Cal

We are thinking of travelling to Mexico (Mayan Riviera) in Feb'03 with our one year old son. Would any recommend travelling to Mexico with a child this young?

D

I don't see why it would be a problem. Took my kids to Hawaii at that age. At 3 and 4 they were going to Mexico regularly. Obviously, in Mexico you would want to be really careful regarding food and beverages for the baby. The real difference, as opposed to travel with older kids, is that you- as you know, need to devote all your time to your little one. This really limits what you can do.

Lupe

I didn't have a problem when we took our 17 month old son to Puerto Vallarta. Of course, we couldn't do a lot, it was more of a relaxing vacation. Spent a lot of time @ the pool and beach. Just protect the baby w/lots of sunscreen and be careful what you feed him. Now that I think back, I think he had a great time!!!

Dave

I'm not sure if I would take the chance. I've heard of many viruses that the young one could catch. Maybe there are others out there that would agree with me?<BR><BR>

Annimarinski

Always took my kids (unfortunately they still want to go with us even though they are much older!) and never had any problems. Just the same precautions as you would at home when it's sunny and hot.

Lori

You should not have any problems. I have taken my 2 year old to PV twice. The first time she was 3 months and the other time she was 18 months and never had any problems. It does limit what you can and cannot do, but that is why you bring grandparents along.

Kenster

As others have said, you should have no problem taking a baby, but since your question was: &quot;would anyone recommend travelling to Mexico with a child this young&quot; I would voice an emphatic NO!<BR>Is it possible to leave the baby with Grandma? The baby will get nothing out of this vacation and you won't get much yourself, at least compared to going without the baby. Give yourself a break so you can really enjoy Mexico.<BR>If you decide to take the baby, I hope you are a courteous parent who takes into consideration the fact that nearly everyone else there will not be with a baby and that they also deserve a peaceful, relaxing vacation. To most of them, this would preclude screaming children. Regardless of what you decide, I hope you have a great time.

darlene

Are there any excursions in PV that you would NOT go on with a 4 year old? We plan on laying around the beach alot, but also hoped to get away (we'll be at the Playa los Arcos in the heart of the city) for a day trip or 2 to see the jungle, mountains, or a small town. First trip to Mexico (usually travel to Europe, but without my son!).

Lori

Kenster, not sure where you stay but the resort I stay at always has lots of kids and most AI's have kids clubs. I would totally recommend taking a young child. When I took my daughter everyone complimented on how good she was because as we all know kids personalities change when they are away from home and to this date believe it or not she does remember her last trip there and that was 9 months ago. If people don't want kids around on their vacation then they should stay at resorts that are for adults only.

Anne-Marie

Kenster - try an adults only. Fortunately, kids are a fact of life. Cal - take your baby. You will have lots of quality time to spend with him/her. If you are staying in a large hotel, there are usually lots of babysitters available.

jenm

We traveled with our son when he was 3 months old and stayed in Playa Del Carmen. It was an amazing trip. People in Mexico love babies and we really talked to a lot of people that we might not have had we gone without him. We took him to Tulum and to other Mayan Ruin sites with no problems. I think traveling with children is great. (We also took him to Thailand at 11 months and it was like traveling with a celebrity everyone loved him so much. Will he remember it? No, but we will and we remember how much he enhanced our trip)

Dude

Our teenage girls have been going to Mexico since age 1 and 2. It has been nothing but a wonderful experience for them. They are asking if we can go to Oaxaca this summer. Also they have never disturbed others while traveling

MFNYC

Looks like Cal has been there and is back. Cal, if you are out there, how did it go?

TioGringo

If you want to take the kid, and you're not trying to escape from parenthood, then BY ALL MEANS GO!<BR><BR>I've always been offended by idiots who recommend leaving kids at home. &quot;Oh he might get sick!&quot; Horrors...he might at home too. &quot;Oh he'll be in the way!&quot; Yeah, but he'll be in MY way and he's my kid.<BR><BR>I've been travelling *EVERYWHERE* with my daughter and she loves it. She's been a great traveler ever since she was a baby, and we just use common sense when we take her places. <BR><BR>When she was very small, we brought our own pre-mixed formula from home -- it was heavy, but we never worried about whether the water was safe to drink. It didn't matter. As she grew, we gave her the same things to eat and drink as we eat -- common sense stuff -- like no juice or sodas that don't come out of a bottle that we open ourselves. <BR><BR>You may want to check with your pediatrician for shots. Our daughter got not only the shots that typical American kids get, but also the extra shots that are more common for Mexican kids (such as hepatitis A, which you can get from drinking water in more tropical climates). <BR><BR>Don't rely on the advice of idiots on the internet about stuff like this (me included) -- chat with a GOOD professional, preferably a pediatrician whose experience extends beyond just American education and theory. <BR><BR>My daughter is now 3 and she's been to Mexico more than 15 times. She did get sick once in Puerto Vallarta (we think it was from sitting in the water near the stream that crosses the beach on La Jolla Mismaloya). The doctor on site at Mayan Palace prescribed an anti-biotic and she was back on her feet within 2 days. No real problem.<BR><BR>Personally, I *love* being with my kid and would *NEVER* think of leaving her with Grandma while I was vacationing. Life just isn't as fun without her -- whether other people think she gets anything out of it or not, I don't care, I know she does.<BR><BR>Have fun!<BR>Mark

belle

The Op I'm sure has returned by now...Dude, you just THINK your kids never disturbed anyone, becuase they are YOUR kids.... A problem a lot of parents have. If you frequent this board and read the posts about Tulum and environs, you know that kenster/rover stays at Cobanas Copal. It's a nice place, but not one I would take a child, so maybe most consider it &quot;adults&quot; only. Like kenster, I travel in the area often, but this year, because some very small children will be visiting me there, I opted to rent a private house. I love children too, but when I am gazing at the sea, contemplating life, the shriek of a child (one I don't personally know), whether in pain,or spoiled rotteness, breaks the mood.... Just like a radio blasting rap. Like other posters suggest, make sure you are staying in a place with other kids like an AL and your kids, if they are old enough, will probably thank you too.