We are going to Bonaire at the end august and will stay 9 days. We have a 11.5 months old child. He can walk a little. He can eat everything. We decided to stay at Sand Dollar which provides baby sitting. Anybody can inform us about the baby sitters. Can they give meals/prepared milk to kids on time. Do people leave their child and go for diving or windsurfing in day time etc. What do they do when they are out from the resort without their child. Can baby sitters put child to sleep on time...? Is it safe to leave the child to baby sitters...? Is it possible to find ready canned or jar meals for 1 year old child at groceries. Also is it possible to find powder milk "MILUMIL" or resembling ones for baby. Any advise on going to Bonaire with a child please don't hesitate writing. Also any different resort which gives more facilities and better services on baby sitting please let me know. Thank you for your interest. Bora BAYSAL

Hello Bora,

I used to use a sitter I met while I was a guest at Sand Dollar. She was the best. Maggie no longer needs sitters now.

If you want a personal recommendation, email me.

I think your questions can be best answered by the resort who is referring a sitter to you. They must have good credentials and a previous history to be used by a hotel, I would hope. You do not need to find a property based on a child care person. Just use referrals from Bonaire Talk..Moms and Dads who have good connections. Mine sitter is free nights only.

I cannot comment on food/formula but diapers and wipes are here....

Hi Everyone! I'm new to posting, but have been reading for over a year. My husband and I visited in February and are so excited to be returning this Thanksgiving as a family. So here's the deal - I'm also looking for some childcare, but of a different sort. I have 7 year old B/G twins that will be with us in November. When we went to Australia, (they were 4) we hired a reef nanny who would take the twins snorkeling and swimming while we were diving. The twins had fun and we were all together on the dive boat so I was very relaxed. She also stayed with the twins one evening while we went to dinner. So, I'm looking for someone who would be willing to snorkel with the twins each afternoon while we are shore diving at various sites on the island and who would be willing to hang out with them at the pool one or two evenings while we go out to a nice dinner. Any ideas or is there a babysitting service on the island I could contact?

Claudia, I have an nine year old who loves Caren at Sea and Discover. She has a great program for kids, only it is in the morning hours. Think it is either 8-12 or 9-12. She takes them out snorkling and teaches them wonderful things about the ocean and sea life. My son really looks forward to seeing her every time he visits. My hubby and I go diving while our son is with Caren, then in afternoon we all go snorkling as a family. Works for us. Babysitters, I can't help on. I would ask your resort for ref's and this site has been very imformative and helpful for us. Debbie

I have contacted Caren and her program does sound wonderful. I think the twins will love it! But, we are planning on doing our boat dives in the morning while they are busy in class and would like to get in one more shore dive in the afternoon after we have all had lunch together. We have made reservations at the Belmar so maybe I will take your advice and contact them. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Claudia

Hi - we have been going to Bonaire for over ten years with our three young girls in tow. We have always used a combination of child care options. Our favorite babysitter is Maria Lau who we have known for ten years. She is absolutely wonderful, reliable and very loving. You can also utilize the Sand Penny Club at the Sand Dollar Resort as an "off resort" client for a fee ($90/week?) and they are open both in the mornings and afternoons. I believe the Sand Penny Club is only for ages 3 and up and includes playing on the small beach, swimming in the pool and playing in their condo facility. Maria may be one of the babysitters utilized by Sand Dollar for families with younger children. Our two older girls (11 and 8) had a BLAST with Caren at Sea & Discover for 2 weeks. I believe the Plaza Resort Bonaire also offers a "kids club" but we have not tried it.
If you would like to see if Maria is available for your trip, you may reach her via her daughter's e-mail at: suyin@habitatdiveresorts.com
Good luck - hope you have a great time!

Yes, Maria is wonderful! Both my kids just love her. My son, now 4 1/2, was 2 when we were referred to her by this group.