travel with baby mexico

Traveling to Mexico with a Baby or Toddler

Mexico is a very baby-friendly destination. The country is beautiful, so it’s no surprise that many people looking to escape winter chose Mexico.

You don’t need to stress when traveling to Mexico with a baby or toddler , it’s a great spot for all ages and a pretty easy destination for the first trip with a baby or a fun trip with a toddler!

I’ll be focusing on beach destinations in Mexico in this post because I feel like most people are looking to explore Riviera Maya with a baby. We’ve been living in Playa del Carmen on and off for years now and my second son is actually Mexican – he was born in Cancun , so I can tell you everything about a baby in Mexico. I can say I have experience with taking kids to Mexico from birth to preschool 😉

Is it Safe to Take a Baby to Mexico?

Yes! It’s a short flight away, there’s a huge variety of baby products everywhere, no threat of any infections or diseases and locals are very accommodating with babies. Around Yucatan Peninsula , most people will speak some English, or if they don’t they’ll find someone who does making it an easy destination to travel to.

Use a sun hat, a rash guard for swimming, and baby-safe bug spray and sunscreen and you’ll be fine.

I do feel like many bloggers still present traveling to Mexico with a baby or kids with an American mindset of “it’s scary, so take precautions”, but you can relax a bit and don’t need to stay at the resort and rely on organized tours only. Quite honestly, especially the Riviera Maya region is much safer than if you were to take your baby to New York City or Chicago. Remember, kids live in Mexico too!

Toddler captivated by the sight of his father holding a baby in Mexico's enchanting cenote waters.

Best Places to Visit in Mexico with a Baby

You can’t go wrong with Mexico! Even a place that’s not the most kids-friendly like Tulum still has some options for families with young kids.

If you’re looking for a nice beach and explore a bit I can recommend anywhere in Riviera Maya, but for a slightly more local vibe, I recommend Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Morelos . There are plenty of wonderful apartment rentals that are convenient when you’re traveling with a baby to Mexico.

If you’re into resorts, there are various resorts all over the place that cater to families. While most kids clubs in Mexico accept kids older than 4 years, if you want some time alone the resorts also offer babysitting services.

Whatever you decide, I highly recommend getting an apartment with a pool. Mexico along with the resort of the Caribbean might get hit with a seaweed wave and if that happens you won’t be able to get into the ocean (you could, but it will be pretty yuckie). Pool is crucial in those circumstances.

This is why Playa del Carmen is a great place for families , because you can find a ton of apartment rentals with a pool within walking distance to the beach, restaurants, or shopping. Then, you can rent a car or do a tour for day trips.

Babysitters in Mexico

Babysitters in Mexico are wonderful and incomparably better than anywhere in the US . Don’t be afraid to use them!

Resorts have their own babysitters (it’s usually someone who’s working at their kids club) and you can tell them whether you want the babysitter to stay in the room with the child, or go to the beach, take them to kids club and so on. We hired a babysitter at the resort once and quite frankly we had to hire her a few more times during our stay because my son (1.5 years at the time) didn’t want her to leave and kept asking when is she coming back to play again.

If you’re staying outside of the resorts you’ll have many options for all ages. In Playa del Carmen there are a few wonderful agencies – I mentioned them all here . We had a ton of different babysitters and they were all wonderful, coming with a bunch of activities and always super engaged with the kids.

Plus, it’s affordable – it’s usually a maximum $10 an hour, or $15 an hour for two kids.

Baby Products and Diapers in Mexico

Everything is available in Mexico. Most American and European brands and more are available in Mexico without issues. You can buy diapers, wipes, other baby products, and formula at a big grocery store or any pharmacy.

Brands like Similac, Hipp, Nan, Enfamil are available in Mexico. In fact, there is WAY more choice of formula in Mexico than in the US and it’s always been that way.

Baby Food in Mexico

I actually brought a ton of formula from Mexico back to the US, because they sell European formula for an affordable price.

If your baby eats purees you’ll be able to purchase them in Mexico as well. Gerber jars are popular, and you can purchase some pouches but it’s mostly fruit.

As you can imagine all resorts have things like high chairs and cribs. Many apartment rentals also offer some baby gear.

High chairs at restaurants in Mexico are a hit or miss . Various tourist restaurants have high chairs, but they often run out. Especially if you’re traveling with another family with kids and need 2 high chairs, consider bringing your own harness or other portable one .

Baby Water in Mexico

A lot of people worry about the water in Mexico, especially with a baby. I’ve spent years living in Mexico and quite frankly never had a single issue with the water. I brushed my teeth with it and did what locals do when my baby was born – I washed my bottles with tap water.

In hotels, I used a kettle in the room to heat the water mixed with liquid dish detergent and a brush . Otherwise, in a rental, a brush will do (Mexicans are not very big on dishwashers for some reason).

I did wipe it with a paper towel afterward and it was absolutely fine, but some friends brought their microwavable bags for bottle cleaning – it’s an idea if you’re renting an apartment.

Apart from cleaning bottles and dishes, drinking tap water isn’t recommended ! Hotels and resorts provide you with bottled water and if you’re renting an apartment the reception usually offers to replenish a giant jug of water for a dollar or two.

Do Babies Need Car Seats in Mexico?

The good news is that Mexico uses the same car seats as the US, so your car seat will be legal ( it’s not legal in Europe ).

Babies should be in a car seat regardless of the rules for their own safety, but depending on your situation you might not have to bring your car seat from home. Here’s why:

If you’re traveling to a resort and not planning on leaving it you can basically order transport with a car seat . Cancun Airport Transportation provides car seats for even infants and I actually do that quite often in Mexico, because the car just shows up with a car seat installed and I don’t need to install anything myself after a long trip.

If you’re renting a car to drive around then I recommend you bring your own car seat

When it comes to taxis it’s tricky, because it’s not unusual for a taxi to come with no seatbelts . Most locals just use public transportation (minibusses) and carry their babies in carriers, which brings me to the next point.

Is Mexico Stroller Friendly?

I do recommend bringing a stroller to Mexico because it’s hot and humid so carriers all day long isn’t the greatest idea. If you’re staying at a resort, it’s also nice to have a small travel stroller by the pool.

For off-resort exploring, keep in mind that most sidewalks are uneven or don’t even exist, so with a stroller you will be doomed to touristy streets. However, we always manage with a stroller just fine.

Renting Baby Gear in Mexico

It’s definitely possible to rent some baby gear in Mexico or if you prefer you can buy some things. Things like bottles, toys, umbrella strollers, cribs, and anything baby-related can be bought at any bigger supermarkets or pharmacies.

Renting is available from sites like Baby Gear Rental, but quite frankly it’s so affordable it might be cheaper to just buy whatever you need.

Kids in their bedtime attire in a crib, a common end to a day filled with adventure in Mexico with toddlers.

What to Pack for a Trip with a Baby to Mexico

If you’re flying to Cancun pack lots of spare milk, snacks, and toys in your carry-on luggage . Once you get off the plane lines to immigration at Cancun airport are long and kids will be bored. Have a stroller and some entertainment ready for them.

Then, once you pass immigration you’ll be waiting for your checked luggage for a while and there’s no shop to buy snacks in that area so come prepared!

1. Bug Spray and Bug Net

Mexico has a lot of bugs! Depending on the age of the child you can use a big net on top of the stroller or spray the kids with bug spray for the evening.

My kids always get attacked by mosquitos regardless of the DEET, but without it it would be impossible. You don’t even have to bring your own if you’re staying outside of a resort – they sell kids-friendly bug sprays at every corner.

Baby sleeping peacefully in a stroller by the pool in Mexico, embodying the ease of vacationing with a baby.

2. Rain Cover for the Stroller or Umbrella

The weather in Mexico is slightly unpredictable. It can be a beautiful sunny morning and then suddenly it starts raining, and most of the time it really pours. Always have a raincoat for the stroller and an umbrella or a lightweight raincoat for a toddler . It’s warm enough, so nothing fancy is necessary but you will get wet.

And speaking of a stroller… if you’re bringing one keep in mind that streets might be busy, more narrow, or full of uneven pavement. A cheap umbrella stroller will be your nightmare, so get yourself a good travel stroller .

Little adventurer in a blue raincoat splashing in puddles, enjoying a rainy Mexican day with bright yellow boots.

3. Sunscreen or SPF Shirts

Mexico’s sun is strong so babies and toddlers will get a lot of sun. SPF shirts are great and keep you from reapplying sunscreen a million times, but you might want to apply some on kids’ legs.

4. Consider Taking a Flashlight or Candle

There are occasional electricity cuts , especially in places like Tulum, so you might want to have a flashlight or candles ready. My husband always feels very proud of himself when there’s no light and he uses a flashlight to give the baby some milk.

Curious baby in a tropical print onesie and a fluffy white cat gazing out at a lush Mexican garden from a beachfront home.

5. Floatation Device

If you’re planning on going on a boat tour or to a cenote (which I highly recommend, even with a tiny baby – my son visited his first at 3 weeks old!) bring your own life jacket .

I’ve never found a resort, hotel, or rental place that offers an infant floatation device. They just expect you to either have a baby in a carrier or go without it. In some spots even toddler sizes are hard to find, so we always bring our own. It doesn’t take up too much space in the suitcase, but it makes things easier.

Anything else like sand toys or fun floaties can be bought cheaply anywhere in Mexico, but a life jacket for a baby isn’t something you can easily rebuy.

Things to Do in Mexico with a Baby

I always say that you can do everything with a baby or toddler anywhere unless they actually ban you from bringing them. Especially Riviera Maya is such a family-friendly destination that many activities are available for all ages.

Whether you want to find a local spot to hang out or go to one of the adventure parks like Xcaret, it’s all possible and enjoyable with a baby or toddler.

Do you have any questions about traveling to Mexico with a baby?

Mexico with a Baby and Toddler [2023 Complete Guide]

Lots of families rightly consider visiting Mexico with a baby or toddler as one of their first trips abroad with their little one.

The mixture of sun, sand, history and culture means that it is easy to find fabulous ways to spend your time away, and there is something for everyone.

We took our eldest daughter to Mexico for a long trip when she had just turned one. She was tentatively taking her first few steps holding our hands and loved exploring the ruins and eating the sand on the beach.

We had a great time and I am sure that you will too.

Keep reading to find out our top tips for travelling to Mexico with a baby or toddler.

Is Mexico Baby-Friendly?

Yes, Mexico is very baby friendly. Mexicans love babies and will be very friendly towards you and your children. Whilst the people we met were friendly they didn’t make too much fuss over us and we experienced fewer people coming up to us and cooing over our baby than in places like Thailand or Italy.

Is it Safe to Visit Mexico with a Baby or Toddler?

Yes. Like anywhere in the world you should take sensible precautions, but overall Mexico is a safe country for toddler travel.

The driving in Mexico is pretty bad and can take some getting used to. You will see plenty of cars on the road that have clearly had quite a few bumps along the way so it is worth being extra careful when you are on the roads.

Can you get Baby Supplies in Mexico?

You should be able to find anything that you might need for your baby in Mexico. Costs can be higher than in the UK for things like nappies/diapers and in particular baby wipes are way more expensive than at home.

You can find baby food, formula, bottles etc. in the supermarkets but we recommend taking supplies from home for the first few days at least. The supermarkets we went to were massive and had everything you could ever need!

When to Visit Mexico

The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April. At this time of year, there is virtually no rain. The coolest months are between December and February, but cool is relative here ad although temperatures can still average around 28°C during the dry season.

Between May and October is the wet season. This will generally mean short heavy showers that provide respite from the increasing humidity.

The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Mexico is a huge country and the climate and weather will vary considerably between areas.

Getting to Mexico with a Toddler and Baby

Mexico has a few international airports so it is worth looking at where you can fly to that fits your planned itinerary – Mexico is a very big country!

The main airports are Mexico City , Cancun and Guadalajara and you will find plenty of international flight options to any of these. There are 45 international airports in Mexico so you might be able to find one near your destination.

We find that the best way to find cheap flights is to use Skyscanner.

Flying with a baby is always something that people worry about, we have written posts with our top tips for getting through the flight. Don’t worry, the flights are never as bad as you think they will be.

