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Travel with Children...
If You Gotta, You Gotta
Having avoided breeding I've not been weighed down by the critters..but seen
how a lot of other folks handle it...often unsuccessfully.
As to traveling with a kid...easy...but leave the strollers and 90% of the kid
crap at home. The one thing Latin America produces in quantity is infants. You
can't turn around without some Indian woman whipping out a tit and sticking a
kid on the end. Virtually all Indian women have a bundle slung over their shoulder.
If you rummage through the produce and livestock there will probably be a kid
stuck in the bottom. One more kid on the bus won't even be noticed. All the stuff
you need...pampers, formula, etc. is found even in the smallest villages. The
backpack thing for hauling kids is probably a better idea than a stroller. Sidewalks
are narrow, full of holes, vendors, light posts and beggars. In smaller towns
more people walk in the street than on the sidewalk...but the streets are often
cobblestone...rough going for a stroller. Plus you gotta be ready to jump up
onto the sidewalk when a car comes along.
Accomodation.. Please don't stay in a dorm with a
kid. Yes...I know you consider your child to be an absolute wonder...the rest
of the world doesn't.
Health...lots of kids around...but quite a few die too from simple things.
Use bottled water to mix formulas. Talk to your pediatrician before coming
down. Anyone that posts on the internet asking questions about their kid's
health is an idiot. DEET is not good for kids or plastic. It dissolves plastic...not
sure about kids. The highlands are temperate...but for many travelers the heat
of the lowlands is something they aren't accustomed to. Keep the kid hydrated.
Virtually all pharmacies...and many markets...sell hydration liquids for children.
Wash and peel fruits...fortunately there are lots available. Milk and fruit
juices are available in Parmalat containers so get the small ones so you don't
have to worry about refrigeration. Bring bottles of waterless sanitizer. There
are lots of disgusting things laying around that your child will love to pick
up and play with. Head lice are way too common amongst children.
Especially important with the younger critters...check with it's doctor about
things like malaria prevention and general drug dosages. All shots should be
up to date. Stuff rare at home may be far more common on the road. Really quiz
the pediatrician to find out just how knowledgable they are about tropical/Third
World health issues. Don't be afraid ask for a reference to a second opinion
source. Check CDC and WHO.
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