BajaNomad

Baja with Toddler

Mika - 1-20-2012 at 09:23 AM

Hello!

We are going to Baja shortly and this will be the first Baja visit for our toddler girl. My husband and I have done many typical Baja stuff (drive all the way up and down, resort, off-roading, hiking, camping, whale watch, etc. . . ) but this time it will be a totally different experience.

I am sorry this is a very vague question, but I am hoping to get as much info and advice as possible for taking a small child to Baja. She will be almost 15 month.

We will mainly be in Southern Baja (La Paz and south) flying in/out of Cabo and renting a car. Any hints, suggestions, warnings, about keeping a young child safe and happy in Baja is very much appreciated. We will be staying in a casita or local B&B type places (not in resort or hotels catered to gringos) and cooking most of our meals.

Thank you very much in advance!

David K - 1-20-2012 at 09:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mika
Hello!

We are going to Baja shortly and this will be the first Baja visit for our toddler girl. My husband and I have done many typical Baja stuff (drive all the way up and down, resort, off-roading, hiking, camping, whale watch, etc. . . ) but this time it will be a totally different experience.

I am sorry this is a very vague question, but I am hoping to get as much info and advice as possible for taking a small child to Baja. She will be almost 15 month.

We will mainly be in Southern Baja (La Paz and south) flying in/out of Cabo and renting a car. Any hints, suggestions, warnings, about keeping a young child safe and happy in Baja is very much appreciated. We will be staying in a casita or local B&B type places (not in resort or hotels catered to gringos) and cooking most of our meals.

Thank you very much in advance!


About the same age we started taking our babies to Baja... They are part of you, and while we drove/ camped instead of flew, they are very adaptable and know only what you provide. Enjoy!



shari - 1-20-2012 at 09:59 AM

you will have a great time with your toddler...get used to the locals picking her up and walking away with her...they love to take the kids into meet the rest of the family in the back room...they pinch their cheeks and ruffle their hair and want to carry your kid around...it is perfectly normal.

Bajatripper - 1-20-2012 at 01:52 PM

I don't remember doing anything differently with my toddler when we traveled in Baja than I would have done in the US--all the more applicable since you sound like you'll be limiting yourselves to the most developed region of BCS.

sanquintinsince73 - 1-20-2012 at 02:34 PM

I remember my wife breast feeding our little ones in Baja. Nothing wrong with a little sand in their milk.

Heather - 1-20-2012 at 02:41 PM

Bring the stroller, but it won't be easy to navigate on the sidewalks or lack there of in CSL, La Paz area....I remember those walking nightmares. My husband didn't mind carrying her, but sometimes the stroller is better, at least in US. I had one that had some heavy duty wheels for beach sand, so you may want to look for one of those.
Don't know what her diet is, but baby food and cereals in MX aren't quite the same. They may be the same brand (gerbers or whatever), but the ingredients are different. I remember the cereal had more sugar than the US of the same brand.

Beware the heat, if you're heading down in summer. I think my girls both had a tendency to get sick on most of our trips when they were little. I wouldn't say you'd need to bring medicine, but know where there is a pharmacy around because they can usually diagnose and treat right from there.

As Shari says the locals will love her!

wilderone - 1-20-2012 at 05:40 PM

Bring lots of sunscreen, and don't forget to consistently hydrate. You can find a lot of sodas and junk to drink - you might want to bring some powdered drink mixes that are fortified with Vit. C. A brimmed hat, sunglasses. Band-aids, Hyland's bumps and bruises ointment, and some dry skin ointment (A&;D works well for most occurrences). Favorite blanket or cuddle toy.

Ateo - 1-20-2012 at 05:44 PM

Just treat it like the USA. I took all my kiddos down to Baja on every trip while infants. They love the sand and adapt quite well. Remember, people have had babies in the desert, jungles, and mountains for 10's of thousands of years! :).

I remember one time camping at Punta Cabras when my son was one. We woke up in the middle of the night and it was freezing. We worried our son would be cold to the touch but he was just chillin there all bundled up. Have fun and take pictures.

freediverbrian - 1-23-2012 at 06:18 PM

I took my kids down since the were 6 mo old there 20 and 22 now. and going to baja on there own . bring bug repelent our daughter is a red head and the bugs loved her, and some benadril if they get too many bites or stings

Mika - 1-24-2012 at 08:51 AM

Thank you for your suggestions!
Nice to know that other people have taken their young children to Baja. Our friends and family are not as well-traveled as we are so they think we are crazy to take small child to (dangerous) Mexico. ; )

mcfez - 1-24-2012 at 09:34 AM

Baja was made for kids! The little ones...as well as the big ones like us :-)

I have taken the crew down since they were three or four.......well out of the range of diaper changing :-) They had blast, and still do at ages 16-17. These kids are my youngest...and two grand-kids.

Sun block....a must.
Water intake....a must.
Sand toys......a super must!

I learned early on from the first trip with the young one..... to take him a play partner.....lot less "babysitting"....and they entertained themselves for hours. More time for you.

The 15 month is certainly ready for Baja.

Bring her car seat with you on the plane

Mulegena - 1-24-2012 at 09:40 AM

as part of your luggage.

She'll need this.

Not provided in car rentals here.

bajaking76 - 1-24-2012 at 11:45 AM

We took a trip to Bahia Tortugas BCS in September of 2011 and brought along our 5 and 1 year olds....Very adaptable little people...except my little one was affected by the climate change...he was sick for most of the trip. We had to take him in to the local doctor two days into our trip. The doctors at the local Seguro were very friendly and helpful, and got my little one out bed and running around in a day or so. I suggest you pack as a precaution your favorite pain/fever reducer, a first aid kit, sun block and proper sun protection clothing...but most of all have fun and enjoy your time in BCS…:bounce:

DavidE - 1-24-2012 at 12:14 PM

Without making this sound scary...

Monitor her play and sleep areas for insects primarily scorpions. Having helped raise a pair of "adopted" Mexican grand daughters I learned to shake out towels, check bedding and clothing. If they are in a playpen or crib on a beach or under a palm frond roof, stretch s piece of insect netting across the top.

Ateo - 1-24-2012 at 12:25 PM

Aloe Vera for sun burns.

Sprocket - 1-25-2012 at 08:28 AM

Take a good supply of diapers. Go to Costco and get the US brand. We had issues with diaper rash. Take a small supply of medications, sunscreen,and food. You will have to play around with the diffrent foods till you find one your child likes. most of all dont listen to the haters. My son went to San Felipe when he was 3 weeks old all our friends couldnt believe it (what they dont have babies in Mexico??). Be flexable and be prepared to adjust your normal routine.