>>> Flying with a baby checklist

>>> Flying with a toddler checklist

How to Travel with a Baby in Mexico

We have travelled to Mexico several times with babies and toddlers.

We have travelled around by public transport and have also rented a car. There are advantages to both but overall having a car makes things a lot easier when you are transporting young kids and all their stuff.

Public Transport in Mexico

Mexico has a great bus network that reaches many of the places that you are most likely to have on your itinerary. Tickets are reasonably priced and they have some of the best buses that I have ever travelled on. The price of your ticket varies depending on the class of the bus and the speed of the service.

In most cases, it is best to book tickets in advance as seat reservations are required, and it will ensure that you get the best price.

You can do this online and get an electronic ticket sent to your phone or you can print them out. If like us, you aren’t always good at planning ahead you can buy tickets at the station. It’s best to check online first so that you know which buses are best for you considering the overall journey time and cost.

Mexico doesn’t really have a railway network but Mexico City has a great metro system .

Car Rental in Mexico

It has to be said having a rental car makes travelling with babies and toddlers a LOT easier. Mexico was the first time we had rented a car as a family, and it did give us a lot more freedom and flexibility than we would have had if we were reliant upon public transport.

It allows you to travel at the time you choose and that best fits in with nap times, it is easier to break up journeys and also allows you to visit places that are harder to visit on buses.

Arranging a hire car in Mexico is a little bit more complicated than in most places and there are compulsory insurances to take into account. Car hire in 2022 has become very popular so be sure to book ahead of time.

We always book through RentalCars.com, a great comparison site that will help you to pick the best deal.

We usually take our own car seat with us from home as it is much cheaper than renting one for a couple of weeks. We have one that we use just for travel. If you have children 4 years or older, you might like to take along a Mifold travel booster seat .

Eating in Mexico with a Baby and Toddler

One of the great things about visiting Mexico is the abundance of wonderful food at reasonable prices.

Mexican food has spread around the world and you will find dishes that you’re probably familiar with as well as some local specialities that you may not have tried before. The standard of food is generally high and we always enjoyed our meals. I’ll be honest, our daughter was not quite so keen although she liked to tuck into the nachos that tended to be provided alongside any meal.

Most restaurants will be able to provide you with a baby high chair but we like to travel with a Totseat chair harness , just in case.

Where to go in Mexico with a Baby and Toddler

It is always really hard to decide where to go in Mexico. There are just so many amazing places to visit. From mountains to churches, beaches to spectacular jungle clan Mayan ruins. Mexico has some of the most varied and spectacular sights in the whole world.

Once you have decided to visit Mexico, choosing exactly where to travel in Mexico with a baby or toddler is far harder. It is a huge country so unless you have lots of time it’s probably best to focus your time on one or two states. In my younger days, I raced around Mexico on long-distance overnight buses but I don’t think that would be the way to go with a baby in tow.

To help you decide where to go in Mexico with a baby or toddler, we thought that we would share some of the places that we have enjoyed visiting (and one or two that we will have to go back for!).

Mexico City

Mexico City (Ciudad de México) is the capital of the country and one of the biggest cities in the world. It is also a great travel destination thanks to its many world-class museums, art galleries, and attractions.

It might be big but the historic city centre is a manageable 15-square-kilometre UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will find more than 1,400 colonial buildings from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

One of the highlights is Plaza de la Constitución, the city’s bustling main plaza, where you can see the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor with its Aztec relics.

Don’t miss a day trip to the enormous pyramids at Teotihuacán and Bosque de Chapultepec is a huge park near the centre where you can relax with your baby or maybe take a trip out onto the boating lake.

Oaxaca is the capital of the state of the same name and one of the most popular city destinations for anyone looking to experience the real Mexico.

The city is home to an interesting mix of native Indian and Spanish elements and has been left relatively untouched by the kind of large developments that you will find elsewhere in the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a nice colonial centre, a great market, and the city is a cultural hub with events taking place throughout the year. I really enjoyed a trip to the ruins at Monte Alban, and hiked back to Oaxaca playing an impromptu game of football with locals I met along the way!

I love that when we took our only just one-year-old baby to Mexico she had the chance to swim in a cenote! Cenotes are large sinkholes that mark the entrance to a network of underground rivers and caves that are found throughout the Yucatan peninsula. Many of them are open to visitors and the crystal clear (but cold) water is perfect for swimming or snorkelling.

Cancún and the Mayan Riviera

This popular holiday destination is probably the area most visited by people travelling to Mexico with a baby. You will find the big resort destinations of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel.

We skipped the big places but did enjoy our stay in Akumal where we could snorkel with green sea turtles and our baby enjoyed the sandy beach and warm sea.

I love Mayan ruins and have travelled to lots of them. We visited Chitzen Itza with a baby and enjoyed our visit but it is far from my favourite Mayan site. It is easily visited from Cancun on a day trip and is not to be missed but I also recommend that you visit places like Uxmal , Palenque and Ek Balam . I found them all to be far more enjoyable and more atmospheric than the very flat, open and busy Chitzen Itza.

We took our baby deep into the jungle at Calakmul and it was the one time on the trip when she didn’t seem happy and we did get a bit concerned about the heat and the number of biting insects. It’s a spectacular site though and looking back at the photos she looks happier than I remember! Tulum is massively overrated and not really worth going to if you have been to any other Maya sites (in my opinion).

Merida is the capital of Yucatán and one of Mexico’s finest old colonial cities. It makes a good base for exploring the peninsular. It’s laid out on a grid pattern, so it’s very easy to explore its numerous attractive parks and fine old buildings.

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

If you prefer a smaller beach resort then Ixtapa and its neighbour, the much small former fishing village of Zihuatanejo on the country’s Pacific coast could be perfect for you.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and has a unique mix of colonial and native Tapatíos influences. It is a very picturesque place with broad avenues flanked by parks and fine old buildings. There is plenty of Mexican culture to be found with mariachi music and singing and dancing being big features of the city.

What Should You Pack for a Baby and Toddler in Mexico?

It is always difficult to decide what to pack for a baby or toddler when you travel abroad. You don’t want to take too much but you also don’t want to be without something that is essential. It is a tough balance to get right.

We have done loads of travelling with our girls and this is what we think works. For long trips, we do washing as we go along, for a couple of weeks you could probably get by without needing to do this.

If you are spending a lot of time on the beach your little one will end up spending a lot of time in their swimsuit, so this is one of the most important items to take.

We like the ones that cover arms and legs as it protects them from the sun without having to worry quite so much about when you last put sun cream on.

Mexico Baby Packing List – Clothes

6 short-sleeved onesies or cotton rompers
2 full-length onesies
Washable swim nappy
1 UV protective swimsuit with long sleeves and trousers
2 small muslins – depending on how sicky your baby is!
1 sunhat and 1 swimming sunhat
1 large muslin for sleeping under
Favourite small comforter/ teddy

Other Essential items for a Baby in Mexico

Changing mat/bag : This is probably t he most useful item that we packed . A compact place to keep your nappies, wipes, and creams which folds out into a handy changing mat. Proper changing tables are a rarity in Mexico so this gets used all the time.

>> check price here

Baby Carrie r : These were essential for getting around, both our 9-month-old and 3-year-old needing carrying quite a lot. The cool mesh carriers are great for hot countries.

Nappies/diapers : We always had a decent supply of nappies with us in the bag but they are easy to get hold of in most places.

Baby wipes : These are much more expensive than in England so it is worth bringing a supply from home.

Teething necklace : Good for keeping your little one entertained and quiet whilst travelling or in the baby carrier.

Nappy cream : Just in case of any sore bottoms you will want this on hand.

What to Pack for a Toddler in Mexico

For our toddler/pre-school age daughter we took the following which worked out just right for a long trip where you expect to do some washing as you go along. If you are happy to pay for more frequent clothes washing, you could get by with less than we had.

Toddler Packing List

4 cotton/linen summer dresses. This is what our daughter wore most of the time. For a boy (or a girl who doesn’t like dresses), you will probably need shorts and a t-shirt most of the time so bring more of those.
2 pairs of lightweight trousers (good for covering up if there are mosquitos about and for buses and planes)
1 long-sleeved top
4 pairs of underpants
2 pairs of socks.
Pyjamas (not that essential in summer – pants or light shorts will do)
1 long UV protective swimsuit and 1 normal swimming costume. Our girls spent most of the time in their swimsuits when staying on the coast.
Trainers (you could probably leave these at home if you don’t plan to walk through any jungle/ forests),
Sandals (necessity),
Beach shoes (our daughter like to climb the rocks on the beach & kayak so these came in really handy).

Other useful items to take:

Pop up travel cot : We like this one as it pops up in a second and closes like a tent to keep mosquitos out. The girls think that it is fun to have a tent! Check out our review of the best travel cots

Beach tent: If you are planning to spend a lot of time on the beach, it’s well worth taking a beach tent to provide you with some shade and privacy. This makes it an ideal spot for your baby to feed and sleep.

We have the Littlelife family beach tent and it has been great for us on the beaches of Sardinia . We found it especially useful when our baby was very young and not yet able to crawl or sit.

Blackout blinds : These travel blackout blinds are great to make your room dark at night times

Totseat chair harness : This baby totseat is a great backup to have when eating out with a baby. Baby high chairs are quite widely available but not every restaurant has them and often they only have 1 or 2 chairs for loads of tiny diners.

Drinking bottle : This is essential. Find a kids bottle that your child can easily drink from and that you can take anywhere.

Suncream : This is available in Mexico, but we always take some so we are prepared.

Hand sanitiser: Very handy for keeping hands clean on the move.

Disinfectant wipes : We used these to clean high chairs and the floors in hotel rooms.

First Aid Kit : There are bound to be times when you need a plaster or bandage so we always take a first aid kit along ours contains Calpol, Benadryl, antibiotics for mastitis, children’s inhaler in case of croop, mosquito repellent for kids and adults, Bonjela, plasters, paracetamol.

Kids tablet : Basically a lifesaver on the plane or when you need a bit of quiet time. We like the Amazon Fire kids tablets but there are loads of great options covered in our best toddler tablets post .

You will probably need fewer toys than you think to keep your kids entertained whilst away. But it is definitely worth taking a few things to keep them occupied on journeys and if you want some quiet time in the hotel.

The toys we liked the best include stacking cups which are compact and brilliant, you can use them to make sandcastles on the beach, to pour water in the pool or even to stack on the floor. A few Duplo bricks, toy cars, and colouring/activity books also come in handy, especially at mealtimes.

Hopefully, this gives you a guide for what you should be packing with you when you take a toddler or an infant to Mexico. For more comprehensive information, check out our post on the best baby and toddler travel gear , and this baby and toddler packing list (it is tailored to SE Asia but should help you plan for Mexico too)

6 Great Things to do in Mexico with a Baby or Toddler

The things that you do in Mexico with a toddler or baby will largely be influenced by where you have chosen to go and by the exact age of your child. The things to do in Mexico with a 6 month old or things to do with a 10 month old, can vary quite a lot from what you might do in Mexico with a 2 year old.

When infants are really small you take advantage of the fact they are small and light and spend a lot of time sleeping . This should mean that to a large extent you can spend your holiday in the same way that you would have before you had children.

As they get a bit older you will need to factor in more time doing ‘kids things’ to keep them happy (our preschoolers absolutely loved Zoomarine in Algarve). Here are some ideas of things to do with your little one.

Hit the Beaches

Travelling with a toddler or baby can be hard work so we always like to factor in some beach time. It keeps them happy and is somewhat relaxing for us.

If your baby is at the stage where they put everything in their mouth you will need to be prepared to see them eat quite a lot of sand. Just keep an eye out for stones, shells, crabs or anything else that they might like to put in their mouths. We take our beach tent with us for some portable shade, privacy and somewhere for the baby to sleep at nap times.

Toddlers will love to paddle in the sea and play in the sand and luckily Mexico has some of the best beaches in the world. The beaches of the Algarve are probably the most famous and many of them have some stunning rock formations, they can be small and crowded though.

There are too many great beaches to mention but some of the best include: Celestun, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Isla Holbox, Los Cabos Corridor, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, Cozumel, Oaxacan coast.

