Advice on Traveling to Dominican Republic with 2 Year Old

Hi! I have been to the Dominican Republic and left my one year old son at home. We also attended a wedding. It is miserable to be that far away, however my son was fine. He really enjoyed his time with his aunt and grandma. The country is very poor and going off the resort could be dangerous. The "bus" ride to the resort was enough for me to be glad we left my son at home. It was scary and would have been dangerous for a toddler with no car seat. Long lines at customs and a delayed flight made me glad I left him too! You may want to stay a shorter amount of time so that you don't have to go so many days without him. If you plan it right with an afternoon flight, you'll be able to see him in the morning the day you leave and if you come home on an early flight, you'll see him that day too. Good luck!

We went to the Dominican Republic last year and kept our 1 year old at home. I think it just depends on what you're comfortable with. You typicallly don't leave your hotel once you arrive so that is nice. On the other hand, you would have to watch carefully what he eats - the food isn't that great.

I traveled to Mexico with my 6 month old son. I had one carry on with all his baby ffod, cereal and snacks. No foreign foods accept for bottled water and he didn't get sick. It was better than leaving him behind.

i have traveled to the DR a few times and woudl have no problem taking my infant with me (he wasn't conceived yet when i went before). I woudl have no more concern about that than about taking a baby to the bahamas, as long as you're staying in modern acocmodations and drinking bottled water, you'll be fine.

Hi, My husband and I recently travelled to the Philippines with our 22 month old son. I too was very reluctant to take him due to the long flights, but he did wonderfully (at least as good as can be expected for an almost 2 year old. The flight to Japan was 13 hours, then 4 hours from Japan to the Philippines. I have to admit I prepared very thoroughly specifically for him, we wrapped about 20 small (quiet) gifts/books for him to open when he started to get restless. Took benedryl (although it didn't help him sleep), drug along his carseat so he could confortably sleep, took small bags of snacks that he loves.

The flight didn't bother his ears - but I have heard it can really bother their little eardrums (took earplanes in case).

I would recommend if you decide to take him/her, plan, plan, plan. He also received a Hep A shot before travelling, since it it a 3rd world country.

Best of luck.

Hi! I personally have never gone to the Carribean with my children, but my sister took her 1 year old daughter last year (to Curaceo) and did not have a single problem. In fact they are going back in a month. She loved it! I am sure your son will love the warm weather and being able to be back in the water and sun again.
You will be in a resort I am assuming, so I am sure you will be fine. Have a great time!

I haven't traveled with my children yet but I have been to DR. It is a beautiful country and if you are in tourist areas... very clean and safe for a child. I would bring my children there with not a problem. The airport is fine too... If you go... have fun! I am jealous! :)

Hey M.!
I see you already got some advice but I just went to Jamaica with my 11 month old, so I'lll offer some up as well. My husband and I LOVED having our daughter with on our trip. She did well on the plane and in the 1.5 hour taxi ride, thank God. It could have been worse, :) But we were both just not ready to leave her behind. We did have to split up for the wedding once it was time for Maddie to go to bed, but in the end we were happy we took her! Plus, everyone got to meet our little darling!
Good luck with your choice, and feel free to write me directly if you have any questions!
A.

We took our 1 year daughter to Ecuador for 2 weeks and had a great time. With a 2 yo, I would think the biggest issue would be milk. It tastes different in other countries. In Ecuador, our daughter would not drink it. Luckily, we also brought along the powered 2nd stage formula and just made it for her with bottled water. But at 20 months, I am not sure if your son would still take to that. If he could, that would be ideal.

We didn't have any problems. Everyone was super friendly and especially nice to dd. And no one got sick!

My daughter is 9 months old, and we have been out of the country with her twice.

The first time, we went to Europe when she was 2 months old, and the second time we went to Venezuela when she was 7 months old. It may take a little more work, but that's what being a mom is all about.

Also, the Dominican is surprisingly more "developed" than you think. Talk to your pediatrician about possible vaccinations your child may need, but he should be fine.

I've been there w/ husband, where my son was conceived actually, but saw many many children/toddlers there at the all-inclusive in which we stayed. Talk to your pediatrician about any shots he might need prior to travel, or go online and do a search, but i don't think it's as dirty a place if you are staying at an all-inclusive. We went into town (puerto plata) and it was rather dismal, but we expected that from third world country, and our guide (martin espinal, you can find him online) charged $70 a day to guide us in his personal van, he is quite reputable and friendly, and we just loved him. He kept us safe and took us to safe places, even to the "zoo", which was someone's house in a rural area who had a lot of strange animals in home made cages. I don't recommend the zoo for you and your toddler :), but i do recommend you bring him so he/she can have the experience of the travelling and it will be a great memory for you and for him, even at 20 months. Good luck!!

also, check out this NYTimes link for family travel experience to DR:

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/01/22/travel/22family.htm...

I traveled with my family last year- if near coast nothing to do but beach & resort - a word of caution - no quick access to medical care if you are in resort area - may be a concern with a toddler.

I am dominican. I grew up and lived there till I was 30. I don't think you need to worry about bringing your child with you. Everywhere in the world there are good and bad places (even in USA). And if you are careful (just like you are here) your son will be fine.

I took my 4 month old to DR to meet my family in 2003. I brought his formula with us from USA. He did great. He didn't get sick or even bitten by a mosquito.

So, just make sure you talk to your pediatrician regarding his vacinations.

Good luck and if you need more info about DR, just let me know, plese.

Cheers from the country with the most wonderful and friendly people!! :-)