Breastfeeding in Portugal
Breastfeeding in Portugal in public is legally protected and is perfectly acceptable. If you are breastfeeding, make sure to stay properly hydrated and eat well.
Powdered Formula in the Algarve
The water quality in Portugal is generally quite good and bottled water is available everywhere but be mindful of the fact that it can be overpriced in hotels and it is cheaper to buy it in the local shops and markets. If you are using bottled water, you will need to boil it first for babies under 6 months. try to find a mineral water with a low sodium and mineral content such as Evian.
Continente Portugal is one of Portugal’s largest chain of ‘hypermarket’ and you will be able to find this in Albufeira and other larger towns. Formulas are available in supermarkets and larger pharmacies. In some of these you will be able to find Cow & Gate baby milks which are marketed under the ‘Nutrilon’ brand Portugal. Nutrilon 1,2 and 3 are equivalent to Cow & Gate 1,2 and 3. Aptamil milks are still marketed as Aptamil in Portugal and you will be able to find Aptamil 1, 2 and 3. SMA baby milks are sold as S-26 Gold 1, 2 and 3 (from Wyeth Nutrição) and these are equivalent to SMA 1,2 and 3. You will also be able to find these brands for ‘hungry babies’. Hipp Organic formulas are also widely available. Remember that the formula that you purchase in Portugal may not taste the same as that in the UK and Ireland so if your child is fussy or you think they may not take to a new taste, it is safer to bring the formula with you.
Fresh milk (leite pasteurizado) for babies is sold in larger supermarkets. Gordo is full-fat, meio-gordo half-fat and magro is skimmed milk. Mini-markets, smaller shops and cafés generally only stock UHT milk. Formula is widely available in supermarkets also however the brands available in the UK and Ireland are difficult to find.
Baby Food in the Algarve
You can buy Milupa baby porridge and other Milupa foods in Portugal. Jars of local baby food are also available but be aware that these may taste different to what your child is used to. Many travellers say that the food there is not as nice as what is available in the UK and Ireland so if you have any doubts about whether your child will eat it, it is safer to bring your own or cook there if you have a kitchen in your accommodation. Pouches of food are easy to pack, especially if you are going for one week.
If you do have a kitchen, you could bring some Boots organic, salt free stock cubes. They are easy to pack and make a great tasty base for cooking. The fruit purees and yoghurts available in Portugal should satisfy your child and there is a lot of fresh food and vegetables which you can buy everywhere.
Children are welcome in cafés and restaurants at any time of the day. Waiters often go out of their way to spend a few minutes entertaining restless children. Highchairs (cadeirinha de bebé) are normally the clip-on-table variety and most restaurants will have them. You could also opt to bring a fold away highchair which can be easily packed. If the restaurant does not have a childrens menu you will probably be able to order a half-portion. Restaurants rarely open much before 7.30pm and local children often stay up late at night.
Sterilising in the Algarve
Sterilizer bags are great for holidays and are small enough to pack. Another option is to bring sterilising tablets or microwavable steriliser bags if you will be staying in self-catering accommodation.
Nappies in the Algarve
Nappies/diapers (fraldas) are widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies. Pampers are sold as ‘Dadots’ and Huggies are also widely available. Local brands will also be available in small and large supermarkets. Specific changing facilities in restaurants, cafés and public toilets are mostly nonexistent but you will find them in larger shopping centres, but in women’s toilets only.
For further information on formula, food and sterilizing, please click here.
