Panama with a Baby: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide
Panama with a Baby: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide
“Are you CRAZY? Panama with a baby?!”
That’s what people said when we told them we were taking Atlas (17 months) to Panama for two weeks and creating the ultimate family travel guide to Panama with a baby.
But here’s the truth: Panama was one of the EASIEST countries we’ve traveled with a baby.
Yes, easier than many “baby-friendly” European destinations. Easier than some US cities. Easier than we ever expected.
After 3 weeks traveling through Panama with Atlas (17 months) and Alaska (5), we tested everything—accommodations, transportation, activities, food, safety, and logistics—and I’m here to tell you: Panama with a baby is not only doable, it’s incredible, especially with this ultimate family travel guide.
In this travel guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about traveling Panama with a baby (ages 0-2):
What you’ll learn:- Is Panama safe for babies?
- Best regions for families with babies
- Baby-friendly accommodations we tested
- What to pack (and what to skip!)
- Baby-friendly activities by region
- Feeding, sleeping, and diaper logistics
- Transportation tips with a baby
- Health, safety, and medical info
- Our complete 2-week itinerary with a baby
Let’s dive in!
Is Panama Safe for Babies?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America, and we felt completely comfortable traveling with Atlas (17 months) everywhere we went.
What Made Us Feel Safe:
✅ Friendly, welcoming culture – Panamanians LOVE babies. Everywhere we went, people smiled at Atlas, waved, and went out of their way to help us.
👍 Good healthcare infrastructure – Panama City has excellent private hospitals, and most regions have clinics. We never needed medical care, but it was reassuring to know it was available.
✅ Clean water in most areas – We drank tap water in Panama City and Boquete without issues. In more rural areas (Santa Catalina, Bocas del Toro), we used bottled water.
🤞 Low crime in tourist areas – We never felt unsafe. Standard travel precautions apply (don’t flash valuables, be aware of surroundings), but we had zero issues.
✅ Baby-friendly infrastructure – High chairs in restaurants, changing tables in family bathrooms, and people genuinely helpful with strollers/carriers.
What to Be Aware Of:
⚠️ Humidity and heat – Panama is HOT and HUMID. Babies overheat easily, so plan accordingly (more on this below).
👊 Mosquitoes – Bring baby-safe bug spray, especially in jungle areas.
⚠️ Limited English outside Panama City – Download Google Translate and learn basic Spanish phrases.
⚠️ Uneven terrain – Cobblestones, unpaved roads, and stairs make strollers challenging. A baby carrier is essential.
Bottom line: Panama is safe for babies. Just come prepared!
Best Regions for Families with Babies
We visited 4 regions in Panama with Atlas (17 months), and each had pros and cons for babies.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. Panama City (Best for: Urban Exploration, Easy Logistics)
Why it’s great for babies:
- Modern infrastructure (elevators, smooth sidewalks in some areas)
- Excellent restaurants with high chairs
- Air-conditioned malls and hotels (lifesaver in the heat!)
- Easy access to medical care
- Family-friendly hotels
Challenges:
- Casco Viejo has cobblestones (stroller nightmare!)
- Hot and humid (plan indoor activities during peak heat)
- Traffic and noise
Best for: Babies who nap on-the-go, families who want urban amenities
Where we stayed: La Concordia Boutique Hotel, Casco Viejo – Family-friendly, great location, air-conditioned rooms
2. Boquete (Best for: Cooler Weather, Nature, Relaxation)
Why it’s great for babies:
- Cooler mountain weather (60-75°F) – No overheating!
- Peaceful, quiet, perfect for naps
- Coffee farm stays with outdoor space for babies to explore
- Easy, short hikes suitable for baby carriers
- Safe, walkable town
Challenges:- Limited restaurant options (but accommodations often have kitchens!)
