Family Trip to Mexico

Well considering she is only a year old I would most certainly have her in a carseat, regardless of the laws in Mexico. She is way too young to be without one.

I agree with Alex. Just becuase it is the law here to wear a seat belt and not in Mexico doesn't mean you should go without. You should bring it on the plane incase they have an extra seat wear she can bukle up. If they have no empty seats the flight attendant will bring it down below and hold it for you so you will have it in Mexico. We have laws to keep us safe, not to annoy us.

Hello...
The travel agent we used, who was able to get us the best price…was Shelly Niehaus with Reunion Travel, her phone number is ###-###-#### and her e-mail is ____@____.com or www.reuniontravelvacations.com . She was very nice and helpful.

We went to the Riviera Maya and stayed at the Iberostar Paraiso Beach Hotel, http://www.godreamvacations.com/IberostarParaisoBeach/ . They have 3 different facilities you can use or choose to stay at. The travel agent can help you with the differences of each. We LOVED our vacation and they had a children’s day camp that daughter did GREAT at and enjoyed every day…it was wonderful for us too. I know you would be very please with this location. My friend from HS, who is a doctor in Southlake, took his family to this location too and loved it and this is also where twin sister renewed their vows last summer. So 3 families who have stayed there in the last year and all gave it thumbs up…good luck!!!
C.
Mom of 2 precious children from Russia who live in Frisco!!!

check with car rental places. Most major brands are everywhere (all major airports). These places offer car seat rental at the airport if you feel you need a seat! A lot of those places rent child car seats for just a few dollars a day. You can pick it up upon landing and you can return it on your way back home when you leave the mexican airport!

You can check the carseat and stroller at the boarding gate and pick up when you deboard so that you don't have to check it in at the ticketing counter. Its good to have until actually on the plane so that you dont have to carry your child when wandering through the airport. I don't know about the laws in Mexico but they drive pretty crazy down there so I'd have my child buckled up GOOD.

we went to Playa del Carmen last summer when ds was 18 months old. He had a great time. fortunately he had his own seat (we were delayed in Mexico City for HOURS) and it would have been hell if he was in our laps.

Mexico's car seat laws are pretty lax. No you're probably not required, but I would highly suggest taking one especially if you rent a car or anything like that. We took a shuttle to the hotel and ds sat in his car seat. On the way back, there was no room so he sat on my lap. I hated that but we were kinda stuck. Even here in the US, the car seat is not required in a taxi cab. Like you're safer in a cab. Ha ha.

Most of the resorts are very kid friendly. Before I went I spoke to my pediatrition. She recommended avoiding raw fruits and veggies except those with peels (bananas, melons, etc). We also avoided dairy except for yogurt. I took those Horizon milk boxes w/straws and am glad I did. The stores at the resorts charge an arm and a leg.

Also, keep lots of diapers on you especially if you have a connecting flight. Aero Mexico lost our luggage in Mexico City and it was a day before we got it. Almost all our diapers were in there. The resort store sold some, but none in my son's size and they were really expensive.

Oh yeah, you ds will need a passport (and so will you and your dh) if you want to get back in the country. It's worth getting this ahead of time. Believe me. You can apply same day in Houston but be prepared to spend a day and show your airplane ticket and pay the extra $$$. It's no fun with a toddler -- trust me.

Child car seats are optional in Mexico, but like Alex said, be sure it's on really tight. I took my daughter there when she was 2 weeks old. I kept my eyes closed and I prayed the whole time I was in the cab. It was kind of the way Cameron Diaz drove on the movie My Best Friends Wedding. But, after a couple of times of traveling the fear went away, that's just the way people drive there. Most drivers seem to know what they are doing. Mexico has many beautiful places, what part of Mexico are you visiting and I'll see if I can name some interesting sights.

No one mentioned it and I'm sure you know, but I'm throwing this out anyway...passports are required for air and car travel to Mexico! Even for little ones! Don't wait too long or you'll have a huge expense to get one!

When we went to Puerto Vallarta in July we did not take our daughters carseat and there was no issue with Cabs.. she went everywhere with us.

Hi EW:

I'm from Guatemala and I'v been several times in Mexico. If you and your family take cabs (taxis), to move from one place to another, be absolutelly sure to take them in a oficial cab station, never stop them in their way (for your security).

Drink water and even brush your theet ONLY with bottled water; even in the best resort, the water is not 100% trustable.

Well...everything was mentioned in previos answers, just enjoy your trip and take ton's of pictures.

E.

All i know about travel in mexico is carseats are not a law like here and also make sure you have your passports. When traveling by air outside the united states as of january everyone must have a passport. They drive crazy in Mexico beware...

I went to Cabo this past November. We stayed at the Westin. I don't suggest this resort. It is VERY nice, having filtered water and the whole 9 yards. Problem was it was a $30 cab ride to either of the 2 cities (each way). If we went into town to site see, then went back for dinner......Can you see where I am going with this? There were no restaurants near by at all. Maybe you don't care, as you are planning on all-inclusive. When you choice a place to stay, you still may want to stay close to Cabo San Lucas, if not in it.

I am not sure about the car seats. We didn't bring our kids. However, I don't think the cab drivers have car seats for you. If they did, you wouldn't want to use them. Even the Westin Shuttle was dirty. I would buy the car seat than has a retractable handle and wheels making it a stroller and just bring that. Then you will just have it all in one, as I am sure you were bringing a stroller anyway. I would not feel comfortable having my one year old in a cab without a car seat. The drivers are just everyday guys, KWIM? I don't get the feeling they have any kind of special driving training. I actually got a bit scared on one trip into town. He was passing like it was the Daytona 500. LOL

Hi EW,

We just returned from Mexico with my 5 month old. Car seats are not required there....however if you are not bringing your own you can rent them from national car rental agencies or the resorts usually have them. We have stayed at Esperanza in Cabo, it is amazing! we weren't required to buy my son a ticket, but did have to pay taxes because we were taking him out of the country.

Have fun on your vacation!
S.

what part of mexico are you going to? My family goes to Rosarito annually and my kids have so much fun. I have a sit n stroll which worked great in mexico as both a stroller and a carseat.

We were wanting to take our 20 month old last year (now over 2) and had the same questions. I know this wasn't your question, but when we went to book our flight, the airline told us that flights to Mexico required a ticket even for children under 2. Hopefully that won't be the case for you. Have fun!

Not sure about car seat safety in Mexico but if you haven't selected a final location I have a great place for you... Playa del Carmen. My husband and I have been there twice in 2 different all inclusives resorts and WOW!! It's beautiful. Just a thought. Hope you all have fun!

Jen

You need to take a car seat with you. Does the inconvenience of the car seat really out-weigh the safety of your child?? And if God forbid you got into a wreck- wow can you imagine trying to deal with a hospital in Mexico? They do drive crazy over there and I would feel safer if my babies had their seats. Have fun and be safe!