Dunns river falls with an infant

[ronmick]

Myself, wife, infant (10 months), my mom and dad will be in Ocho Rios. My wife and I have been there before but did not climb the falls. This time I would like to do this but now we have added a baby to our equation. Common sense tells me that we cannot all climb the falls together. Meaning that I keep the baby strapped to my chest with a carrier.

I have read that there is a trail or something on the side of the falls for a non-participant to watch the activities. Is this true? Does it go along the ENTIRE side of the falls or are there just areas that you can stop and look into? Is this side trail or side area large enough to take a stroller along?

Also, how long does it take to climb the falls? The only other way I can figure for all of us to participate and not place the baby in danger is to go in groups. Group one being me and my mom and group two being my wife and my dad. If we do it this way, where would group one meet up with group two to take over the baby duties and how do we get there?

Any suggestions on a way for us all to enjoy this?

[Kuki]

There is a stairway that climbs up right next to the falls, with certain viewing points... but I'm not certain you could alternate with people climbing as you go along.

I definitately wouldn't take the 10mnth old on the climb. Too crowded, and could easily be an accident waiting to happen.

[ronmick]

I really didn't care to alternate climbers through one climb. I thought group one could make the climb while group two stayed with the baby somewhere. When group one completed the climb, they could then meet up with group two to take over baby entertaining. Group two would then climb the falls.

This made me question where the two groups could meet up.

[Rev22:17]

ronmick,

I really didn't care to alternate climbers through one climb. I thought group one could make the climb while group two stayed with the baby somewhere. When group one completed the climb, they could then meet up with group two to take over baby entertaining. Group two would then climb the falls.

This made me question where the two groups could meet up.

Practically, this is realistic only if you go to Dunn's River Falls on your own. Kuki is correct about the stairway/footpath (it's how climbers who come by land get to the beach from the parking area at the top and climbers who come by sea return to their boats after the climb), and here are several places along the path where you can get in or out. The problem is that most of the excursions allow only enough time for one climb, which they do as a group.

And I agree completely with your instincts about taking an infant in a pack on the climb. One slip would be enough to crush the infant.

Norm.

[dwn2cruise]

No way can you do this with a infant. I suggest you to leave the baby at the daycare on the ship. It is worth the money you will have to pay for the sitter. Dunn River is just beautiful and a fun experience.

[LisaK]

could either mom or dad take the baby and use the walkway alongside the falls while you and your wife make the climb?

[JustinK]

even the trail alongside the falls isnt an easy climb forget about it to be completely honest