Explore Pretty Old Towns

One of the great things about Mexico is just how many cute old towns they have dotted throughout the country. It is not just the famous places that have stunning architecture, you will find nice little places wherever you go.

We like to just wander aimlessly when we visit old towns. Why not let the kids have the map and chose your direction?

Some of the best towns to visit include: Merida, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Morelia, Mazatlan, San Cristobal de las Casas.

Go for a Hike

Having a baby or toddler need not mean that you confine yourselves to the beaches and towns. Grab your baby carrier and head out into the hills!

There is some lovely scenery all over Mexico (although the trail marking isn’t always the best) and you should be able to find some nice little walks to enjoy with your little one.

Truly spectacular walks can be found in the Copper Canyon, Leones National Park, and Cumbres Del Ajusco National Park.

Escape the Heat in a Church

If you visit Mexico in the summer you will probably be blessed with some glorious, sunny weather. This is great, but it can get a bit much at times so we often pop into a church to get out of the heat.

Churches are almost always cool, have pews to sit on and have a bit of a rest. This is great if you are carrying a baby around and want to put them down for a bit.

Find a Park

Finding a playground has become something of a priority for us on our travels, our girls are never happier than when they are climbing or sliding or spinning on something so we always try and break up the day with a trip to a local park.

The only hard part is getting them to leave again so that we can explore some more!

Go for a Bike Ride in the Countryside

We find going for a bike ride with a baby seat on the back to be a truly liberating experience, and both of our daughters absolutely love it.

Cycling is such a great way to see the countryside you can travel at a good pace and see lots, but you are not travelling so fast that you miss everything in a blur.

Mexico with a Toddler or Baby

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our guide to visiting Mexico with a toddler or baby. We really love Mexico, it makes a perfect family travel destination.

There are so many great places to visit in Mexico that you could spend a lifetime exploring Mexico. So why not get your little one started young and visit Mexico whilst they are still a baby?!

Taking Your Baby to Cancun: A Comprehensive Guide

July 3, 2023

Traveling with a baby can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be a rewarding experience. Cancun, with its stunning beaches and family-friendly resorts, is a great destination to consider. This guide will provide key insights and tips on taking your baby to Cancun.

Is Cancun Safe for Family Travel?

Cancun is generally considered safe for families, including those with babies. Most resorts are secure, and the staff is accustomed to catering to families. Just as with any travel destination, always stay vigilant and keep a close eye on your children.

What You Need to Know About Traveling to Cancun with Your Baby

Baby’s travel documents.

A fundamental rule for international travel, including trips to Cancun, is that all travelers, regardless of their age, need a passport. This applies even to newborns. It’s also advisable to carry a copy of your baby’s birth certificate.

Baby Essentials in Cancun

Many of the resorts and larger supermarkets in Cancun provide most baby essentials, such as diapers, wipes, and baby food. However, if your child has a preference for a specific brand, it’s a good idea to bring a supply from home.

Healthcare in Cancun

Cancun has excellent healthcare facilities, especially in the Hotel Zone. It’s advisable to carry essential baby medication and know the location of the nearest healthcare facilities.

Transportation in Cancun with a Baby

Mexico does have car seat laws, but enforcement can be lax. When taking your baby to Cancun, it’s best to arrange transportation with a car seat for maximum safety.

Traveling with a Baby on Flights to Cancun

Air travel can be stressful for a baby, but planning can help. Feed your baby during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure, and bring a few familiar toys to keep them occupied.

Is It Safe to Travel to Cancun with a Baby?

Yes, it’s generally safe to travel to Cancun with a baby. Many families travel to Cancun every year, and resorts are typically well-equipped to accommodate guests of all ages, including infants.

When Is It Safe to Take Your Baby to Cancun?

What is the safest age for a baby to travel.

Most pediatricians agree that a baby can safely start traveling by airplane at around 3 months old. So, you can certainly take a 3 or 6 month old to Cancun.

Can a Newborn Travel to Mexico?

While technically possible, it might be more comfortable to wait until your baby is a few months old to ensure their immune system has had time to develop. Always consult your pediatrician before traveling internationally with a newborn.

Essential Travel Documents for Your Baby

Do babies need a passport for mexico.

Yes, regardless of age, every individual traveling internationally, including infants, needs a valid passport.

Can a Baby Enter Mexico Without a Birth Certificate?

While a birth certificate is an important document, it does not replace the need for a passport for international travel. Therefore, a baby cannot enter Mexico solely with a birth certificate.

Can Infants Fly Free to Mexico?

Many airlines allow infants under two years of age to fly for free on an adult’s lap. However, specific policies vary by airline, so it’s best to check with your airline before you book.

Practical Considerations for Traveling with Your Baby

Should i take a stroller to cancun.

A stroller can be very handy for long walks or when you need to keep your baby safe and comfortable. Many resorts in Cancun are large and a stroller can make getting around easier.

Is Milk in Mexico Safe for Babies?

While breastfeeding or using formula brought from home is the safest option for babies, pasteurized milk in Mexico is generally safe. However, always check the label to ensure it’s pasteurized.

Best Places to Travel in Mexico with Toddlers

Cancun, with its beautiful beaches and family-friendly resorts, is an excellent choice for families with toddlers. There are also many activities suitable for toddlers, such as visiting interactive aquariums or taking a boat tour.

Cancun Resorts and Activities for Toddlers

Cancun toddler friendly resort.

Many resorts in Cancun are toddler-friendly, offering amenities like kid’s clubs, child-friendly pools, and babysitting services. Always check the specific amenities of the resort beforehand.

Things to Do in Cancun with a 3 Year Old

From beach days and pool fun to visiting eco-parks like Xcaret, there are numerous toddler-friendly activities in Cancun.

What to Pack for Cancun with a Toddler

When packing for Cancun with a toddler, don’t forget essentials like swim diapers, a sun hat, sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and a travel-friendly stroller. You might also want to bring along their favorite toys and snacks.

In conclusion, with careful planning and preparation, taking your baby to Cancun can be a wonderful and memorable family experience. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, the friendly atmosphere, and the precious time with your little one.

How SleepBaby.org Can Help

Travel can disrupt your baby’s sleep routine, making the holiday stressful for everyone. That’s where SleepBaby.org can come in. With their expert advice and tips on everything from sleep schedules to dealing with jet lag, you can ensure your baby gets the rest they need, even while on vacation.

Traveling to a new place like Cancun doesn’t have to interfere with your baby’s sleep schedule. SleepBaby.org can help you maintain consistency and create a sleep-friendly environment, no matter where you are.

Conclusion: Enjoying Cancun with Your Baby

Taking your baby to Cancun can be a fun and memorable experience with the right preparation. Remember, your baby’s needs don’t change just because the location does. By prioritizing your baby’s safety, health, and sleep, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation in Cancun for the whole family.

10 thoughts on “Taking Your Baby to Cancun: A Comprehensive Guide”

MillerMommy :

You know, my little one used to have such a hard time settling down to sleep, especially at night. Then I stumbled upon this website, SleepBaby.org . It has been a game-changer for us; I’ve seen my baby fall asleep in under a minute. Life has certainly become more peaceful since then! 💤

Our daycare recommended it—they use it for nap times with the little ones there—and I thought I’d share it with you all. So, if you’re struggling with bedtime routines, it might be worth checking out SleepBaby.org . Wishing you and your family the best on this parenting journey! 🤗

SunshineMomma82 : Just got back from Cancun with my 6-month-old. The beaches were dreamy but OMG, the time change messed up her sleep so bad! 😩 I wish I knew about SleepBaby.org before we went. Their tips could’ve saved us some serious night-time drama!

DadOnTheGo : Hey, parents! If you’re taking a baby to Cancun, remember the car seat laws are kinda lax there. I found a great article on SleepBaby.org about safe travel with infants. It’s not just about sleep, they cover all aspects of baby safety. A must-read for peace of mind.

TravelBugMama : LOL, imagine thinking a baby will sleep peacefully in a new place like Cancun! 🤣 I learned it the hard way. Next time, I’m arming myself with SleepBaby.org ‘s strategies for sleep routines on the go. No more sleepless nights for this family!

FirstTimeMommy101 : Does anyone else worry about the different brands of baby essentials abroad? I’m so nervous about taking my little one to Cancun. Found some comforting advice on SleepBaby.org though, they really emphasize the importance of routine, even with different products. Makes me feel a bit better.

CancunRegular : Been to Cancun with toddlers and trust me, a disrupted sleep schedule ruins the vacay. Just discovered SleepBaby.org and their tips are gold! Wish I knew about them sooner. Don’t make my mistake, check them out for sure.

NewParentPanic : Okay, this might sound silly, but I’m so worried about the flight to Cancun with my baby. Ear pressure, strange noises… I’m freaking out! Stumbled upon SleepBaby.org and they have great advice on handling flights. Feeling slightly less panicked now.

AdventureAwaiting : Anyone else paranoid about baby’s health while traveling? I am! Just found an article on SleepBaby.org about keeping your baby healthy and rested during travels. It’s reassuring to know there’s reliable info out there. Cancun, here we come (with a well-rested baby)!

YogaMom : Soo…I’m all about natural living and was worried about finding pasteurized milk for my baby in Cancun. SleepBaby.org has some great tips on food safety for babies while traveling. Feeling way more confident about keeping my little one healthy and well-rested on our trip. 🌞🌴

CancunLover : Pro tip for parents heading to Cancun: DON’T underestimate the importance of your baby’s sleep schedule. I learned the hard way. 😔 Check out SleepBaby.org before you go. Their advice is a game-changer! Safe travels and sweet dreams to your little ones.

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Resources for parents to get through the challenges.

5 Tips When Traveling to Mexico With a Baby or Toddler

Taking your baby on the road for the first time can be exciting! It has the potential to be one of the best times of your life or your worst nightmare. These five tips will help you make sure that you have an amazing time with your little one!

In this article

Search For A Travel Advisory

Know which areas are safe, bring plenty of sunscreen, don’t drink the water, speak with your pediatrician, don’t walk at night, leave the flashy jewelry at home, know how you’ll get from one spot to another, consider where you’ll want to go, have an entertainment plan, plan for some downtime, think about a resort with a baby club, invest in adequate travel insurance, tulum, mexico, mexico city attractions, restaurants, chapultepec park, turtle farm, keep your travel documents with you, mexico has bottled water too, you can purchase baby food, baby gear can be rented, baby carriers are perfect, pack pedialyte, in conclusion, always keep safety in mind.

When you’re traveling with a baby, it’s always important to keep safety in mind before anything else.

Taking your little one to Mexico doesn’t necessarily put them in danger, but it can. There are also other factors that you’ll need to take into consideration.

If you have yet to venture out of the country, it’s critical that you understand the importance of a travel advisory.

When a country is deemed not safe for tourists, there will be an advisory warning for citizens of other countries against traveling there. Make sure to double-check before planning your vacation.

Certain areas in Mexico are generally considered safe. There are also certain areas that are generally considered dangerous. Typically, tourist-centered areas like Cancun are considered safe.

Mexico is packed with areas that are not safe for tourists. Check on which activities you want to do, and make sure that the areas you’ll be traveling through are safe for you and your little one.

Once you’re in Mexico and enjoying those beautiful beaches , you won’t want to head indoors.

The sun’s rays tend to get a bit hotter once you head south, so it’s important to bring plenty of sunblock with you for both you and your little one. You can buy sunscreen in Mexico, but you’ll want to make sure that you bring some with you too.

Most places, and people, will recommend that you don’t drink the water. It’s typically safe for things like bathing, but not safe for you to consume.

You’ll need to use bottled water for bottles, brushing teeth, and anything that involves ingesting water. Most places that do not have safe drinking water have more than enough bottled water for sale.

Before hitting the road, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician. Your little one might require special vaccinations.

Even if they don’t a pediatrician might be full of useful tips about keeping your little one safe both on the way there and after you get there.

Most well-lit touristy areas near beaches and the best hotels are considered safe. However, you might want to avoid walking around at night. If you can’t resist, stay on well-lit streets and don’t take shortcuts through alleys.