- Longer drive from Panama City (but plenty of shuttle options available)
- Shuttles leave you in town so still need to take taxi/transport to the farms
- Some unpaved roads
Best for: Babies who need cooler weather, families who want to slow down
Where we stayed: Finca Panda Coffee Farm Casitas – Private casita with kitchen, outdoor space, and baby-friendly vibes
3. Santa Catalina (Best for: Beach Time, Wildlife, Adventure)
Why it’s great for babies:
- Private beaches with calm, swimmable water
- Incredible wildlife (monkeys, sloths, toucans!)
- Laid-back, slow pace
- Small-town feel (safe, quiet, friendly)
- Amazing family-friendly accommodations
Challenges:- Remote (5-6 hour drive from Panama City)
- Limited medical facilities (bring a first aid kit!)
- Hot and humid (plan water activities!)
- Unpaved roads (4WD recommended)
Best for: Adventurous families, babies who love the outdoors
Where we stayed: The Hideaway – BEST accommodation for families with babies. Private beach, outdoor showers, monkeys everywhere, and the most welcoming staff.
Bonus: We’re hosting a Panama Family Retreat at The Hideaway (June 30-July 5, 2026)if you want to experience it with us!
4. Bocas del Toro (Best for: Caribbean Vibes, Island Hopping, Water Activities)
Why it’s great for babies:
- Stunning Caribbean beaches
- Laid-back island vibes
- Water taxis = fun for babies!
- Family-friendly hotels with pools
- Starfish Beach (shallow, calm water perfect for babies)
Challenges:- No cars (water taxis only) – can be tricky with a baby and gear
- Limited medical facilities
- Hot and humid
- Some beaches have strong currents (research before swimming!)
Best for: Families who love island life, babies who love boats
Where we stayed: Casa Acuario Boutique Hotel – Beautiful, family-friendly, great location
What to Pack for Panama with a Baby
Packing for Panama with a baby requires some strategy. Here’s what we actually used (and what we wish we’d left behind!).
ESSENTIALS (Don’t Skip These!)
1. Baby Carrier (NOT a Stroller!)
Panama is NOT stroller-friendly. Cobblestones, unpaved roads, stairs, boats—you need a baby carrier.
We used this baby carrier (affiliate link) and it was a LIFESAVER. Atlas napped in it, we hiked in it, and it was way easier than lugging a stroller.
Pro tip: Bring a lightweight backup carrier in case one gets wet/dirty.
2. Compact Travel Stroller (For Airports + Panama City Only)
We brought our compact travel stroller (use code BRAVE20 for $20 off!) and used it ONLY in airports and Panama City. Everywhere else, it stayed in the hotel.
Skip the stroller if: You’re only visiting rural areas or beaches.
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Panama has incredible snorkeling and marine life. Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your baby and the ocean.
4. Bug Spray (Baby-Safe!)
Mosquitoes are real in Panama, especially in jungle areas (Boquete, Santa Catalina, Embera Village).
Bring baby-safe bug spray (we used one with natural ingredients, no DEET for Atlas).
5. Quick-Dry Clothes
Panama is HUMID. Everything takes forever to dry. Pack quick-dry clothes for your baby (and yourself!).
6. Water Shoes
Rocky beaches, river tours, and slippery boat docks = water shoes are a must.
7. Portable High Chair / Booster Seat
Most restaurants have high chairs, but not all. We brought a portable booster seat that straps to regular chairs—game-changer!
8. First Aid Kit
Bring a baby-specific first aid kit with:
- Infant pain reliever (Tylenol/Motrin)
- Thermometer
- Band-aids
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydration solution (Pedialyte packets)
- Any prescription meds your baby needs
Pro tip: Pharmacies in Panama City are well-stocked, but rural areas are limited.
9. Diapers & Wipes
You CAN buy diapers in Panama (Pampers and Huggies are available in Panama City and larger towns), but rural areas have limited options.
Our strategy: Brought enough diapers for the first week, then bought more in Panama City before heading to remote areas.
10. Baby Food / Snacks
If your baby eats purees, bring pouches from home. Panama has limited baby food options outside Panama City.
