Domenican Republic with infant?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

My husband and I are planning a trip to the DR in early July, with our then-9 month old son. We have stayed at the Riu Bambu in Punta Cana before, and think we will probably just go to there again. His grandparents may come along; we're not sure yet. Can anyone out there offer tips on doing an all-inclusive with an infant?

Here are a few specific questions - I should address many of these to his doctor, but haven't done so yet:

*He's about half breast and half formula fed, so we'll need to mix bottles - it seems like the resort water may be just as safe as bottled, as bottled often is local water also - any thoughts?
*Any other health precautions we should take since we'll be out of the country?
*Anything we can do to make things simpler (i.e. rent a stroller - need to check on this)?
*We'll be staying on the resort once we get there - only travel will be from airport to resort. I'd love to not bring the carseat - I wonder if it's possible to rent one for the ride - anyone done this?
*I'll bring some jarred food for him and cereal, but what about giving him cheese, yogurt, etc, from the resort - should I avoid it because it might be different from what his body is used to (he hasn't had these yet, but will by then).
*Any other tips?

TIA!

[Anonymous]

If the yogurt is pasteurized, that's fine. I live by "if it's not peeled or boiled/cooked, don't eat it" for my DC when travelling. So bananas are OK, as are peeled apples or oranges. Say no to raw veggies.

When I travel to developing countries, I take my own portable crib. But if you cosleep, no problem. Cribs in hotels can be dirty, old, broken, and unsafe. Best to take your own. And an umbrella stroller. I never take a car seat, and yes, we just travel with baby in a cab (sparingly). But do what's in your comfort level. I pack enough jarred/packaged food for one meal per day so that I have a back-up plan in case decent food's not available. Any westernized resort will have baby-friendly food, though. And I took a tupperware container of cheerios too for snacks. And oatmeal cereal, also easy to pack.

Check on the CDC website and the State.gov website for travel information for the DR to see if there are any diseases, etc., that are prevalent and how to avoid them. I take Natrapel mosquito repellent, sunblock, baby motrin, thermometer, Benedryl for allergic reactions, neosporin, and bandaids/bandages. I'd stick 100% to bottled water for baby and avoid the ice.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the ideas!