The crime rate in Mexico is a bit higher than it is in the area that you might live in. You’ll want to stick to the same rules that you would if you were on the rough side of town.

Don’t wear your bling when you’re on vacation. This shouts to strangers that you have money and plenty of it. While the necklace might go with your outfit, this makes you a target for robbers too.

Plan Your Vacation In Detail

Traveling with a baby instantly makes everything take longer. It can make walking from one location to another a pain in the butt, too.

Make sure that you plan your vacation in detail to guarantee that it goes smoothly, and to make sure that both you and your family are safe.

You can’t instantly assume that taxis will be waiting for you at the airport. If they are, it’s best not to trust them.

Some taxis are sure to be safe, but there might be one or two that are waiting to prey on tourists or will see you as an easy person to rob. Instead, make sure that you double-check recommendations online, and have your transportation planned accordingly.

Don’t forget to plan for transportation to and from attractions that you’ll want to visit. You’re going to need more than just a ride from the airport.

Some people consider hiring a local guide to help them with this part. Others rent a car once they are in Mexico if they choose to fly. Renting a car and driving to Mexico is another great idea.

Visiting the ancient Mayan ruins will make a great day out for you and the baby! Consider checking out one of Mexico’s beautiful beaches for a relaxing day with your little one.

Mexico is packed with cool archeological sites, rivers, beaches, and awesome ideas for day trips. Check this article on TripAdvisor for a comprehensive list of cool things you can do in Mexico with your kids in tow.

Babies and toddlers get bored pretty quickly. Make sure that you have a way to entertain them so you, and everyone else, won’t have to listen to a loud, screaming child during the long car ride, lines to attractions, or while you’re waiting at the airport.

Some great ideas are:

A kid-proof tablet is an awesome idea as long as you’re okay with your little one having a bit of screen time. It’s great to limit screen time, especially in younger children, but I think vacations are an awesome exception to the rule.

Keep in mind that you might have to deal with a bit of a fit when you get home and go back to the old rules, though.

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Singing songs and telling stories are other great ideas if your little one gets bored with toys. However, keep in mind that you need a backup plan in case you have to stop singing to talk to someone.

If you’ve never been to Mexico, it can be tempting to go from one fun tourist spot to another one. However, this isn’t ideal for babies. Little ones can get overstimulated easily.

They are also going to need naps. Because of this, it can be helpful to plan for some downtime to make sure that your little one has time to relax and to take those much-needed naps. You’re going to need some relaxation too!

Baby clubs are a spectacular idea if you’re comfortable leaving your little one with someone else. If they take naps easily, drop them off for their afternoon slumber while you check out some not so kid-friendly attractions, like ziplining.

You can also drop them off to take a nap yourself! This article covers some of the best resorts that offer this service.

All travel insurance policies are not created equally. Some will cover the basics, but others will cover everything. Make sure that you read the fine print on your travel insurance policy.

You’ll also want to make sure that travel insurance covers medical care. Private care in Mexico is higher quality than public care, and that’s where you’ll want to take your baby if they are sick.

If your insurance doesn’t cover that, you’re going to be stuck with public medical services.

Know The Best Spots To Take Your Baby

There are plenty of places that you’ll want to go to, but it’s important that these are baby-friendly places.

Climbing hundreds of steps to ancient ruins with your little one on your hip is going to make for a miserable day. Instead, check out these awesome ideas for you and your little one.

Tulum, Mexico is a quaint spot for the family. The beach is beautiful and tourist-friendly. You can trust that your kids won’t be the only kids there.

The town is full of boutiques and restaurants that will make for a great day trip. As a bonus, the town and beach are a few miles apart so you can enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride from one to the other.

If you’re traveling with children that are old enough to explore, stopping by Mexico city or enjoying a few days here should be on the list. Mexico City is known for its wonderful children’s attractions.

Spend the day at the zoo. Stop by the bustling city to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. Then, enjoy the afternoon at the aquarium. There is even a hands-on children’s museum that kids will love!

Mexico is known for its unique cuisine, but they have plenty of other options available too! Italian restaurants and other cuisines can be found in large cities, particularly Mexico City.

Wherever you’re staying, make sure to visit the restaurants. It’s a great opportunity for your little one to check out some new foods, and a new environment! Children are always welcome in Mexico, and almost all of their restaurants are child-friendly.

This budget-friendly family activity is a great idea! This park can be found in Mexico City, is free, and there’s plenty of space for little ones to roam.

Rent a paddleboat to take out on the lake, or simply let your baby crawl through the grass to enjoy some relaxation. Parks like this are scattered throughout Mexico and are always a great idea for an afternoon with little ones.

Turtle Farm, which is occasionally called Tortugranja by the locals, is located on a small island off of Cancun. This farm will let you see adult turtles and baby ones alike. Pick up some pellets so that your toddler can feed them!

When you leave the country, make sure that you keep your travel documents in your person. If only one parent is going, it’s important to keep your little one’s passport or letter of consent on your person too.

The cases of parental abduction are always on the rise, so you want to make sure that you have the documents necessary to prove that isn’t the case for your person.

You’ll also want to keep them in your person as you travel into the country. Not only will you need to show them, but you’ll also want to make sure that if your luggage gets lost your passports don’t get lost with it.

It can take a day or two for an airport to find lost luggage, so you need to keep that in mind. Instead, put them in your purse. Try to wear a crossbody bag for extra comfort and to prevent it from being accidentally left somewhere.

Take What You Need (Hint: You Don’t Need To Bring Bottled Water)

Most websites are going to tell you that you’ll need your own water, food, and to bring all of your baby gear (stroller, playpen, car seat, etc.) with you.

On an airplane. It can make the mere thought of traveling with a baby seem overwhelming. Thankfully, that’s not really necessary.

If the water is not safe to drink in a particular area, don’t stress. You can pick up some bottled water.

It might be a good idea to bring a bottle or two with you in case you want to rest before going out to buy some. However, that’s not actually necessary.

The baby food in Mexico usually comes in different flavors than it does in the United States. You can expect to see more tropical flavors of fruit available, for example.

Because of this, you might want to bring a few jars if your little one is a picky eater. If they aren’t, you can buy baby food when you get there.

There are several locations throughout Mexico that will let you rent baby gear. Make sure that you pick a convenient location that is close to your hotel to rent baby gear.

If possible, rent it in advance so that it’s waiting on you. Then, take what you need for the trip to Mexico. (Usually, that’s just a car seat.)

If you have a baby carrier that you and your little one are already adjusted to, make sure to pack it. Day trips through crowded streets can be a hassle with a stroller.

A baby carrier will make them more fun for both you and your little one! If you don’t own one, consider picking one up before the trip.

Babies 8-32 pounds - IDEAL REGISTRY item for hiking or ditch that carriage and cuddle up like a wrap
4 ergonomic ways to carry baby or toddler: Back Carry, 2 Front Carry Facing In options for newborns and toddlers, Front Carry Facing Out for babies 6+ months, and Back Carry wide seat for toddlers

Children, by nature, have stomachs that are more sensitive than most adults. It’s a great idea to let them try new foods, but you’ll have to keep in mind that they might get diarrhea too.

Make sure to pack a bottle of Pedialyte just in case. The combination of heat and diarrhea can make your little one dehydrated, and result in a trip to the hospital.

To make sure that you have a stress-free vacation with your little one, it’s important to plan ahead, stay safe, and bring what you’re going to need.

However, don’t overpack! This is just going to make things a hassle. Then, enjoy some fun in the sun with your little one!

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Feb 7, 2023

Traveling to Mexico with Baby: What To Consider

Updated: Apr 15, 2023

Mexico was certainly an adventurous choice for our first flight as a family of four but this momma needed to relax on the beach in the middle of the frigid midwest winter.

So off we went!

There were definitely some things learned along the way and things we needed to consider when traveling with two little ones so I wanted to compile that info here. Keep in mind, this was based on our experience traveling to Cancun within the highly populated hotel zone. Experiences around Mexico can widely vary.

Resort vs Vacation Rental

One of the obvious questions when traveling to Mexico is where do you plan on staying? Depending on what city you are traveling to, how many people you are traveling with, what type of vacation you're hoping to have; all of these will determine the type of accommodation you will want to stay in.

If you need help weighing the pros and cons of each, I have a blog for you here.

Resorts: For Mexico, if you are going to stay in a hotel, might as well make it a resort.

The country is filled with world class resorts with a ton of options based on what priorities you have while traveling. Stunning beach? Budget friendly? All inclusive? Best Pool? Family Friendly? All things you can find and more within one strip of Mexico's shoreline.

We stayed at Wyndham Alltra Cancun . It was a fantastic all inclusive resort, great for families.

Vacation Rental: If you are staying with a larger group or family, you may want to consider a vacation rental. This gives you options for kitchen and laundry facilities that you may not find at a hotel and could be massively beneficial when traveling with a baby.

Vrbo.com has some incredible options for Mexican vacation rentals.

Transfer Options

Generally when I am traveling with baby, I like to leave less things to chance than I would if it were just myself and my husband traveling. Add being unfamiliar with a destination and a language barrier to the mix and I can almost guarantee you, I will be hiring a car to get us from the airport to our accommodation if I am not already staying at a hotel that offers transfer services.

For our trip to Cancun, we used USA Transfers to get us from the airport to our hotel and then back again at the end of our trip. They had clear signs for pick up, friendly drivers, and a handy app with easy communication methods if needed. Our round trip cost us $75 which is not cheap for Mexican transportation, but for the reliability when traveling with two littles was absolutely worth the cost.

If you are looking for something more budget friendly, cities around Mexico do have Uber, taxis, metro buses, and public transportation systems to get you wherever you need to go.

Car Seats in Mexico

Traveling internationally with baby can be a challenge when planning to ride in cars once at your destination. First, car seats are big and bulky and not the easiest to travel with. Second, car seat laws and recommendations varying greatly depending on the country that you are traveling in.

Turns out in Mexico, there are no laws or guidelines for car seats.

So this means a couple of things, cars are not required to have the necessary equipment or safety features for proper install of car seats and the car seats themselves are typically the most basic models without some of the mandatory safety features that the US or Canada requires, even if the brand and model are the exact same.

All American and Canadian car seats include two installation options: lower anchors (part of the LATCH/ISOFIX/UAS) or a locked seatbelt. In addition, forward facing car seats should use the top tether (recommended or required in the US depending on the car seat, but *required for all Canadian seats).

Upon doing some research, I learned many vehicles in Mexico used for taxi or transfer services have neither anchors nor locked seatbelts.

For this reason I knew I would be taking two precautions:

Bringing our own car seats as opposed to renting or purchasing once we got there.

Purchasing this car seat locking clip. It is only $7 for two and I highly recommend purchasing one for yourself as well. One of our vans had both anchors and locking seatbelts. Our return van had neither (seen above) so I was really happy we had these.

And finally... The Water Situation

Water supply and sanitation in Mexico has experienced both great achievements and continued challenges. Over the last two decades, Mexico saw a significant nationwide increase in access to piped water supply and improved sanitation in both urban and rural areas.

However still, tourists visiting the country often fall to Montezuma's Revenge, and while you may be more liberal with your own water choices, when you're traveling with Baby there is an extra caution typically taken.

Drinking Water - the easiest way to do this is just with bottled water. If you are staying at a resort you can request it from bars, restaurants, front desk etc. If you are staying at a vacation rental, a quick stop to the convenience store to buy gallon jugs should do the trick.

Safe Foods - In order to stay safe, we opted to not eat any raw fruits or vegetables that cannot be peeled. So that means no salads, no berries, etc. This is because these things are generally washed with water from the tap. And if we couldn't see them being washed with safe and filtered water then we felt it was safest to just avoid. Luckily there were plenty of other options.

Baths/Showers - We actually avoided baths for both of our kiddos while in Mexico. The toddler likes to typically chug bathwater like a frat boy who is beer bonging on game day and the baby doesn't need a full bath anyway. For the toddler, we gave her quick showers instead. She was able to stand on her own with the help of a nonslip bathmat or water shoes. We made sure to not get any of the tap water in her mouth and afterwards we dried her really well with a towel. This included the beach showers to initially wash off all of the salt & sand. For the baby, we just did simple sponge baths on a towel on the bed or couch.

