We've been visiting St John for the past 7 years, and our daughter (now 4) has always joined us. My first bit of advice is - RELAX! I don't know where you're staying, but I would suggest shipping a box of diapers, wipes, particularly favorite foods, etc. ahead of time so you don't run into weight limits on your bags. Baby items are available at the markets, but the price is high. Our daughter nursed, so we really didn't have to worry about formula, etc. We did not bring anything for her to sleep on because we stay at the Westin and they have cribs and alot of other baby items - call ahead, though. We've used their bed rails alot also. I'd highly recommend one of the those UV resistant baby "tents". We still use ours. They give you a shady place on the beach for your child, and provide a sleeping area for naps. It's also a useful place to dump your stuff. Sometimes Babies-R-US has them; they're also available from OneStepAhead.com.

We've taken our daughter to Trunk and Cinnamon while she was still a baby, and take her out to Salt Pond, now. I think, with lots of sunscreen, you shouldn't have any problems. I'd also recommend sticking to your child's current "schedule" for naps and meals as much as possible.

Hopes this helps.

Lori

We used a backpack type carrier (ours is a kelty) for our (then) 18-month-old, and it was the best - no worries about stairs, sand, etc. We also took a small umbrella type stroller to use during our travel (airports, on/off ferry, etc) and in town, but everywhere else, the backpack carrier was the way to go.

Pack a floatie blow up ring or little boat and a couple of toys from the bathtub to use in the pool. A little shovel and pail will be all the toys they need at the beach. We always had sunhats that I sewed a shoelace on to tie them on to the kids head. A couple of pairs of baby sunglasses because they will loose a few and then you will have to give the child yours. Swim shoes/watersocks - Walmarts and Targets have them. I packed a baby robe that the kids used for a coverup/towel or one of those hooded towels that go over their head. They usually come in cute animal styles and I've seen parents use them for costumes. Swim diapers are a great invention! They have such cute designs now you don't even need a swimsuit. Just use one of those and a t-shirt.
Protecting that young skin from the sun will be your biggest job. Apply sunscreen and reapply sunscreen a few times thoughout the day. We have two sunscreens for the kids. A thick one for the face, I like Banana Boat Baby block SPF 50 which is waterproof, and the "drippy kind" Coppertone Kids sunblock lotion Spf 45 aqua/green bottle, that says instant waterproof protection - for the rest of the body. I run a family day care and have to sunscreen 6 kids before we go outside in the summer. A one year old can be a real challenge to get to stay still while you apply. I hold the face by the chin and make a game of it. I dabb the sunscreen on with my finger and sing "Nose, cheek, cheek, forehead, chin, rub it in, rub it in, rub it into your skin." Have the child watch you put the sunscreen on this way and then say "It's your turn". It has worked for every day care kid over the last 8 years. You may also consider getting the sunscreen with a bug repellent for St. John. Don't forget baby lotion too. Lip balm, the two that my kids don't complain about are Mary Kay sun essentials and Avon Moisture therapy both with SPF15. No flavor. Bring Calamine Lotion- the pink stuff- to sooth any rash from sand bugs/bites. Travel size hand sanitizer - take it everywhere. Don't forget the camera or buy a few disposable waterproff ones. Some of my favorite pictures are those of my kids at the beach enjoying nature. I second the backpack child carrier idea. Get one that has a pocket for diapers and stuff. Bring a few of the big sippy cups for filling up with water. Pack zip lock bags with their favorite snacks. These come in handy waiting for food at restaurants. Call ahead to make sure a restaurant is kid friendly. I know ZoZo's says no children under 5 are allowed.

I hope this was the kind of advise/suggestions that you were looking for. Enjoy your trip.

except for late may, june and july, you will fund plenty of shade along northern shore beachs, buttt, you can never use too much sun screen.

We just got back from STJ with our 1 year old. I suggest bringing/buying the Graco Sports Pack and Play it has built in UV Protection and screens so the baby can see you and have plenty of ventilation. It is really easy to open and close too. We brought this with us and it was a life saver. He played and napped in it most of the day at the beach. They don't have it on Babiesrus.com you have to go into the store to purchase it. I think it is around 90 dollars.
All the restaurants were very accomodating. Also, we rented other baby equipment from a woman on the island. Let me know if you need her number. We got a pack and play for him to sleep in but she has gates, high chairs, umbrellas etc. Have a great time.
Julie L

Thanks for your help. I would appreciate having the woman's number. You never know what you will need - or forget!

Thanks, again!

We took our now 20 month old (he was 18 months at the time) on a Caribbean cruise in December.

Here are some pictures:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lesliern72/album?.dir=b050&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

We bought a Safety first Tote n Go car seat. It will basically turn a car seat belt into a 5 point harness as long as your baby weighs 25-40 lbs. It only weighed 4 lbs and fits in a backpack. We sat our son on our lap on the airplane and only used taxis twice. There was no need to lug around a bulky car seat. The Tote n Go is approved by whoever regulates child safety car seats, but not for FAA/airplane use.

http://www.babyuniverse.com/pro/baby/67363/TotenGoCarSeat.html

We also packed extremely light. We didn't take a stroller. We took only a backpack carrier and found that much easier to manage.

Take a sun hat for the baby with tie strings around the babie's chin and plenty of waterproof 50 sunblock of course. We bought that cheap inflatable for him to float in with a life jacket on as well. We tied a rope to the floatie and to us and snorkeled away. We were able to go over 300 yards out at Cemetery Beach in Grand Cayman with our son attached safely. You can see the pictures. We were out in the sun all day long. We threw the cheap floatie away after we were done with it. We took our life jacket home.

We found it easy to travel simply because we've been taking our son on our ski boat and camping since he was 4 weeks old. As long as you don't make a huge fuss and are respectful of others you will find it easier than you thought. Your child will also have a blast on the beach!

We will be going to STJ March 27-April 1. But for this vacation we will be leaving our son at home with Grandma and Grandpa. Woo Hoo!

You will have fun no matter what though. I know we do!

Leslie

Julie,

Can I have the lady's info that rents the baby items? I have a very white little guy and an umbrella would be nice, but too much trouble to bring?