You should be able to breastfeed in public in Croatia without any problems.

Breastfeeding in Croatia

You may get some looks however, it is perfectly acceptable and is generally promoted. If you are visiting in the summer months, ensure that you remain hydrated and eat well in order to keep your supply up in the hot weather.

Water Quality in Croatia

Tap water across Croatia is perfectly safe to drink with just a few small exceptions (you’ll see signs warning you) but if you are worried, bottled water is available everywhere at very reasonable prices.

Baby Formula in Croatia

For formula fed babies and toddlers, take premixed formula if possible on the flight together with bottles (sterilized if necessary). This makes things so much easier while traveling and many airlines will heat your child’s milk for them. You could also opt to take bottles of sterilised water and formula. Formula containers are very handy for flights as they can be pre measured and divided into compartments so that when it is time for a feed you just need to drop the formula into the sterilized water.

When travelling to Croatia it would be better to bring your child’s formula from home if your baby is fussy or if you are unsure of whether they will take to a new brand. If you are flying from the UK and Ireland, many airports have a Boots Chemist in the departures area which operate a click and collect service. This means you can order what you need online and pick it up once your have passed through airport security.

Sterilizing in Croatia

There are plenty products on the market to assist you with sterilizing overseas. You could opt for sterilizer bags, microwaveable sterilizer bags or sterilizer tablets (you will need a basin with a lid or a large tupperware container for these). Please see our section on Formula Food, Sterilizing and Nappies for further information.

Baby Food in Croatia

All supermarkets sell baby food for all ages and in larger stores like the DM chain, you’ll find organic baby food.  HiPP Organic, Heinz and Nestle baby foods are available in large supermarkets and pharmacies. You will also be able to find fresh meat, fruit and vegetables in supermarkets together with yoghurt, purees and cereals.

Fresh milk is also widely available.When eating out you will either find a child’s menu or smaller portions from the menu may also be available. Older toddlers will be able to enjoy pasta, stew, risotto, pastries and pizza together with a range of international cuisine.

Nappies and Wipes and Other Necessities

Baby essentials are found all over Croatia. Every small corner store sells wipes and nappies (diapers). Pampers are widely available however, if you are travelling to the islands make sure to bring enough with you as they may be harder to find. You will also be able to buy cream for nappy rash and sterilizer tablets and fluid if you require it. Clothes for babies and young children are readily available n larger cities and towns together with any other equipment that you may require. You will also be able to rent baby equipment in some destinations. See our regional sections for more information.

Everything you forget, can be bought over there, so don’t worry too much and enjoy your trip.

Strollers and Baby Carriers

The maze of cobblestone streets in the places like Dubrovnik and Zadar are what draw in crowds and add to the charm of Croatia but make it more difficult to maneuver around with a stroller.

Plitvice lakes and the national parks would also be impossible to visit with a stroller. If possible, bring both a stroller and a baby carrier with you as certain historical sites and older towns would be easier to navigate with a baby carrier. In saying this, do take the stroller, even if it’s just for storage on trips or for during dinner. Your baby will be able to sleep while you eat or if there are no high chairs it will at least allow you to eat, as long as your baby is happy to sit and look around, play with a toy or chew on a snack for a few minutes.

Sun Protection

It gets seriously hot in summer, so ensure you stay hydrated and wear a hat. The wind is deceptive on the coast and some don’t realize how hot they are getting. Ensure that you bring sunblock for babies, many brands of sunblock cannot be used on babies under the age of 6 months and therefore it is important to ensure that their skin is protected by keeping them away from direct sunlight. Older babies and toddlers should always wear sunblock when out during the day (Factor 30+).

Lightweight clothing is best however at night is advisable to cover your baby’s feet as mosquitoes may bite. UV protective swimwear with long sleeves will protect your baby while in the water. Make sure that you also bring a sun hat for your baby as their heads can burn very quickly. A parasol will assist in keeping the sun off your baby’s skin and certain ones can be attached to your baby’s buggy. A UV protected small sun tent can be purchased for the beach. For further information on protecting your baby from the sun, click here.

First Aid

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 112 FROM ANY PHONE TO REACH FIRE, AMBULANCE AND POLICE

Many beaches in Croatia have rocks and stones so carry antiseptic spray and plasters to the beach, as cuts do happen. Antibacterial wipes and small containers of antibacterial sprays are a must have when eating out just in case there is no high chair and your child is eating off a table. Make sure to bring a good first aid kit also, click here for further information on what you will need to bring.

Doctors & Pharmacies

Big cities like Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Zagreb (among many others) have local hospitals with emergency care. However, some of the islands and smaller towns will be further away from hospitals or may not have any medical facilities and it is important to have information on the nearest paediatricians, doctors and hospitals when travelling abroad, particularly with younger babies.English is spoken far and wide in Croatia, and all hospital staff & pharmacies will have an English speaking member of staff (if not all of them).

Insect & Animal Protection

Mosquito repellent, a mosquito patch and or a mosquito bracelet are necessary in certain parts of Croatia, especially if your baby will be outdoors in the evening. Mosquitos and other insects can bite even if they do not pose a malarial risk, particularly in the evenings. Many restaurants and markets are outdoors and the risk of being bitten is higher. Click here for further information on insect protection and how to deal with bites. Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Croatia, so avoid touching animals.

Travel Insurance

Make sure that you have the adequate level of family health insurance cover or have lots of cash (no credit cards) with you to foot the bill if you are visiting a hospital or doctor. If travelling from the UK and Ireland you should ensure that you and each family member travelling has either the European Health Insurance Card or private health insurance. Irish residents can apply for the card at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/EHIC/ and UK residents can apply at www.gov.uk . This card allows you to get health care covered by the public health system in Croatia. If you have previously applied for a card make sure that it is in date before you travel. Travel insurance should be taken out if you are covered by private healthcare however check your policy as it may offer you some cover while overseas.

Theft, Accidents or Serious Illness

Contact your consular service or embassy if you have been a victim of crime, arrested on suspicion of committing a crime, if you or anyone in your family has a serious illness, experience the unexpected death of a partner or spouse and for help with repatriation after a crisis. Consular offices also provide help in the case of a lost or stolen passport.