Trip to Mexico with 9-month old, advice!

[Anonymous]

Hello ladies! My husband and I are taking our 9-month old daughter to Mexico next week and i was wondering if any of you have any advice re: sunscreen, food, things to bring, carseat, random stuff. We've traveled with her in US quite a bit already, but not abroad, and esp. Mexico where food can be kinda sketchy, etc. Would appreciate any input! Thanks!

[zumbamama]

The drug violence would be my main worry these days.

[Anonymous]

Agree with zumba.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree with zumba.

Me, too. My advice is don't go.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

[zumbamama]

I heard they were warning college students to stay away. Horrific stories in the paper everyday...abductions, decapitations, ughh...too scary. Go to Puerto Rico instead!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Jeez ladies, i asked for some practical advice and all you have to say is Don't go there?..

[Anonymous]

These are crazy comments. Like everywhere you just need to be cautious. Despite the media, violence is targeted around the border cities/towns and involves the drug trade. Yes, innocent people have been caught up in the mayhem, but you are perfectly safe going to the usual Mexican vacation destinations.

I would bring anything you normally would pack for a warm weather destination in the US. Just be careful with fresh fruits/water and you'll be fine. You can buy the same things you get in the US if you're in a touristy area so bring what you need but don't worry if you need to pick something up enroute.

[Anonymous]

Thank you voice of reason!
What about carseat? can't decide..

[Anonymous]

I would rent it there but that's because I hate carting them through airports. And, my child was always easier to manage on the plane without a carseat restricting her. If you are not renting a car though then I would probably recommend bringing one with you if you anticipate traveling around a lot by car/taxi.

[Anonymous]

Don't forget the immodium for yourself!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you voice of reason!
What about carseat? can't decide..

I would bring a carseat (we bought a lighter weight one just for travel) because that way you will be comfortable installing it. One time we tried to rent one overseas and I could not get it installed securely in the car (don't know if it was me or the seat but the rental people had no interest in helping me). Also, some people find their kids will sleep on the plane if they are in their own car seat.

[zumbamama]

Ok, sorry. I was just being cautious and scared from what I read in the news. My apologies.

[Anonymous]

My doctor wrote us a orescription for Cipro before we left just in case we got an intestinal bug. You may want to pack some bottled water as well. Most resorts say their water has been purified but I jsut find that the change sometimes makes my stomach a little "iffy" so it might be particularly bothersome to a baby. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Car seat...probably not worth it unless renting a car. We have found that in many countries the taxis and shuttles do not have the seat belts to strap the carseats down

[Anonymous]

OP please don't let the PPs scare you. We just got back about a month ago with our seven month old from Mexico. We were in Playa del Carmen. We go every year. The drug violence is taking place along the border so unless you are going to Juarez or one of the other border towns, I would not be worried.

I think what you bring depends on which city/resort you are going to. We did not bring a car seat because we pretty much just stayed the entire time at our resort. The only time the baby was in a car was to and from the airport and she rode on my lap. We were comfortable with this but I understand that many people might not be.

You do not need to bring bottled water with you. You can buy it everywhere. When we went out to dinner off the resort we would get bottled water and we kept bottled water in our room to drink. Our resort did have a water purification system so I did brush my teeth, have drinks with ice no problem. For the baby just to be extra safe, I brought plastic spoons I could toss and washed her toothbrush/chew toys in bottled water.

Bring plenty of sun block and hats because the sun is very intense. We brought down an aspirator, thermometer, baby tylenol and motrin. Our baby was teething so lots of chew toys. Bring down any food that you can. You can find stuff down there but if there are certain favorites, pack them.

I packed diapers/swim diapers but you can get more down there. Again, I don't know where you are staying but there are Walmarts/Sam's Club and Cosctos in Mexico.

I was breast feeding so I double checked with the dr. that it was ok for me to take imodium if I got sick. I'm sure there is more that I am missing so I will write back if I think of something else.

Enjoy your trip!