Cleaning Bottles - This can be done a few ways depending on what you have access to and how diligent you want to be. If you have access to a sanitizing method like a microwave or boiling water, your can clean your bottles using the tap water. Just be sure you are always sanitizing the bottles after each cleaning. The CDC recommends that sanitizing is particularly important when your baby is younger than 2 months, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system. Daily sanitizing of feeding items may not be necessary for older, healthy babies, if those items are cleaned carefully after each use. This was the case for us (older children who didn't need to sanitize bottles each time). We did not have a microwave in our room so we just used room temp bottled water and dish soap that I brought from home to clean any bottles after each use. The best tool that I had to clean our bottles properly was the portable wash basin from Ceres Chill (code TWB15 will get you 15% off) and this travel size drying rack. Once we returned home at the end of our trip we made sure to do a deep clean and sanitization of all of our bottles.

Brushing Teeth - Pretty simple, we just used bottled water.

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12 Tips For Traveling to Mexico with a Baby

Looking for tips to travel to Mexico or some other jungle location with your baby? Perhaps you are planning to visit a resort on an island without clean tap water. Wherever it is, we’ve got you covered with the best tips for traveling in Mexico with a baby. These tips essentially apply to any location with mosquitos, a hot climate, and a lack of clean drinking water.

It may seem completely insane, but when our son was just shy of 12 weeks old we took a family trip to Tulum, Mexico . It wasn’t exactly an episode of Naked and Afraid , but I’d venture to say most people- Americans, at least- aren’t traveling with their young baby to Mexico.

Tulum is a tropical oasis on the Yucatan peninsula just an hour south of Cancun. Unlike its neighbor there hasn’t been a sweeping clear cut of the jungle making way for high rise monstrosities. Instead, the bohemian beach road runs right alongside the ocean with small, boutique properties and eclectic thatch-roof hotels.

It is the best of both worlds…ocean meets thick jungle. The thick vegetation and humidity can present a host of issues related to taking a baby along. Luckily, with a little planning and some flexibility, it can easily be done. I promise, you can do it! Read along for 12 tips for taking your sweet baby to Mexico (or any other jungle location).

1. Cleaning bottles

We all know of the health risks associated with the drinking water in Mexico, but you’ve got to clean the baby bottles. Hotels usually use filtered water for consumption in the common areas and often provide some in the room. Take advantage of the microwave or tea kettle provided in room. Our hotel provided filtered water for drinking in our rooms, and we bought some bottled water at the grocery.

When it came time to clean the baby bottles I used the kettle in the room to heat the water and used liquid dish detergent I’d packed and brought from home. A little shake and rinse got them good as new.

If you stay somewhere with a microwave, I’d suggest the microwave cleaning bags. I also would bet that the hotel would’ve washed them for me, but I hated to ask and bother with that everyday. I just did my little wash routine every morning. It was much easier if I made sure to rinse out the bottles immediately after using. Just remember to be careful; the water coming from the kettle will be boiling!

2. Take a mosquito net for the baby carrier .

While our baby was old enough to use DEET bug spray, I hated to douse him in it everyday. I bought a mosquito net that tied onto his baby carrier. It has elastic around the edges, ensuring a tight fit. It was super easy to take off when we didn’t need it. We used this net every time we went to a restaurant that didn’t have good air circulation and also when we visited the cenotes. I didn’t use this but if you are worried about those little buggers in your room, you could also take a mosquito net that fits on a pack and play.

3. Bug spray with DEET is safe for babies two months and up .

This is the jungle, and the mosquitoes are no joke, depending on the time of day and year. I’m all about protecting the environment and using safer alternatives, but ten days in the jungle calls for a little more than citronella. While the beach breezes kept them away during the day, we noticed the mosquitos a lot while inland. Off brand makes wipes that are super convenient and won’t count against your liquid total if you just do carry-on luggage. We took several packs and kept them in our bag whenever we went out.

Be sure to wash it off before entering the cenotes , but your baby probably won’t be in the cold water anyway. We made sure to apply it to our toddler daughter immediately after exiting and drying off.

One thing to note: this area in Mexico has extremely low rates of malaria. I’m a health professional and I did tons of research before we went. That said I still wanted to take precautions, if for no other reason than that mosquito bites are annoying.

4. Clip on fans

They are one of our lifesavers down here in the Tennessee summers. We clip one on the stroller whenever we go for a walk on a muggy summer day. We took one for each kid to Tulum. The blades are soft, and it stops on contact so we put it right into the baby carrier. The air circulation not only cooled him off but helped keep the bugs away.

5. “Frog towels”

(Frogg Toggs) were essential on the hot, muggy days. These super absorbant towels produce a cooling effect once the water starts evaporating. They made a huge difference! We laid little guy on it during beach naps. I also put one on him and between the two of us when we visited the Mayan ruins.

6. Choose your baby sling wisely .

I used my Solly wrap a lot when a stroller just wasn’t practical. The lightweight breathable fabric helped to keep him cool (and protected from the mosquitos). For me, it was a better option on this trip than our Ergo360.

7. Pack Sunscreen!

Tulum isn’t far from the equator and you can feel the sun beating down. I love ThinkBaby as it is zinc based and always ranks high on the EWG lists. It’s is water resistant and goes on pretty easily. We’ve been using it for four years now.

8. Choose lightweight, loose clothing

This goes for the kiddos (and yourself). SPF shirts like this are also great and keep you from reapplying sunscreen a million times.

9. Choose your hotel wisely .

Our hotel had a large, covered beachfront cabana allotted to each room. While the covering wasn’t completely solid it did help to block a lot of sun. We were there in August and never broke a sweat while sitting on the beach as the breeze kept us cool. This allowed both kids to do beach naps most days. If not, the room was only a few steps away and I could still sit on the patio and enjoy the views. A few other things to consider when booking: air conditioning, microwave/refrigerator availability, and the option for a crib. La Zebra offered all of these.

10. Consider taking a flashlight

These are great for nighttime walks on the beach or to restaurants. There are no sidewalks in Tulum or many other jungle towns, so you want to make sure oncoming cars can see you. Many hotels here provide them for guests, but it wouldn’t hurt to take a small one just in case.

11. Think about your dining setup .

Our son was still too young to use a high chair. If the stroller didn’t fit near our table, we just took out the carrier and sat him on the floor. We were always able to accomodate him. However, pretty much everywhere we went had a highchair (remember, kids live here too). If you are worried about the high chair situation I would check out the Mountain Buggy. It folds up flat for easy packing and adjusts to fit almost every table.

and enjoy; ultimately you’re on vacation!

What other tips do you have for traveling to Mexico with a baby? Do you know someone who needs these? Be sure to share on Pinterest or share the link with them.

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Tips for Traveling to Mexico with a Baby

Traveling to Mexico with kids can be both an exhilarating experience and a terrifying adventure at the same time. Not only are you in a new environment, but kids make everything in life more complicated, not just trips to Mexico. If you’re brave enough to take a Mexico vacation, being prepared is the best way to ensure you all have a good time and when you do, you’ll likely find that the smile on their faces as they explore their new surroundings makes it all worth the hassle. Before you head out on your next Mexico family vacation , take a minute to read through the following advice, you’ll be happy you did.

1. Wait until takeoff for breastfeeding or bottle feeding on a plane

If you’ve ever flown on an airplane then you know how important it can be for your personal comfort to keep your eardrums equalized during your flight. To ease a baby through the process, wait until you’re about to take off to breast or bottle feed. The sucking motion will help them release the pressure in their ears. If you absolutely cannot wait to feed your child, make sure to bring a pacifier or allow them the comfort of your boob during take off and landing to keep their ears from being plugged up.

2. Bring everything you need for feeding your baby

That includes the bottles you use, the formula your baby is accustomed to, and the supplies you need for cleaning bottles on the go. While it may surprise you, the variety of formula in Mexico is limited compared to other countries in the world, which could become a huge problem for you on your Mexico family vacations if switching to a new formula upsets your baby’s delicate stomach. Your best bet is to come prepared.

3. Bring a fold-up travel stroller and/or baby carrier

Bring a fold-up travel stroller and/or baby carrier, instead of your standard car seat stroller. Lugging around a huge stroller isn’t the best option for trips to Mexico. Most of the time, you won’t be able to push the strollers along the cobblestone streets or fit it into the taxies as you move about on your Mexico vacation. A baby carrier will allow you to enjoy your surroundings on hikes through the mountains, strolls along the beach, and everything in between.

4. Take advantage of baby equipment rentals

It is easier than ever to travel to Mexico with a baby because you don’t have to pack up a number of bulky items to go with you. Find a service in your destination that offers crib, stroller, high-chair, and baby gate rentals so that you have everything you need without the hassle of lugging it all down with you.

5. Prepare a bag of goodies ahead of time

Remember that entertainment doesn’t come free when traveling to Mexico with kids. Figuring out how to entertain a toddler on a plane can be a full-time job, but if you prepare a bag of goodies ahead of time, it will make your life easier. Pack items that don’t include a lot of pieces that can accidentally be dropped, like a magnetic puzzle, travel coloring book with markers that clip into place, or a few search and find books that will keep them happy for hours.

6. Pack your own sunscreen

Many people are particular about the products they put on their babies skin, so when you’re traveling to Mexico with kids, pack the sunscreen you like because you won’t likely find the same brands or the same variety you would in other countries.

7. Bring lightweight clothing

Bring lightweight clothing, a sunhat, and some baby sunglasses on your Mexico vacation. It can be miserable to watch your baby overheat, which is why you’ll want lightweight options during the day and sleep sacks at night. It’s also very important to protect a baby’s head and eyes from the bright Mexican sun, so bring a few hats and a pair of sunglasses to keep them shaded during the day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Mexico with a Baby

1. what age can babies travel to mexico.

Typically airlines will deny boarding to babies younger than 2 weeks of age, but some will allow you to fly with your baby as young as 7 days old. The hardest part about traveling to Mexico with a baby is getting the paperwork completed so that you have all your documentation in order for traveling abroad with a child.

2. Is it safe to travel to Mexico with a baby?

Yes! It is very safe to visit Mexico with children, even babies. The only thing to consider is coming prepared with the right amount of formula and that you use purified drinking water when making bottles.

3. Do children need passports traveling to Mexico?

If you are traveling by air, everyone of every age needs a passport to get into the country. On land and sea, a birth certificate for children under the age of 16 will do.

4. What should I know about food and water safety in Mexico?

Many people get sick when consuming tap water in Mexico because of certain bacteria that foreigners aren’t accustomed to. To avoid this, stick to purified drinking water for consumption, when brushing your teeth, or when cooking on your Mexico family vacation. Most resorts will already be working to alleviate the problem by using an onsite filtration system throughout the resort grounds.

5. Do I need to bring baby food to Mexico?

That depends on how picky you are about what your child eats. If you feed your child a specific brand of premade baby food, you’ll likely want to bring down a supply because it will be difficult to find the same options at the local grocery stores. Keep in mind, however, soft avocados and bananas can easily be spooned off and fed to a baby at any time, and vegetables can easily be cooked and served in the kitchen of your suite at most Mexican resorts .

Trips to Mexico can be a great way to get in some quality time with your little ones while exploring new surroundings that everyone will love. With some solid planning and a mission to stay relaxed, these may be some of the best memories you’ll make with your loved one.

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Visiting Cancun As A Family: Important Information You Need To Know

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A family of five walks along a beach in Cancun. The mom holds a young girl on her shoulders, while the dad holds another small child and the hand of a third child.

If you’re traveling to Cancun with kids, there’s some important information you need to know first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be rare, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Cancun , including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in Cancun with kids, the best restaurants in Cancun for families, and the best resorts in Cancun. Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting Cancun as a family!

At a Glance

kids near the pool in NIZUC Resort in Mexico

Need to know all about Cancun ? From currency to time, official language, and visa information, here are some basic facts you should know about Cancun.

