Has Anyone Bought Baby Supplies in Mexico While Traveling?

S.:
My husband and I went to Cozumel about 2 years ago. We did not have a baby, but I found that everything was different. Cancun is very americanized, but Cozumel is not. The soda, candy, etc. all tastes differrent, so I would just be prepared and bring it all with you. Seriously, I could not find anything to eat or drink that tasted the same as what I usually have. Other than that, the island is beautiful!

My inlaws live in Mexico so we travel a lot with baby in tow.

There are HEB and Walmart stores throughout Mexico where you can get familiar brands (and Walmart is as plentiful there as it is here). BUT, you WILL pay double or more so be prepared for sticker shock - there is no saving money in Mexico in this department! The two stores I mentioned should have Gerber and Huggies/Pampers...they always have when I go. The labels will be in spanish so just translate your baby's favorites before you go. It will make it easier. Some flavors they will have, some will be different (like mango and papaya). Don't forget to include yogurt.

Car seats are OUTRAGEOUSLY priced. I bought a very basic one there - $85. When we got back to the US, found the same one in Toys'R'Us - $35. So, either rent from the car rental place or haul yours along - worth it. (The one for $85 was the only one for toddlers, dusty and hidden in the corner out of the box - this was at Walmart.)

Bottled water is plentiful. If you use a specialized formula (like lactosse free), I'd haul it. Otherwise, if it's Lipil or some other general brand, they should have it (especially Walmart).

No "queso fresco" or "leche quemada" for baby - often it's unprocessed. Fine for you (but you may get the runs - nothing bad though) but can be rough on the baby.

Find the private hospitals before you go and write down the names. In case of emergency, you want to go there....not public (hotel should have this info). Personal experience on this one. Major private hospitals are almost identical to practice as the ones here. Public are hit or miss at best. Some good, some scary.

Hope that helps! Mexico is beautiful and the people are the nicest you could meet. I'm sure you will have a great trip!

S.:

I'm from Guatemala and I'v been in Mexico several times; yes, you can find most baby products in Mexico, specially in a turistic place like Cozumel, products like diapers, wet wippes, baby sunscreen, formula, baby food, tylenol, children's motrin, etc. I highly recommend you to buyy them in only in any well known supermarket, drug store etc. Avoid little neighborhood stores because the products may be adultered, of course is better and trustable if you bring all the baby stuff from US.

Also remember, never, never drink or even brush your teeth with tap water, drink and use always bottle water. In Mexico most all the tap water, specially in beach zones, are highly contaminated (even in the best hotels).

Cozumel is beautiful, is like a paradisse, the food is great, people is friendly (but also be very carefull with your belongs, don't bring big purses or expensive jewerly).

Enjoy your trip..!!!!

E.

My husband is from Mexico and I was born and raised in Texas. We go to Mexico often to visit his family. We go in the Monterrey area and there is a Wal-Mart with most of the same things as here. I would definately recommend taking bottled water, baby food and/or formula, and any medicines because the dosage info is measured in the metric system and everything is in Spanish. Also, you should take your own toilet paper because alot of puplic places along the way charge by the square(crazy,I know). If you're going to a resort area there are usually alot of the comforts of home. I wouldn't know much about that. I usually go to poorer residential areas. I hope this helps. Happy traveling and God bless.