Quick answer
Nappies, formula and baby supplies in Sri Lanka are easy to buy in Colombo, Negombo, Kandy and Galle, where supermarkets and pharmacies stock disposable nappies in all sizes, wipes, international formula brands and jars or pouches of baby food. Choice narrows in small towns such as Sigiriya, Ella and Udawalawe. Bring enough formula for the whole trip, any specialist or allergy products, swim nappies, nappy cream, children's medicines and a few days of nappies, and restock in the cities.
Key takeaways
- Disposable nappies in sizes from newborn to pull-ups are sold in supermarkets and pharmacies in every sizeable Sri Lankan town.
- International infant formula brands are available in city supermarkets, but formulations and stage numbers can differ from those at home.
- Swim nappies, specialist formula and hypoallergenic products are hard to find outside Colombo.
- Kandy and Galle are the best restocking points on the standard family route, on days four and nine.
- Formula feeds should be made with sealed bottled water or water boiled and cooled, never untreated tap water.
What you can buy, and where
Nappies, formula and baby supplies in Sri Lanka are stocked by three kinds of shop. Supermarket chains in cities and larger towns have a baby aisle with nappies, wipes, formula, cereals and toiletries. Pharmacies carry similar basics plus medicines. Village shops sell nappies singly or in small packs.
Availability follows population. Colombo has everything, including specialist baby shops. Negombo, Kandy, Galle and Matara are well supplied. Dambulla and Bandarawela have a supermarket or two. Sigiriya village, Ella and Udawalawe have small shops with limited sizes.
- →Cities: full range.
- →Mid-sized towns: nappies, wipes, standard formula.
- →Villages: nappies in common sizes, little else.
Nappies and wipes
Nappies are the item parents can most safely buy locally. Local and international brands are sold in every size, at prices similar to or a little below those in Europe. Quality of local brands is adequate; they can be less absorbent overnight than premium ones.
Bring enough for the first three or four days and for overnight use if your baby is particular, and buy the rest. Wipes are widely sold, though fragrance-free ones are harder to find. Nappy disposal is by ordinary bin; carry scented bags for the car.
- →Pack: three or four days' supply, night nappies, nappy bags.
- →Buy: daytime nappies and wipes.
- →Bring: swim nappies, which are rarely stocked.
Formula and milk
Formula deserves a cautious approach. Major international brands are sold in Sri Lankan cities, but the product may be made for the Asian market, with different stage ages, sweetness or composition. A baby used to one formula may refuse or react to another.
The safe plan is to bring all the formula needed for the trip, plus a spare tin, in original sealed packaging. Ready-to-feed cartons are rarely available. Fresh pasteurised milk and UHT milk for toddlers are sold in supermarkets; small local shops mostly sell milk powder.
Baby food and weaning
Baby food in jars and pouches is sold in city supermarkets, with a modest range of fruit and vegetable purees and cereals. Outside the cities it is scarce. Parents of weaning babies should bring pouches for travel days and the first week.
Fresh food fills the gap. Sri Lanka is rich in soft fruit: banana, papaya, avocado and mango mash easily with a fork. Hotel kitchens will steam and puree vegetables, cook plain rice porridge or boil an egg. Red rice, dhal without chilli and pumpkin are traditional weaning foods here.
- →Bring: pouches for drives, a few favourite jars, a masher or small blender.
- →Ask kitchens for: plain rice, steamed vegetables, dhal without chilli or salt.
- →Buy fresh: bananas, papaya, avocado.
What to bring from home
Some things should always come from home. Anything prescribed or specialist is first: hypoallergenic or lactose-free formula, eczema creams, inhalers and regular medicines, with a copy of the prescription. Children's paracetamol and ibuprofen in familiar doses come next.
Comfort and safety items complete the list. A baby sunscreen you trust, insect repellent suitable for your child's age, a cot mosquito net, sterilising tablets, bottles and teats, a sun tent and UV swimwear are all either unavailable or expensive in Sri Lanka.
- →Medicines and prescriptions.
- →Sunscreen, repellent, cot net.
- →Sterilising kit, bottles, teats, dummies.
Restocking on the family route
Restocking points on the family 10-day route are predictable. Negombo or the airport road on day one, Dambulla on the way to Sigiriya, Kandy on day four, Bandarawela near Ella on day six and Galle on day nine all have supermarkets. Udawalawe has very little.
A good driver knows these shops and will stop without being asked twice. Lankan Stays & Trails briefs drivers on families travelling with babies, so a supermarket stop in Kandy and another in Galle are built into the days rather than left to chance.
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy nappies in Sri Lanka?
You can buy nappies in Sri Lanka easily. Supermarkets and pharmacies in all towns stock disposable nappies in every size, from local and international brands. In small villages the range is limited, so restock in larger towns such as Kandy and Galle.
Can I buy baby formula in Sri Lanka?
You can buy baby formula in Sri Lankan cities, including international brands. Formulations and stages may differ from those sold in your country. Most parents bring enough of their usual formula for the whole trip to avoid an unplanned change.
Is baby food available in Sri Lanka?
Baby food in jars and pouches is available in supermarkets in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and other large towns, with a limited range. It is rare elsewhere. Bring some from home and supplement with fresh fruit and plain food from hotel kitchens.
What water should I use for baby formula in Sri Lanka?
Use sealed bottled water with low mineral content, boiled and cooled as you would at home, or boiled tap water that has been filtered first, for baby formula in Sri Lanka. Never use untreated tap water. Hotels provide kettles on request.
Can you buy swim nappies in Sri Lanka?
Swim nappies are difficult to find in Sri Lanka outside a few shops in Colombo and some resort boutiques. Bring enough disposable swim nappies for the trip, or two reusable ones, as most hotel pools expect babies to wear them.
Are baby medicines available in Sri Lanka?
Common baby medicines such as paracetamol syrup and oral rehydration salts are sold in Sri Lankan pharmacies, under local brand names and in varying strengths. To be sure of the dose, bring familiar medicines from home, with prescriptions for anything regular.