Local Currency & Time

Wondering about the Cancun local currency? The Mexican peso is the main form of currency here, though you may find a few tourist places accepting U.S. dollars. In case you need help figuring out how much money to bring with you, you can use this handy currency converter. Similar to the East Coast of the United States, Cancun operates in Eastern Standard Time. Keep this in mind for your future travels and click here to see Cancun’s current time.

Official Language & Visa Information

Spanish is the official language spoken in Cancun. If you’re planning an extended trip to Cancun or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn more about Mexico’s VISA policy, click here.

Power/Standard Voltage

In Mexico, the standard voltage is 127 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Mexico if the standard voltage in your country is between 110 – 127 V (as is in the U.S., Canada, and most South American countries).

Local Weather

Knowing about the Cancun climate will be helpful before you depart. The temperature in winter averages between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius (high 68 to 74° Fahrenheit) and in summer the average temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius (83° Fahrenheit). October through May is the city’s dry season, which means this period has very little rain. Check the current forecast on Accuweather. If you need more help planning your Cancun vacation with kids, feel free to check out Visit Mexico , Mexico’s official tourism website, for more information.

Health Information

An assortment of items are shown against a green background, including a hat, a mask, sunglasses, and a bottle of hand sanitizer.

Having the right information about health and safety is an important part of visiting Cancun with kids . If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting Cancun with young ones? Remember to check your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines for visiting Cancun, click here . Staying healthy during your vacation is also very important. Visit the official CDC website for health information on visiting Cancun, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should always check out hospitals local to your vacation destination just in case. Three accessible hospitals in or near Cancun include Hospital Galenia , Hospital Amerimed , and Hospiten Cancun.

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to Cancun soon, you’re probably wondering about Mexico’s COVID-19 guidelines . As of April 2021, the Mexican Embassy has cautioned travelers against visiting Mexico due to COVID-19. Please check the Embassy website to keep up-to-date on Mexico’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest making sure you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to Mexico with kids. For vaccination information, click here.

Cancun for Kids

A young girl and her baby sister relax on a hammock over the pool at the Finest Playa Mujeres in Cancun.

Visiting Cancun with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in Cancun? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city. We suggest Cancun Nanny Service or Kangaroo . If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Cancun. Take a look at Baby Gear for Rent or Beachfront Baby Gear Rentals.

Transportation

Girl lays on the floor coloring a large map.

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Cancun with kids. Whether you need information about car sears or local airlines, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws, Transportation Services, & Local Airlines

There are no mandatory laws for the use of child car seats in Mexico. However, if you plan to ride in a car with a child under the age of 5, you should always use a car seat for safety. The bus system in Cancun provides another inexpensive and quick way to get around. Taxis are another popular transport option, though you should negotiate the price before getting in the car. You can take a ferry for a day trip to Isla Mujeres. Need to make use of local airlines during your trip? Some local airlines in Mexico for domestic travel include Aeromexico , Interjet Airlines , and Viva Aerobus . For more information on Cancun transportation, visit this link .

Emergency Services

A young girl hugs her baby sister while sitting at the beach in Cancun, with cabanas and the beach behind them.

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Cancun with kids, as this is very important information.

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

Need police assistance in Cancun? Call 911. In case of a fire in Cancun, you can also contact the fire department by calling 911. You can also call 911 to reach an ambulance in Cancun.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting Cancun with Kids

Searching for more tips on visiting Cancun, Mexico, with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading!

Tipping Customs

Tipping customs in Cancun may differ from the United States or elsewhere in the world. Some restaurants add a service charge (propina) which is around 10%. You do not need to tip more if this is added to your bill. At a bar in Mexico, tip between 10 and 20 pesos per drink. If you run a tab, you can tip around 15% at the end.

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Cancun, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting Cancun. Check out this calendar of public holidays in Mexico for more information.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids, you’re probably wondering: Is Cancun safe for families? For the most part, yes! Of course, you should always exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. You can review the current U.S. State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory here .

Things to Do in Cancun with Kids

A young girl and a young boy member hold a small crocodile at the Croco Cun Zoo.

Once you’ve read our Cancun safety guide, it’s time to start planning your itinerary and looking up what to do in Cancun as a family. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Cancun with kids! Of course, you can visit kid-friendly beaches such as Playa Chacmool, Playa Norte , or Playa Delfines . Kids who love animals can’t miss the Croco Cun Zoo or The Aquarium at La Isla Mall. Then, the Cancun Underwater Museum Of Art is a one-of-a-kind experience!

Then, take a day trip to nearby Playa Del Carmen , or a Pirate Dinner Cruise in the evening. Cancun also has many other great restaurants for kids, like The Crab House , Flamingos Seafood Kitchen , and Senor Frogs for lunch. If you need more things to do in Cancun with kids , check out our list of 5 Exciting Things To Do In Cancun With Kids!

Where to Stay in Cancun with Kids

Hot tub and pools at The Grand Moon Palace Cancun, visit with kids

Looking for the best places to stay in Cancun? If you want an all-inclusive Cancun resort , we suggest Finest Playa Mujeres, The Grand at Moon Palace , Hyatt Ziva Cancun , or the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun . For a non-all-inclusive option, families love the Nizuc Resort & Spa.

RELATED: Best Family Resorts In Cancun AND 12 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Cancun For Families

Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information given on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is meant to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk.

Free Cancellation: Get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance on most experiences.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Doing Cabo San Lucas with a Baby

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My husband and I went to Los Cabos, Mexico on our honeymoon and loved it. We already knew from that experience that Cabo, while known for its nightlife and spring break party culture, is also filled with stunning scenery, incredible food, and plenty of opportunity for family-friendly adventure and relaxation. We jokingly refer to it as the poor man’s Hawaii, but truthfully it’s so much more than that. We were excited to plan a trip back this fall.

Still, Cabo with kids? We were definitely a little nervous about bringing our 16-month-old along with us, so we did some research before we left to help us decide how to plan our trip and what type of gear to bring along. We ended up having an unforgettable vacation, and our toddler loved it!

(Though these tips refer primarily to Cabo – most of this advice is helpful for travel anywhere in Mexico with kids!)

Here are some tips and highlights from our trip if you are considering going to Cabo San Lucas with kids!

Choosing a Family Friendly Hotel or Resort

Choosing where to stay is a big decision if you are traveling with a baby. We stayed at the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort and some features we loved were having a kitchenette in our room, lots of kid-friendly pools, and kid-friendly dining and a marketplace right at the resort. We also stayed there on our honeymoon as a family member gifted us a timeshare use. It’s amazing, but a little spendy.

The good news is, there are a TON of awesome hotel and resort options in Cabo all with unique views and amenities. It is a tourist destination, after all.

Before booking a place I would recommend making a couple of decisions about your trip to help you get the right fit.

First, determine if you would like an all-inclusive resort experience or not, and second, determine how you will be getting around on your trip. Based off of these decisions you can narrow down your options much easier and get the best bang for your buck. For example, if you are going all-inclusive you wouldn’t necessarily need a kitchen in your room. And if you aren’t renting a car you might prefer a more centralized location with beach access.

And while we didn’t mind the scorching August heat on our honeymoon, we were grateful for our decision to travel mid-October this trip. We enjoyed the smaller crowds, beautiful weather in the mid to low eighties, and perfect breezy evenings. Similarly, May and June are great months to visit as they immediately follow peak season but still experience milder weather.

All-Inclusive Pros and Cons

There are obviously pros and cons to purchasing an all-inclusive package at a resort, with one of the biggest draws being unlimited adult beverages. As we were traveling with a baby and I was pregnant it would have been nearly impossible for us to eat enough food to justify the cost of an all-inclusive package on our trip. We also love to venture out during the day and try local restaurants, so we happily passed on all-inclusive.

However, if we had been with a larger group or if we hadn’t rented a car and were planning to stay at the resort majority of the time I think this option would have made a lot more sense.

Transportation in Cabo with Kids

There a few things you have to decide in advance about how you will get around in Cabo with your baby. The primary options of transportation available to you are renting a car, hiring taxis and/or private transportation, or taking the public bus.

As I mentioned, we rented a car on our trip because we like to go on excursions and day trips and wanted to travel with our car seat and keep it installed. It cost a little under $600 for the full week with the insurance protection (which we would highly recommend). My husband also LOVES driving in other countries and can’t resist the opportunity, so this is almost always our method of choice for getting around.

However, if the only transportation you need is to and from the airport and possibly dining out a few times you’ll probably save just by opting for taxis and shuttles. Legally, car seats aren’t a requirement in Mexico. But personally, I would still recommend traveling with your car seat (they’re free to check) and installing it for your trips to and from the airport and any other significant rides as it’s going to be safer for your baby than riding in your lap. Note : If you arrange private transportation from the airport through your hotel you can inquire about a car seat rental. Though not available in taxis, some of the private companies do have options available.

If you’re traveling on a budget and are super adventurous the public bus is the cheapest option. Unfortunately, I don’t have any tips to offer you about the bus as we’ve always driven, but Tripadvisor has some great info on how the system works if you are interested. Just make sure where you are staying is close to the main route!

Adjust Your Expectations

While it’s true there are seemingly limitless opportunities for adventures and excursions to do with KIDS in Cabo (ie snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, zip lining) – you can’t do most of those things with a baby. And this is where the question comes in…”is it actually worth planning a vacation with a baby? Will we still have a good time in Cabo?”

Our answer is a resounding yes! We had an amazing vacation, even with baby in tow. And as new parents, we think it’s as important as ever to break up the monotony of the daily grind with time dedicated to having fun and relaxing together.

But it’s still wise to approach any big vacation with realistic expectations. We knew our resort had amazing pools that we would be happy to spend time lounging at every single day, and we did just that! By the end of the week, our toddler would grab her pool floaties and bang on the door to beg us to take her to the pool. A huge success in our minds as she won’t even go in the bath!

Definitely plan on taking it easy and lounging at your pool, taking afternoon siestas in your room, and enjoying the simple pleasures of delicious food and views. For excursions, I’d consider taking a boat ride to the Arches or a sunset cruise, but avoid any of the all-day activities.

My extremely adventurous husband knew we were in for a chiller vacation and even read some books! (Say, what?!) The truth is, we needed it. We were pooped.

But no skydiving for us. Not this trip, anyway 😉

Again, this might be different if you are traveling with friends or family. But just be prepared to go with the flow and set realistic expectations and you will have a great time!

Our Cabo Highlights

Some highlights for us with Hazel were window shopping and dining at the marina. We had some excellent food at Captain Tony’s Bar and Grill on the waterfront and enjoyed strolling around. (Bring stroller or baby carrier.)

The best local taco joint we went to was Tacos Guss , and it did not disappoint! There was a smattering of locals and tourists coming in for the amazing tacos, which were cheap and came with a huge plate of toppings and salsas. So good! We had to hold Hazel there but it was completely worth it.

My personal favorite experience of the trip was taking a drive over to San Jose Del Cabo to visit Flora Farms . Their restaurant, Flora’s Field Kitchen, boasts delicious farm-to-table plates with fresh ingredients from the organic 25-acre farm on site. It was an absolute paradise, and completely kid-friendly. Don’t forget to stop at their fresh, handmade ice cream cart before you leave!

What you will need to pack for your baby obviously depends on their age, but there are a few things you should definitely bring with you regardless if going to Cabo with kids.

I already mentioned we traveled with our own stroller and car seat. As they check for free when flying this was a no-brainer for us. (Don’t forget that your child will also need a passport!)

A swimsuit, swim diapers, sun hat, pool floaties, and baby sunscreen are a MUST for a vacation in Mexico. However, all these things can be found for purchase fairly easily, especially if you are renting a car. We stopped at WalMart (yes, they have a WalMart and Costco in Cabo) on our way to our hotel and picked up all the essentials we would need for the week, including groceries and diapers and wipes for Hazel. This allowed us to avoid checking a bag for her.

Hotel gift shops often sell baby essentials such as diapers as well, but you will pay double or triple the cost.

If you have a walker, pack swim shoes . This was one regret of ours as they would have been great for Hazel to wear into the pool to play around with her toys on the steps or to grip better in the kiddie pool.

