in the past)

Just back from a week in Penang and Langkawi with our 3-month old.

I'd say just try it. Course it's different/more challenging with a tiny person in tow (not least cos of overprotective urges) but to be honest I think our Bean seemed happier in Penang's backpacker fleapits than the posher place we booked in Langkawi. But maybe he takes after his parents

Btw - I think every other guest had a small baby or child with them in Lk so you won't be alone if you do go - but we found being stuck on a posh resort a bit dull (and the sea had stingers in it!).

Breastfeeding was absolutely fine everywhere, I just took a VERY thin cotton sarong to cover him lightly with. Anything else and you're both sweltering. If we got hot I just found s-where with a fan and fed him, restaurants mainly, people were v sweet.

Heat might well be an issue - we live in Bangkok so our baby is used to it and sweltered away without complaint, but it seemed way hotter there. We all got a heat rash, but I just treated it with Calamine.

Dont think we could've done the trip without our Baby Bjorn Air carrier - lightweight, and if he bawled at bedtime his dad just took him for a stroll and he went straight to sleep.

We also took a thin pillow - sounds weird but acted as his bed (he slept in between us) and was perfect for the flights, bus trip and boat journey as he just snuggled into it and fed/slept. It had two pillow cases which acted like a sheet and meant at least one case was always clean.

Also - I have to say this and I know I'm biased - but have you considered Thailand? Malaysia was fine to travel with a tiny but I missed having a free babysitter (Thai waiting staff) at every meal and babies are treated like superstars here!

Give me a shout if you've queries on any more specifics.

I like that pillow idea!! Fantastic. Will definitely think about adding it to our list of luggage!

I will be bringing my 7 months old baby back to Malaysia for 3 weeks holidays to see grandparents.
Has anyone travelled with a baby to malaysia before and any worries or concern regarding insects and mosquito?