Florida is one of the most popular tourist and travel destinations in the country. However, many parents worry when they hear about the wildlife and swamps of the southern part of the state. If you are worried about bringing a baby or toddler to the Everglades, I’m here to reassure you.
You can take a baby to the Everglades as long as you follow some basic safety rules and travel at a toddler-friendly pace. Make sure that you bring plenty of snacks and water, be prepared to battle biting insects, and keep your child away from bodies of water.
If you are traveling to South Florida with your baby or toddler, read on for the information you will need to have a successful trip.
How to Enjoy Taking Your Baby or Toddler to the Everglades
When you travel to a wilderness area with a young child, it can seem daunting and overwhelming. There is so much to remember, and there’s always the fear that the experience will be stressful and exhausting. The best way to enjoy a wilderness area with a baby or toddler is to adjust your expectations and be ready for anything.
- Adjust Your Expectations: When you get ready to venture into the outdoors with little ones, especially if you will be far from any services or towns, it’s important to lower your expectations for the day. Expect everything to take longer than it would without children, from drive times to hikes and time spent in visitor centers. Also, adjust the number of things you try to do in one day. Babies and toddlers can easily get overwhelmed and exhausted, so choose a few things to do rather than trying to cram too much in.
- Slow Down: When you are hiking or looking at wildlife and exhibits, slow down to your child’s pace. Allow them to stop and look at things, carry a rock or stick, and explore a little. When you allow your children to enjoy nature at their pace they will be much more likely to tolerate the break from routine and you will learn to slow down and enjoy the moment, as well. Remember, hiking and exploring nature is about the journey, not the destination.
- Be Prepared to Take a Break: Your baby and toddler will need downtime. This can mean time to nap in the car or baby carrier, or a time to enjoy free play and exploration. Plan to take several breaks throughout the day to play, rest, snack, and nap.
By taking the day at your child’s pace, you and your whole family will be more relaxed and have more fun. Bring plenty of snacks, avoid an overloaded itinerary, and stay flexible and willing to adjust your plans.
Staying Safe With a Baby in Everglades National Park
Keeping a baby or toddler safe in the Everglades mostly involves staying safe around the water, staying safe in the heat, and staying safe from biting insects.
Water: To keep your little one safe around the water, follow a few basic rules. First, watch them at all times. They should never be out of your sight near water, especially near water that might have alligators in it (all water in Florida can potentially harbor an alligator). You should never allow children to be near water where there might be alligators during the night, as this is when they are most likely to be hunting.
Young children can move quickly, so if you are near the edge of a river or lake, keep them close to you. Drowning is much more common than alligator attacks. If you go out on a boat or kayak, keep a life jacket on your child at all times. Here is a link to life jacket safety recommendations.
Heat: Babies and toddlers succumb to heat injuries easier than adults because they have a harder time maintaining their core temperature. If it is going to be warm outside, take measures to help protect your child from suffering heat injuries. Make sure that you bring plenty of water, and that they are drinking often. Dress them in cool, breathable clothing and have them wear a hat to keep the sun off their heads.
If your child starts showing signs of heat exhaustion, bring them inside to an air-conditioned area and allow them to cool off. If it’s going to be over 90° or if the heat index is over 90°, consider skipping outdoor activities or limiting them to 30 minutes or less. Also choose less strenuous activities, such as paddling or taking a tram ride.
Biting Insects: South Florida is famous for several things, and biting insects are definitely on that list. This includes not only mosquitoes, but also biting midges (no-see-ums), chiggers, and ticks. There are several things you can try to keep these bugs away from your children, with varying degrees of success.
- Chemical repellent: Commercial repellents including DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, and permethrin. The acceptable uses and applications for each of these substances vary, but you must follow the instructions in order to apply them effectively and safely.
- Natural Repellent: Natural repellents, such as essential oils citronella and eucalyptus have been shown to be at least somewhat effective against mosquitoes. How to use these repellents and whether they are safe for children has been debated and studies are ongoing. Don’t assume that just because something is natural, it is safe. Eucalyptus oil, for example, can be harsh on bare skin and cause irritation or a rash.
- Clothing and Netting: One of the best defenses against biting insects is clothing. Loose long sleeves and pants can help to prevent insects from having contact with the skin. This is especially effective for small biting insects like no-see-ums. Wearing long pants and sleeves that are tight at the ankles and wrists can also help prevent ticks from attaching. Tuck pant legs into socks to be most effective. Make sure that the clothing is loose and breathable to avoid overheating.
- Thermacell Repellent: Thermacell items contain a heating agent and a repellent. They work by dispersing the repellent into the air and creating a bug-free zone around the machine. Portable Thermacell units are perfect for hiking. These items have received great reviews. Unfortunately, refills and heating units can be expensive if they’re used frequently.
- Citronella Candles and Torches: If you are planning to camp or be stationary for a while, such as when having a picnic, consider trying citronella candles or torches to help keep insects away from your area.
You might have to try more than one thing to find the best insect solution for your family. In many cases, using more than one method, such as combining long sleeves with a repellent, will be the most effective.
The Best Baby- and Toddler-Friendly Activities in the Everglades
When you plan a trip to the Everglades with your little one, make sure that you include activities that they will enjoy. If they are having fun, you will have a lot more fun, too!
- Anhinga Trail
- Visitor Center Exhibits
- Airboat Ride (If your little one is upset by loud noises or won’t keep earphones on, you might want to skip this option)
- Dolphin Boat Tour
- Paddling (If you use a canoe instead of a kayak, there is plenty of room for a toddler or older baby to sit on the floor or stand at the side. Remember to always keep life jackets on your child when you are on the water, and bring sunscreen and bug repellent.)
- Nearby Animal Attractions (like trained alligator demonstrations)
- Camping
What to Bring When You Take Your Little Ones to South Florida
When you are heading out into a wilderness area, you should always be prepared for emergencies. Make sure that you bring enough food and water for the time you plan to be there, as well as some extras in case you have to stay longer than you expected. Remember, kids are usually hungrier when they’re outside playing or hiking.
You should also bring basic survival supplies like a first aid kit, map, and phone. Make sure you pack plenty of baby items such as diapers, wipes, snacks, and medications. Also, bring comfort items and anything you need to help your baby or toddler nap in the car.
Here is a complete packing list I created to help me bring what I need when going out for a day in South Florida, which you can print out to help you.