If your baby eats solids, you’re golden! Fresh fruit, rice, beans, plantains, and avocado are everywhere.
Atlas ate: Bananas, avocado, rice, beans, plantains, mango, papaya, and fresh fish. She LOVED Panamanian food!
WHAT TO SKIP:
❌ Pack-and-play / travel crib – Most hotels provide cribs (ask in advance!)
🥴 Too many toys – Babies are entertained by new environments. Bring 2-3 favorites and call it good.
❌ Heavy gear – You’ll be moving around a lot. Pack light!
COMPLETE PACKING LIST:
Want the full list? Check out our Panama Packing List on Amazon with everything we packed (and actually used!).
Baby-Friendly Activities by Region
Panama City
✅ Panama Canal (Atlantic Side – Agua Clara Locks) – Less crowded, has a playground! Atlas loved watching the big ships. Read our full tour review here.
✅ Casco Viejo Walking Tour – Colorful buildings, street performers, and cafes. Atlas napped in the carrier while we explored.
✅ Biomuseo – Interactive museum about Panama’s biodiversity. Air-conditioned and baby-friendly!
✅ Parque Omar – Large park with playgrounds, walking paths, and shade. Great for letting babies crawl/walk.
Boquete
✅ Coffee Farm Tour – We stayed at Finca Panda and did a family-friendly coffee tour. Atlas explored the grounds while we learned about coffee production.
✅ Los Cangilones de Gualaca – Natural river pools perfect for babies to splash in (shallow, calm water).
✅ Boquete Tree Trek – Canopy tour with hanging bridges. Atlas rode in the carrier and LOVED it.
✅ Hot Springs – Caldera Hot Springs has family-friendly pools.
Santa Catalina
✅ Beach Days at The Hideaway – Private beach, calm water, perfect for babies. Atlas played in the sand for HOURS.
✅ Monkey Island Tour – (Not in Santa Catalina but as a tour before getting there) Atlas (17 months) fed wild monkeys from her hand! Read our full tour review here.
✅ Coiba National Park Snorkeling – snorkel and diving paradise.
Bocas del Toro
✅ Starfish Beach – Shallow, calm water perfect for babies. Atlas walked in the water and saw starfish up close!
✅ Sloth Sanctuary – Short visit, baby-friendly. Atlas was mesmerized by the sloths.
✅ Water Taxi Rides – Atlas LOVED the boat rides between islands. Built-in entertainment!
Feeding Your Baby in Panama
Breastfeeding:
Panama is breastfeeding-friendly! We never had issues nursing in public. Most restaurants and hotels are accommodating.
Pro tip: Bring a lightweight nursing cover if you prefer privacy.
Formula:
Formula is available in Panama City pharmacies and supermarkets (brands like Similac and Enfamil). Rural areas have limited options, so bring enough for your trip or stock up in Panama City.
Baby Food:
Purees and pouches are LIMITED outside Panama City. If your baby relies on purees, bring them from home.
If your baby eats solids, Panama is a DREAM! Fresh fruit, rice, beans, plantains, avocado, and fish are everywhere.
What Atlas ate:
- Bananas (everywhere!)
- Avocado (fresh and delicious)
- Rice and beans (staple at every meal)
- Plantains (sweet or savory)
- Mango, papaya, pineapple
- Fresh fish (grilled, no seasoning available)
- chicken strips
Pro tip: Ask for “sin sal” (without salt) when ordering for babies.
High Chairs:
Most family-friendly restaurants have high chairs. If not, our portable booster seat saved us!
Sleeping Arrangements for Babies
Cribs:
Most hotels provide cribs (called “cunas” in Spanish). ALWAYS confirm in advance!
Hotels that provided cribs:
- La Concordia Boutique Hotel (Panama City)
- Finca Panda (Boquete)
- The Hideaway (Santa Catalina)
- Casa Acuario (Bocas del Toro)
Co-Sleeping:
If you co-sleep at home, you can continue in Panama. Most hotel beds are queen or king-sized.
