We are considering going to Costa Rica in March with a 4 month old. Has anyone traveled to Costa Rica with an infant? We are considering Arenal and Manuel Antonio.

My primary concerns are infectious diseases (I've seen recommendations for Hep A & B shots as well as malaria), and bumpy roads. It may sound silly, but I'm concerned too many potholes may shake the baby around too much.

Just a question.

Why do it? Why not wait a bit?

Hi KK,
We went to Manuel Antonio last year with my sister's 2.5 month old. We rented a house and the baby pretty much stayed put for the week with Grandma to watch the baby while we did a few tours.

I can tell you we didn't have any problems at all. As far as shots she didn't have any you mentioned. Its really very safe there. To reassure yourself use bottled water exclusively. It is always available.
The road to MA isn't really that bad, we made a few stops to give everyone a break.

We are actually getting ready to return to the same location next Thurs. with our new 4 month old. We made this decision with out any hesitation. Its a great, safe place to go. People have been having babies there for years. LOL

TRIP

Oh, yes, I see your logic.

Thank you for the information, makes me feel a little better. The baby is being breastfed exclusively so I figure food poisoning or disentary isn't an issue (for the baby at least). My husband had the same point, he said babies are born all the time in Costa Rica and somehow survive

I'm pretty comfortable with Manuel Antonio, a little concerned with the roads to Arenal.

Not only are babies born all the time in Costa Rica and survive, they are hauled about on long and disruptive journeys by their fun-loving parents.

Hang on. That's not true. Their parents pretty much stay around home and take care of them to the exclusion of all else.

Your baby may very well have received Hepatitis B vaccine at birth. If not, certainly at the two and four month exams. Anyway, that would be true if you live in the US.

There was an infant staying at Si Como No when we were there a couple years ago. A bit older than yours, the parents and the baby all seemed to be having a good time.

I would ask your pediatrician about Immune Globulin against Hepatitis A (the child is too young for the vaccine).

Jean

The infant mortality rate in CR is about 56% higher than in the USA. However, I doubt that this would indicate a higher risk for a tourist's infant. Especially one that is being breast-fed.

Just as I doubt that Swiss babies have any particular problems in the USA even though our infant mortality rate is 50% higher than Switzerland's.

I believe the Hep. B vaccine is given in Grade 4 here in canada , a good friend went last year to Jaco and M.A. with a 2 month old ( Breast fed ) and is at this moment in Tamarindo ( he is just over 1 ) These babies are probably safer than us ! She had no trouble at all , I mean , really ,what do they actually come into contact with at that age ? A lot more germs to worry about on the flight coming down ! Just ask your Doc. ? Faith