Travelling to Samoa with little ones? Here are 5 tips that helped us. (+ Bonus tip for Eczema Skin)

Travelling to Samoa with kids can be such a beautiful experience. The beaches, lush green nature, family time and a slower pace of life are all things that I love about living here. But if you're visiting with babies or little ones, there are definitely a few things that make life easier.

After spending the past few months here with my 3 kids (10, 7 and 2), here are a few things I'm really glad we packed (or learned quickly!).

1. Prepare for Mosquitos.

Mosquitos and tropical weather go hand in hand in Samoa, especially after heavy rainfall.

Along with a tropical-strength insect repellent, mosquito patches have been a great extra layer of protection for the kids. They're simple to use and easy to pop on to clothes, prams or bags when you're out and about.

Just make sure to take them off before doing the washing!

2. Don't Skip the Nappy Barrier Cream

This was one we learned quickly.

Between the humidity, sweat and time running around outside, little ones wearing nappies can get irritated skin much faster than usual. We found using a barrier cream daily helped manage nappy rash and skin irritation. We also started to do 15-20 minutes of no nappy time each day to help air out little bums.

Even if your little one doesn't usually struggle with irritation at home, the tropical weather can be very different.

3. Bring Familiar Snacks or Baby Food

You can absolutely buy baby food and snacks in most Samoan shops, but we've found that stock can change on the day and if you have a picky eater like me, options can be very limited.

If your little one likes certain snacks, pouches, formula, or specific brands, I'd recommend packing extra just for peace of mind.

4. Pack Breathable Cotton Clothing

The humidity here can be a lot for little bodies, especially if they're coming from a cooler climate and not used to it. Lightweight, breathable cotton clothes are always the best choice for babies and little ones as it helps absorb their sweat and keeps them a but more comfy.

5. Electrolytes (and Read the Directions)

This one is more for toddlers and older kids. The first week we were here in Samoa, our kids got dehydrated from all the heat and excitement. Powdered electrolyte packets were a big lifesaver for us and I like to keep some on hand just in case. Remember to always make sure to read the directions of use first. Another great alternative will be fresh niu (coconut) that you can buy at the markets! Coconut water is a great natural option to help with hydration, as long as your little one likes the taste.

Bonus Tip for Eczema Skin

My 2-year-old has struggled with eczema since he was a baby, and I honestly thought moving to a tropical country like Samoa would help clear his skin. Instead, he continued having flare-ups, and I found myself using even more creams than I did back home in Brisbane.

Now, after living here for a few months, I can confidently say we finally have his eczema under control and here are a few things that really helped us.

• Fetau (or Tamanu) Oil

This has been one of the best discoveries for us. Fetau oil is a rich, greenish oil extracted from the nuts of the tropical Calophyllum inophyllum tree. It has long been used throughout the Pacific for its powerful wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerating properties.

After using this oil consistently for a month, I haven’t needed to use steroid creams on him at all. I mix a drop of the oil into his usual fragrance-free moisturiser and massage it all over his body after a bath. For areas where his eczema tends to flare up, I apply a small drop directly onto the skin and gently massage it in. A little goes a long way!

We personally love using the handcrafted Fetau oil from Women in Business Development Inc..

• Fragrance Free Body Wash and Laundry Detergent

One of the things I miss most from Australia is the wide range of body wash options available for eczema-prone skin. I’ve searched through many shops here in Samoa but still haven’t been able to find fragrance-free body wash or laundry detergent locally.

Thankfully, we brought some with us when we moved, and I make sure to use it only on him and wash his clothes separately. If you have a little one with sensitive skin and are travelling to Samoa, I highly recommend packing your usual body wash and laundry detergent into travel containers and bringing them with you.

Final Thoughts

Travelling to Samoa with young kids doesn't have to feel overwhelming. A little extra prep goes a long way, and honestly, once you settle in, it can be such a special experience for them.

The beach days, slower lifestyle, fresh air and family time make it all worth it.

If you've travelled to Samoa (or anywhere in the Pacific) with kids, what's one tip you'd add? I'm always looking for new ideas from other mums.

Jen / Island Pepe