Pro tip: use pillows to create a safe sleep space.
Naps:
Atlas napped on-the-go in the baby carrier during activities. For longer naps, we planned downtime at the hotel.
Pro tip: Book accommodations with outdoor space (like Finca Panda or The Hideaway) so babies can nap while you relax outside.
Transportation with a Baby in Panama
Flights:
We flew into Tocumen International Airport (Panama City). The airport is modern, clean, and baby-friendly with:
- Family bathrooms with changing tables
- Nursing rooms
- Elevators and ramps
Pro tip: Book a bassinet seat if your baby is under 2 and under the weight limit!
Rental Car:
You can easily drive around Panama, and the route Panama City → Boquete → Santa Catalina is an awesome one.
Car seat: We brought our own car seat from home (checked it for free at the airport if it’s a big one, or use on seat if they have their own seat). You CAN rent car seats in Panama, but quality varies.
Our car seat: Convertible travel car seat from our Amazon storefront
Domestic Flights:
We flew from Bocas del Toro back to Panama City. Domestic flights are short (30-60 min) and baby-friendly.
Pro tip: Book early morning flights when babies are happiest!
Water Taxis (Bocas del Toro):
Bocas del Toro has NO cars—only water taxis. Atlas LOVED the boat rides!
Pro tip: Bring a life jacket for your baby (hotels often provide them, but bring your own to be safe). Baby life jacket from our Amazon storefront
Taxis & Ubers:
Taxis in Panama City don’t always have car seats. We used Uber when possible (you can request a car seat, but it’s not guaranteed).
Pro tip: Bring your baby in a carrier for short taxi rides if no car seat is available.
Health & Safety Tips for Babies in Panama
Vaccinations:
Check with your pediatrician about recommended vaccinations for Panama. We made sure Atlas was up-to-date on routine vaccines.
Common recommendations:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid (for older babies/toddlers)
- Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Drinking Water:
- Panama City & Boquete: Tap water is safe to drink
- Santa Catalina & Bocas del Toro: We used Filtered water offered by the hotels
Pro tip: Bring a bottle filter ( this is what we use) if you’re concerned about water quality.
Sun Protection:
Panama is HOT. Protect your baby with:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours!)
- Sun hat with neck flap
- Lightweight long-sleeve UV shirts
- Shade (umbrella, baby carrier sunshade)
Our sun protection picks: Baby sun protection from our Amazon storefront
Bug Protection:
Mosquitoes can carry dengue and Zika (though risk is low). Protect your baby with:
- Baby-safe bug spray
- Long sleeves/pants at dawn and dusk
- Mosquito net over crib (if staying in open-air accommodations)
Medical Care:
Panama City has excellent hospitals:
- Hospital Punta Pacifica (affiliated with Johns Hopkins)
- Hospital Nacional
Rural areas have clinics, but serious emergencies require transport to Panama City.
Pro tip: Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies!
Our 2-Week Panama Itinerary with a Baby (17 Months)
Here’s exactly what we did:
Days 1-2: Panama City
- Arrived at Tocumen Airport
- Checked into La Concordia Boutique Hotel
- Explored Casco Viejo (Atlas napped in carrier)
- Visited Panama Canal (Atlantic side)
- Ate at local restaurants
Baby-friendly highlight: Panama Canal playground, air-conditioned hotel
Days 3-8: Santa Catalina
- Drove to Santa Catalina (5 hours with stops)
- Checked into The Hideaway
- Beach days (Atlas played in sand and calm water)
- Monkey Island tour (Atlas fed wild monkeys!)
- Coiba National Park snorkeling (Atlas stayed on boat)
- Relaxed, slow pace
Baby-friendly highlight: Private beach, wildlife, laid-back vibes
Days 8-11: Boquete
- Drove to Boquete (3.5 hours with stops)
- Checked into Finca Panda Coffee Farm Casitas
- Coffee farm tour (Atlas explored the grounds)
- Los Cangilones river pools (Atlas splashed!)