The Intex Kids Travel Air Mattress is my favorite toddler travel bed. It fits a standard crib sheet and has walls to keep kids safely tucked in. Hazel loves it. It’s perfect for ages 15 months plus who no longer sleep in a crib or pack n’ play. Otherwise, cribs can be rented from your hotel. Make arrangements in advance.

One of my other favorite products for traveling is actually disposable bibs. I’m obsessed. It’s so wonderful to travel with these when you don’t have access to laundry. Sometimes I can find this brand at The Dollar Tree but they are also available on Amazon for a great price.

Of course, you’ll want to pack plenty of snacks and several toys/activity books for your flights – but other than that I really don’t recommend stressing out about bringing a ton of gear! As long as you have swimsuits, cover-ups, and sandals you are set up to have a good time.

Cabo is more baby-friendly than we anticipated and we had an incredible vacation with our 16-month-old! I hope these tips can help you plan a great trip for your family and that you feel encouraged about bringing your baby along.

Planning your own trip to Cabo with kids? Feel free to comment below with any questions! I’d love to help!

P.S. We did get food poisoning from some bad burgers on the last night of this otherwise perfect trip. Check out my Facebook Post for the behind-the-scenes story of surviving the worst day of travel ever. This blog IS called Welcome to the Circus after all…

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Mexico City: 5 Day Itinerary and the Alameda Central Museums

Planning a trip to Mexico City with a baby? Then you’ve come to the right place. Putting together an itinerary for Mexico City is not too difficult. However, a Mexico City itinerary for travel with a baby is something totally different. Today I wrap up the recaps from our visit to Mexico City, and give you the perfect itinerary for travel with a young toddler or baby. For older kids I would implement some changes, but not much! Discover the museums we loved in our 5 days in Mexico City!

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Mexico City with Baby Itinerary

Before we get going with our final day of recaps, I’m going to lay out a summary of our itinerary. There are so many things to do in Mexico D.F. it is hard to choose!

I found it difficult to find an itinerary for Mexico City in 5 days that we could easily follow with the kiddo. Most trips were either the length of a weekend in Mexico City or were too high paced for us.

There are so many great museums in Mexico City, that other itineraries just didn’t account for baby naps and the like. I was really looking for an itinerary that would take into account a variety of activities and short attention span.

In the end, ours worked out really great! If you like slow paced travel, with a little of everything: museums, archaeology, parks, and city sights, then this is the itinerary for you. So I definitely recommend it for your first time in Mexico City!

5 Days in Mexico City

Coyoacan -Frida Khalo house, Leon Trotsky Museum, etc.
Bosque Chapultepec – Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Park- Zoo, Castle.
Centro Historico -Cathedral, Templo Mayor, Palacio Nacional.
Teotihuacan – day trip out of the city to visit ruins!
Alameda Central – Bellas Artes and museums. (below)

If we had one more day, I would consider a day trip to Xochimilco , to ride a boat in the canals!

Thinking about our itinerary, I wouldn’t change much with older kids, other than perhaps incorporating more park time!

Quick note : if you only have One day in Mexico City – check out our first visit for a good overview!

Easter in Mexico City

Our final full day in Mexico City, we again stayed near the Centro. As it was Passover, we opted to go back to the Indian restaurant, for another excellent bread-less meal.

After getting re-adjusted (read: making up sleep) from the previous late night, we were ready to go. This time we headed towards the Alameda Central. The Alameda Central is a public park we visited last time , that was totally closed under construction.

The park wasn’t actually our destination but rather, we wanted to check out the area and a couple more museums. Before we could get very far, our walk was intercepted by a huge Easter parade heading towards the Zocalo.

Museo Mural Diego Rivera

We ended up having to take quite the trek around the closed park in order to get to the Museo Mural Diego Rivera , housing a huge mural (and a few other pieces). We were thoroughly impressed!

Since it was still early enough, we decided to check out the Museo de Arte Popular . This one was quite amazing- full of handicrafts and folkloric themed pieces from all over Mexico.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

We made one more stop, taking the elevator in the Sears building to see the Palacio de Bellas Artes from above. (Again, we had been inside last time ).

We then spent way too long searching for a place to dine in the overwhelming, never-ending crowds. It was time to retire, pack our things and get ready for the long drive back.

Contrary to the drive down , this time we left early and made excellent time. Little N was mostly cooperative, the drive was pretty uneventful, and we were happy to get back to “small town” Guadalajara.

Tips for Travel to Mexico City with a Baby

Here are a few more tips for travel to Mexico City with a baby:

As I mentioned in the post about exploring the Templo Mayor , take a baby carrier ! This is the most important tip I have.
In addition, most places required us to store the stroller (when we had it) along with our bags, so be prepared for that.
Other than that, typical travel tips apply to Mexico City. Beware of pickpockets in this very large city.
As in all of Mexico, drink only bottled water. And enjoy! There is something so unique about this huge megalopolis.

Have you taken your baby to museums? How did it go? Thoughts on Mexico City?

Mexico City still on your bucket list? Save this post for later!

The Ultimate Mexico Packing List- Don’t Forget These Essentials!

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Planning a trip to Mexico but not sure what to pack? We have you covered with this comprehensive Mexico packing list!

We’ve been to Mexico several times and have learned through trial and error which items are essential and which ones you can do without. We’ll break it all down for you in this article.

Obviously Mexico is a large country, and your packing list will vary depending on whether you’re spending your time at a resort, off touring ancient ruins, or exploring some of the more rural villages. In this list we’ve included a general packing list that will cover a variety of travel scenarios in Mexico, which you can adapt to fit your trip. We’ve also included a section on what to pack for Mexico with kids, as we’ve had some great trips to Mexico with our young kids as well.

In this article we’ll break down everything you need for an amazing trip to Mexico so you can stop worrying about what to pack and get back to planning all the adventures you have ahead of you!

Packing List for Mexico

In this section, we’ll break down the items you should include on your Mexico packing list by category. If you’d rather see a simplified version, you can find the packing list overview at the end of the post. This list will cover the items you need to pack to make sure you’re not forgetting anything important for your trip!

Packing Essentials

Luggage. The type of luggage that you bring will depend a lot on the type of trip that you’re planning. If you plan on spending most of your time at a resort, a rolling suitcase is convenient and easy to manage going through the airport and to and from the resort. However, if you’re planning on changing locations frequently or visiting more rural locations, you might want to consider a travel backpack. We’ve loved our Osprey travel backpacks (I have the Fairview 40 and my husband has the Porter ) for trips where we’re packing light.

Packing cubes. Packing cubes make organizing your clothes soooo much easier, especially when you’re traveling with kids. You can easily find and repack everyone’s clothes without having to dig through the entire suitcase.

Compression bags. If you’re tight on space, compression bags free up a lot of room in your luggage. We find them especially helpful for fitting more into a travel backpack.

Shorts/pants . Plan on bringing several pairs of shorts to keep you cool in the Mexico heat. If you’re planning on being in the city or less touristy areas it’s also a good idea to bring some light pants too, as it’s typical for locals to dress more conservatively.

Shirts. Plan on packing shirts that are lightweight and not prone to wrinkles.

Dresses. Dresses and skirts are the perfect clothes for keeping cool in hot weather while still looking fashionable.

Underwear/socks. Enough said. Don’t forget your underwear.

Light sweater. While the days can be quite hot, the evenings can get cool and breezy. Bring a light sweater or jacket so that you don’t get chilly when you’re out in the evening or at night.

Rain coat. If your visit is during the rainy season, plan for the weather. A light rain jacket is convenient to have on hand, especially if you’re caught out and about when a rainstorm hits. Then you don’t have to miss a beat but can keep exploring despite the rain. Make sure the rain coat isn’t too heavy as the temperature will likely still be quite warm.

Pajamas. Bring one or two pairs of lightweight pajamas or loungewear.

Shoes. Make sure you have a pair of comfortable shoes to wear, as many of the best experiences in Mexico require a bit of walking. Whether you’re exploring the Mayan ruins or spending a day at one of the eco parks, you don’t want to be slowed down by uncomfortable shoes and sore feet. Plan on bring a pair of shoes that are comfortable for hiking as well as a stylish pair of sandals for resort wear and fancier outings. And if you plan on spending a lot of time at the pool or beach, flip flops are convenient to have on hand. They’re easy to get on and off, waterproof, and don’t collect sand like some other shoes.

Semi-formal attire. Especially if you’re staying at a resort, make sure you bring a fancier outfit or two for a nice evening meal. Most of the restaurants at resorts have an evening dress code, which means that you can’t show up in your swimwear from the pool. You’ll find that most guests bring more formal attire for dinner, and it’s a fun experience to be able to dress up a bit at night.

Toiletries/personal care items

Toiletry bag . A hanging toiletry bag is a convenient way to store your toiletries for easy access, especially if you don’t have a lot of counter space. I have this toiletry bag and it easily fits all of my toiletries and makeup in one easy-to-access case.

Toiletries. Bring whatever toiletries you feel necessary for your trip, taking into account that if you’re staying at a resort they will have many of the basics like shampoo and conditioner, lotion, etc. Some items you might want to include: toothbrush/paste (if you want to be extra cautious, be sure to rinse your mouth with filtered water when brushing your teeth) , face wash/lotion, makeup, a razor, feminine hygiene products, and hair products and accessories ( leave-in conditioner is great for protecting your hair from drying out from the salty water and sun).

Contacts/Solutions/Glasses. You’ll want to make sure you can see the amazing sights in Mexico, so don’t forget to bring contacts and glasses if you wear them! If you wear contacts, plan on bringing an extra pair or two just in case you lose or damage yours.

Medicine/vitamins . If you have medications, make sure to pack some in your carryon back in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Keep prescription medication in the original bottle.

First aid kit . Pack some basic first aid items, like band aids and Advil so that you won’t have to miss a beat if you get minor scrapes or a headache.

Electronics

Kindle. A Kindle loaded up with good books is a must for me when traveling. Not only is it a great way to pass the time on the plane, reading a good book is also a perfect activity for relaxing on the beach or by the pool.

Computer/tablet and chargers. Remember to bring whatever computers, tablets, etc that you want along with chargers.

Power bank. A portable fast charging power bank can be hugely helpful in keeping your phone charged when you’re out and about and using it all day long. I found that the battery on my phone would die before the end of the day because I was using it so much to take pictures and videos, navigate, and look up information about activities and attractions. We rented a car while we were in Mexico and let me tell you, when you’re navigating in the middle of nowhere is not the time you want your phone to die on you! Bring a power bank to make sure that your phone stays charged and usable all day.

Headphones. Don’t forget your headphones for watching/listening during downtime on the plane or by the pool. Noise cancelling headphones are also helpful for blocking out ambient sounds on the plane.

Items for outings

Backpack for day trip. Bring a lightweight backpack for day trips and hikes. You’ll want to have a way to carry the essentials (snack, sunscreen, bug spray, jacket, umbrella, etc.) with you while leaving your luggage at your accommodations. The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is a nice option, as it is sturdy and lightweight but packs down into a tiny carrying case.

Insect repellant. If you’re spending all your time at a resort, you likely won’t need insect repellent. However, if you’ll be spending time in forested areas (like the areas where the ruins are located), you’re bound to come across some mosquitoes. Bug repellent wipes are convenient for travel because they save you space and weight in your luggage and are easy to have on hand when you need them.

Water bottle. You’ll definitely want to bring a water bottle so that you can always have water on hand during your trip. The water in Mexico is not safe to drink, so a filtered water bottle is a great way to make sure you’re always drinking filtered water while reducing waste from disposable plastic bottles.

Electrolyte packets. Depending on when you’re visiting, it can get EXTREMELY hot in Mexico. If you’re out and about all day it can be very helpful to have some additional electrolytes to make sure everyone stays hydrated. We always bring Liquid IV when we travel and love the variety of flavors (our favorite is the passionfruit) in addition to the electrolyte boost. Apparently it’s also a great hangover cure, but we don’t drink so I can’t provide firsthand knowledge of that claim. Of course this is not a replacement for drinking lots of water, but it does help to provide some additional hydration.

Cooling towels. We were in Mexico during the hot season and were so glad that we had brought some cooling wraps for when we were exploring the ruins. In the heat of the day it was almost unbearably hot, but wrapping these wet towels around our necks made a huge difference in our body temperature and comfort level.

