" You should definitely have this with you "

A visit to the zoo is always something very special for children, as most youngsters love animals and are thrilled when they can see different creatures of the world up close. So there is hardly a better destination for a family outing. But at what age is it a good idea to take your child or baby to the zoo and what should you take with you to make the day a great experience for the whole family?

A visit to the zoo: a very special adventure

Elephants, tigers, snakes, penguins, monkeys, llamas - there is so much to discover in a zoo. In fact, a visit to the zoo is suitable for children of all ages - it is even considered educationally valuable. Even the youngest children are usually thrilled when the little monkey, which they usually only know from picture books, suddenly lunges out of the enclosure.

A visit to the zoo is a very special adventure for the little ones

However, you shouldn't take on too much when planning. Especially if you want to organize a trip to the zoo with your baby, you should limit the visit to a few hours. This way you won't overwhelm your child and can relax and enjoy the day. It's best to focus on the animals that your little one already knows, as your little one will certainly find this particularly exciting and thrilling.

Going to the zoo with a baby: a packing list helps

As we all know, the unexpected often happens: during a visit to the zoo, there is suddenly a downpour, your little one didn't take their last meal well and the T-shirt has visibly felt the effects - you should be prepared for all eventualities, especially on a trip with your baby. To make sure you don't forget anything on the day of departure, you should draw up a packing list in advance and work through it bit by bit. This will help you to prevent unpleasant incidents or at least minimize the consequences.

What do you need for a trip to the zoo with a baby?

Checklist for a trip to the zoo: you should take these items with you

Sufficient provisions

Pack enough food for your visit to the zoo - both for yourself and for your child. If your little one is already eating solid food, you can cut fresh fruit into bite-sized pieces and offer this to them from time to time. You should also keep sandwiches in case your child gets hungry. You can also pack a few cookies as a snack between meals. Ideally, you should transport the food in a sturdy snack boxas they generally keep much longer in this. A lunch box like this can easily be stowed in your rucksack. Also remember to take plenty of water with you when you take your baby to the zoo, as young children need to drink a lot, especially in warm weather. So carry a baby bottle with you. If your little one is already older, a drinking bottle with a name made of aluminum or plastic. We also recommend packing a bin liner so that you can keep the environment clean right from the start.

Change of clothes

It can happen quickly: The diaper didn't stay dry or half of the milk bottle ended up on the pants. You should always have a change of clothes with you in such cases. As the weather can change from time to time, you should also think about a thin jacket for outings in summer.

Diaper bag

Of course, you should never forget a diaper bag if you want to visit the zoo with your baby. This should of course contain all the necessary items you need to change your child in between: Diapers, pocket wipes and wet wipes, changing mat, wound protection cream and so on. You should pack plenty of wet wipes in particular, as they are real all-rounders. They are not only suitable for dripping noses and a clean bottom, but also for dirty hands.

Toys

No matter how busy babies are, they can still get bored very quickly. You should therefore take some toys with you, especially for the journey to the zoo and the way home: A grasping toy or a colorful baby carriage chain on the baby carriage will banish boredom.

Sun protection

If you are planning a trip to the zoo in the sunshine, you should protect your little one adequately from the harmful UV rays. A parasol that can be attached to the baby carriage is a good idea here. A hat is also a must, as is sun cream for babies.

Taking the little ones to the petting zoo?

Many zoos have a petting zoo where you can get up close and personal with sheep, goats and small animals. Children love to stroke and feed the animals - and the animals themselves are of course also happy about any food they are given. However, many parents wonder whether the youngest children should be allowed to touch the animals. Is there a risk of infection if a pet licks the child? This question is probably raised very often.

Should the little ones also go to the petting zoo?

However, the all-clear can be given here. Of course you shouldn't just leave the baby carriage standing around and leave the baby unattended. If an animal licks your little one, simply wipe your baby with a damp cloth. All in all, going to the zoo with your baby is a great idea.