- Hot springs visit
Baby-friendly highlight: Cooler weather, outdoor space at Finca Panda
Days 11-14: Bocas del Toro
- Flew from Santiago to Bocas del Toro
- Checked into Casa Acuario Boutique Hotel
- Water taxi rides (Atlas LOVED the boats!)
- Starfish Beach (shallow water, perfect for babies)
- Sloth Sanctuary visit
- Island hopping
Baby-friendly highlight: Water taxis, Starfish Beach, Caribbean vibes
Want the full itinerary with daily breakdowns? Download our FREE Panama with Kids Guide with sample itineraries for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days!
Frequently Asked Questions: Panama with a Baby
Is Panama safe for babies?
Yes! Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America. We felt completely comfortable traveling with our 17-month-old.
What’s the best age to take a baby to Panama?
Any age! We traveled with Atlas at 17 months, but Panama is doable with newborns, infants, and toddlers. Just adjust activities and pace accordingly.
Do I need a stroller in Panama?
Not really. Cobblestones, unpaved roads, and stairs make strollers challenging. A baby carrier is WAY more useful. We only used our stroller in airports and Panama City.
Can I find diapers and baby supplies in Panama?
Yes, in Panama City and larger towns. Rural areas have limited options, so stock up before heading to remote regions.
Is the food safe for babies?
Yes! Fresh fruit, rice, beans, plantains, avocado, and fish are everywhere. Just ask for “sin sal” (without salt).
What’s the weather like in Panama?
Hot and humid year-round (80-90°F). Boquete is cooler (60-75°F). Dry season is December-April; rainy season is May-November.
Do hotels provide cribs?
Most family-friendly hotels provide cribs. ALWAYS confirm in advance!
Is Panama expensive with a baby?
No! Panama is affordable. Accommodations, food, and activities are reasonably priced. It’s cheaper than Costa Rica or many US destinations.
Final Thoughts: Panama with a Baby is AMAZING
If you’re on the fence about taking your baby to Panama, let me be clear:
Do it.
Panama was one of the easiest, most rewarding trips we’ve done with Atlas. The people were welcoming, the infrastructure was solid, the food was fresh and baby-friendly, and the experiences were unforgettable.
Yes, it’s hot. You wineed a baby carrier. Yes, you’ll sweat through your clothes daily.
But watching your baby feed a wild monkey? Splash in Caribbean waters? Explore a coffee farm? Sleep to the sound of howler monkeys?
Worth every second.
Ready to Plan Your Panama Trip with a Baby?
Download Our FREE Panama with Kids Guide
We created an 80+ page Panama Family Travel Guide with everything you need:
✅ Family-tested accommodations in 4 regions
👍 Activities rated by age group (including babies!)
✅ Restaurant recommendations
👏 Packing lists
✅ Sample itineraries (1 day to 2 weeks)
🙌 Safety tips
✅ Money-saving hacks
👍 Activities rated by age group (including babies!)
✅ Restaurant recommendations
👏 Packing lists
✅ Sample itineraries (1 day to 2 weeks)
🙌 Safety tips
✅ Money-saving hacks
Join Our Panama Family Retreat!
We loved Panama SO much that we’re bringing families back in June 2026 for a retreat at The Hideaway in Santa Catalina!
Dates: June 30 – July 5, 2026
Perfect for families with babies and young kids. We’ll handle the planning—you just show up!
Read More Panama Content:
Shop Our Panama Packing List:
Everything we packed (and actually used!) for Panama with a baby:
Book Your Panama Tours:
We booked all our tours with New Leaf Panama and they were INCREDIBLE with our baby!
📞 WhatsApp: +507 6308-9694
🌐 Website: newleafpanama.com
🌐 Website: newleafpanama.com
Tell Tereza we sent you! 💚
Have you traveled Panama with a baby? What questions do you have? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!
xoxo,
Marae
Your travel mom bestie
Marae
Your travel mom bestie