Shopping for Baby Essentials in Phuket
Shopping for baby essentials in Phuket covers baby basics plus mosquito lotions, sunscreen, milk, food and nappies.
The main places to visit are downstairs (basement level) at Central Festival department store, upstairs at Robinson Plaza in Phuket city or upstairs at Robinson Plaza in Jungceylon, Patong. There are also a few local baby stores dotted around, including one opposite the smaller Tesco Lotus on Choa Fa East. Great news is that you can also order a lot more western baby items from britbaby.com who import lots of baby related goods. You can order in Phuket and they will deliver from Bangkok.
Mosquitos
Regarding mosquitoes and babies. Mosquito nets can be bought at Index or at the large Tesco Lotus, both are on the by-pass road. Try to avoid using any of the mosquito oils available at the department stores or supermarkets as they all contain chemicals. The best mosquito repellent for babies or children is made by Lemongrass house. Lemongrass house also make a wonderful selection of natural babies and kids products – their fig tree baby powder is especially great. Visit their store in Cherng Talay or smaller shop in Chalong on the way to the pier.
From your local chemist invest in a small green tin with a white circle and red writing on the front. It is a green ointment (similar to tiger balm) and works wonders for mosquito or ant bites on babies or kids. Don't forget to keep plenty of baby powder at hand especially during the warm wet weather.
Sunscreen
Expert opinion is divided regarding the use of sun cream on babies (again lots of chemicals). Best advice is to keep them out of the sun but if you must then the bigger sports stores do factor 50 kids cream by banana boat.
Milk Formula & Baby Food
Milk formula and imported baby food can now be found at most supermarkets although Villa Market seems to have the biggest selection. If you can buy a blender or food processor from one of the department stores and puree some food - much better for baby and cheaper for you. Visit any of the Thai markets for a delicious selection of fruit and veggies for baby. Babies also love the small 'ladies fingers' bananas, yellow mangoes and the delicious varieties of melon. Fresh pear juice made from Chinese pears is also a big hit. When weaning the little ones, most start off with Khao Tom (also known as congee) which is a broth made from rice – Asian porridge if you like.
Detergent
Brands such as Baby Mild make washing powder and fabric softener for milder washing of your baby clothes for delicate skin.
Nappies
Disposable and Natural nappies can both be bought at larger supermarkets. Mamy Poko, Komodo and Pigeon are decent Asian brands for disposable nappies, wet wipes etc.
