mommyof2

We will be traveling to Manuel Antonio in a few weeks with a 3 and a 1 year old. We are flying into San Jose and we do not want to fly with a highchair, bedrail or a baby gate. Each of these things are needed at the house we have rented. Does anyone know of a "mega-store" (like Walmart but obviously not) that is near the airport? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

shillmac

Your best bet is the "similar to Wal-Mart" (and Wal-Mart owned) Hipermas up the road from the airport at the edge of Heredia (about 15-20 min). Still, no way I'd guarantee they'll have those things. Highchairs, probably, but you might be able to manage without a highchair. I'm thinking your biggest need will be the baby gate. You can use pillows for the bedrail, maybe?

It might be worth it to take a babygate with you. If you've rented a place with stairs, that seems pretty necessary. I'd worry about finding one easily. Wish I could be of more help. . .

mommyof2

Thanks! That's what I was thinking about the babygate as well. I think I am going to use dining room chair backs and pillows for the bed rail and try to make it w/o a highchair. I hate the thought of flying with a babygate but the alternative is worse!

shillmac

You'll make it just fine. Have a great time!

beachbum2

We have packed a bath seat the breaks down for our little ones and used it as a feeding chair. It worked well. Chairs are great for bed rails. As for a baby gate...that's hard. We have just done our best to block the area we want the little one out of. Good luck!

tully

Maybe a Pali would have some of that stuff as well, I would think. I know the one in Quepos had a huge variety of things.

MarciaM

Not far from the airport in Alajuela is a department store called Alyss. They have all kinds of wonderful things for the home. I would think you might find a baby gate there. Good luck.

mommyof2

Thanks for all the help. I gave in and purchased a travel baby gate that, although quite heavy, it is pretty small. I think we will wing in for the bed rail and booster seat. What's a little mess when your on vacation, right?

eastave

You probably are fine without it, but you can get inflatable booster seats. We have one from First Years (on the go baby seat I think). It doesn't have a tray, so you have to pull up to a table. It is pretty light weight and we can usually get it in a suitcase. We took it to Spain where we stayed in apartments, and it worked well. It also has been useful in restaurants.