Cell phone holder. You’ll definitely want to be able to take lots of pictures of your adventures and a cell phone holder can be a helpful way to get the best shot. This flexible cell phone stand can be used as a tripod or wrapped around a bar, tree, etc. to hold it in place to get that perfect picture. It’s also compact and weighs in at only 8 ounces, making it ideal for travel.

Umbrella. Like I mentioned above, rainstorms are quite common and can sometimes catch you unawares. An umbrella can be useful to have on hand to prevent you from getting drenched and allow you to continue with your planned activities despite the rain. The good news is that rain storms tend to pass quickly, so hopefully if you are caught in rain it doesn’t last too long. If you’re visiting in the dry season you probably don’t have to worry about bringing an umbrella.

Masks. In most places in Mexico, masks are no longer required. However, there are some places that still do require them, like the airport and the entrance to Chichen Itza. Be sure to bring a couple of masks so that you’re not caught in a situation where you need one but don’t have one.

Pack of tissues. Bring a pack of tissues for those inevitable occasions where you come across bathrooms that don’t have toilet paper.

Travel Documents

Passport. Obviously the most important items to bring with you on any trip are your travel documents. Be sure to check that your passport is still valid if you haven’t checked in a while. We had an unfortunate incident with an expired passport that makes me forever terrified of forgetting to update our passports. Mexico does not have a six-month rule for passports, so your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay.

Driver’s license. If you’re renting a car in Mexico , don’t forget your driver’s license. As long as you have a driver’s license from your own country and a valid passport you can drive in Mexico.

Flight/travel information . Bring a copy of your flight details and information about your accommodations in case you’re in a situation where your phone dies or you can’t access that information.

Vaccination card . Most places don’t require proof of vaccination, but it’s still useful to have available in case it’s asked for.

Money/credit cards . Many places in Mexico do take credit cards, which is a convenient way to do transactions. You’ll also want to have pesos on hand because many places do not take credit cards. Bring some pesos with you or US dollars that you can exchange into pesos (some places will actually take US dollars as well). We found that the exchange rate was actually better in Mexico than it was in the US.

Swimming/Beach

Biodegradable sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must when traveling to Mexico, regardless of the activities you have planned. When purchasing your sunscreen, make sure to get the reef safe variety. Not only is it important for protecting the ecosystems in the coral reefs, cenotes, and underground rivers, but there are actually federal regulations prohibiting the use of nonbiodegradable sunscreen in many of the marine parks in Mexico. The biodegradable sunscreen breaks down naturally in the environment, reducing the damage to the fragile coral reefs. While you can purchase sunscreen there, it is typically more expensive.

Quick dry towel. Quick dry towels are a helpful addition to any beach vacation. Because they dry quickly, they are ready for your next use and don’t weigh down your luggage like wet towels do. This probably won’t be as necessary if you’re staying solely at a resort, as they typically have towels for you to use there.

Beach bag. Make sure to bring a bag for the pool or beach, as you’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the water while in Mexico. We love this beach bag due to it’s size, sturdiness, and mesh material which doesn’t trap sand. We can fit everything we need for five people in there and it’s served us well for countless vacations.

Swimsuit/cover up. You’ll definitely want to include a swimsuit on your Mexico packing list, as there are so many amazing places to swim! Whether it’s in a resort pool, a crystal-clear cenote, or a white sand beach, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to spend time in the water during your trip. If you’ll be doing a lot of swimming, you might want to consider bringing an extra swimsuit so that you can have a dry one to wear if the other is still wet from the previous day. There’s nothing worse than putting on a wet swimsuit!

Sun hat and sunglasses. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or exploring Mayan ruins, you’ll need protection from the sun. Pack your sunglasses and sun hat to keep you safe from those UV rays. This sunhat is my absolute favorite for travel because it can be folded up and packed in a suitcase, but it bounces right back into shape once you take it out. I’ve taken it on countless trips and it still looks like it did when I bought it despite having been stuffed in a suitcase over and over. It also comes in different sizes, actually stays on my head even when it’s windy, and has a removable chin strap. Best hat ever.

Mexico Packing List for Kids

If you’re traveling to Mexico with kids, there are obviously going to be some additional items that you need to bring along. We’ve been to Mexico several times with our kids, and I’ve included below a list of the essential items you don’t want to leave off of your packing list!

Shirts . Pack several lightweight shirts that aren’t prone to wrinkling.

Shorts/pants . Bring several pairs of shorts to combat the heat as well as one or two pairs of pants for cooler evenings or nicer occasions.

Dresses . Lightweight dresses are a great option for girls. A dress can be used as a swimsuit cover, a cool and comfortable outfit for hot days, or a more dressy outfit for a nice dinner.

Underwear/socks . Bring enough underwear for your stay, plus a few extra.

Pajamas . We typically bring a couple of pairs of kids pajamas in case of a nighttime accident.

Jacket . The weather can get chilly in the evenings or on stormy days, so bring a jacket in case it’s needed. It can also come in handy if your child is cold after swimming.

Comfy walking shoes. Comfortable shoes for your kids are a must when visiting Mexico. This is especially true if you’re visiting the ruins or someplace where you have to walk a lot. When we visited Xcaret Park we realized that we weren’t prepared for a lot of walking and one of our kids ended up with a blister on his foot from wearing his crocs all day. Set your kids up for success by making sure they have a pair of shoes that are comfortable to wear all day long.

Flip flops/crocs. Bring a pair of shoes that can get wet at the pool or beach, such as flip flops or, our kids’ favorite, crocs.

Set of nicer clothes. If you’re staying at a resort, bring a set of nicer clothes for evening meals.

Diapers/wipes . While you can purchase diapers and wipes after you arrive, I typically find it easier to just bring all I will need with me if it’s a shorter trip. It just saves you some time so you don’t have to stop at the store.

Toothbrush/toothpaste . Remember to use filtered water when brushing teeth, as the water in Mexico is not safe for consumption.

Medicine . It’s always a good idea to travel with some Children’s Tylenol, just in case your child ends up getting sick. I also like to bring along a thermometer and nasal aspirator when I’m traveling with a baby or toddler as well, just for piece of mind. And I’ve actually had to use them more times then you’d think!

Hand sanitizer/wipes . Have some hand sanitizer on hand so that your kids can sanitize their hands before eating and at other regular intervals. Sanitizing wipes are also great for sterilizing airplane trays, doorknobs, handles, armrests, etc.

Swimsuit . Consider bringing an extra swimsuit or two if you plan on doing a lot of swimming so that you don’t have to change your child into a wet swim suit each day. We prefer the rash guard swim suits so that we don’t have to put on as much sunscreen.

Sand toys. If you plan on visiting the beach with young kids, a bag of sand toys is one travel item that is definitely worth the luggage space. Our kids can spend hours playing with sand toys on the beach and it makes for a much more relaxing beach experience for us when we don’t have to be entertaining them constantly. We love this set because it has a variety of sand items and includes a collapsible bucket. It has served us well for many beach trips all over the world!

Snorkel set . If you want to snorkel with your kids in Mexico, plan on bringing a snorkel set or your child. Even places that have snorkel sets for use or rent might not have the right size for your child. It’s easiest to bring a set that you know fits and that your child is comfortable with. The sets with separate goggles and snorkel tubes tend to be safer and more reliable the full-face sets.

Beach blanket. For visits to the beach with young kids, and especially a baby, I highly recommend bringing a sand-proof beach blanket . This was a game-changer for me when our youngest was little. Finally I had a place to set my baby where he could roll around without getting covered in sand! Plus this one is lightweight and huge! It’s big enough to easily fit the whole family but packs down incredibly compactly. And it doesn’t attract sand, so you can just shake it off and stow it when you’re done without taking half the beach with you.

Swim diapers. For children that aren’t yet potty trained, swim diapers are a must. You can always use the disposable kind , but reusable swim diapers take up less space in your luggage (because you don’t have to bring as many) plus they’re better for the environment!

Baby carrier. If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, you’ll definitely want to bring a baby carrier so you can easily transport your child while exploring ruins, marine parks, and other destination in Mexico. If you plan on sticking to the resort you could probably get by with a stroller, but a stroller isn’t practical in a lot of places where roads are bumpy or you’re exploring off the beaten path. Our Ergobaby Omni 360 has served us so well for both our babies and toddlers when traveling, I would never go on a trip without it!

Water shoes. Water shoes can come in very handy for kids in Mexico, especially if you’re planning on visiting any of the cenotes.

Wet/dry bag. Wet/dry bags are convenient for storing dry clothes while you’re swimming and swimsuits when they’re wet. They also are great for diapers or dirty clothes.

Floatie. Keep young children safe by bringing a life jacket or floatie if they aren’t confident swimmers yet. It will provide you with piece of mind and help keep you child safe so everyone can have more fun.

Sun hat . Sun hats are ideal for protecting the skin from UV rays and helping kids to stay a little cooler. This kids’ sun hat is breathable and quick drying, with a chin strap to help it stay on.

Sunscreen. You’ll definitely want some sunscreen to protect your kiddo’s skin. Our favorite brand is Blue Lizard because it provides great coverage and protection but is free from many of the harmful chemicals that you’ll find in a lot of sunscreens.

What not to bring to Mexico

Expensive jewelry. When visiting Mexico, plan on leaving expensive and flashy items of jewelry at home (unless you’re only staying on a resort, and then it probably doesn’t matter as much). These items make you a target when you’re traveling and it’s not worth the risk of them getting lost or stolen.

Large sums of cash. Just like with the jewelry, carrying large amounts of cash on your person can set you up as a target and make you vulnerable to theft. You’ll want to carry cash with you, as not everywhere accepts credit cards, but be sure it’s not a crazy amount of cash that could be lost or stolen.

Travel adaptor . A travel adaptor is not something you need to include on your Mexico packing list if you’re coming from the US. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V, which is compatible with the US 120V electronics and appliances.

Overview of Mexico packing list

Shorts/pants
Dresses/skirts
Underwear/socks
Light sweater
Semi formal outfit
Walking shoes

Toiletries/Personal care items

Toiletry bag
Toothbrush/paste
Face wash/lotion
Feminine hygiene products
Hair products/accessories
Contacts/Solution/Glasses
Medicine/vitamins
First aid kit

Travel documents

Driver’s license
Computer/tablet/chargers
Backpack for day trip
Insect repellent
Filtered water bottle
Electrolyte packets
Cooling towels
Cell phone holder
Pack of tissues
Biodegradable sunscreen
Quick dry towel
Swim suit(s)
Swim suit cover up

Overview of Mexico packing list for kids

Comfy walking shoes
Flip flops/crocs
Set of nicer clothes
Diapers/wipes
Hand sanitizer/wipes
Snorkel set
Beach blanket
Swim diapers
Baby carrier
Water shoes
Wet/dry bag

Final Thoughts

Planning a trip is always full of stressors, but worry about forgetting an important item doesn’t have to be one of them! With this Mexico packing list, you can be confident that you have all the essentials for an incredible trip to Mexico.

Latest Posts

What is a Travel Coach?

Our advice for a car rental in the Riviera Maya in Mexico

What to foresee when traveling with baby to Mexico?

Traveling with a baby can be a challenge, especially in Mexico, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your family vacation. Mexico, especially the Quintana Roo region, is a popular destination for families, offering a variety of sites and activities suitable for little ones and babies.

Where to go in Mexico with a baby? Where is it safe to go in Mexico?

Mexico is a fascinating and diverse country that offers many destinations for family travel with a baby. It is important to take certain safety precautions to ensure a safe trip but here are some destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula and activities to do with your baby and young children:

Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum : these are beach towns located in the Yucatán Peninsula offering white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and many family activities including water parks, zoos and museums.
Paradise Islands: You can enjoy beautiful paradise islands like Contoy , Holbox and Isla Mujeres with your children.
Bacalar: a lagoon with 7 colors ideal to amaze your baby in the calm.
Parks: The parks are an excellent choice for families with babies for the choice and diversity of activities like Xcaret , Xel Ha , Xenses and Xoximilco .
Archaeological sites: Mexico is full of cultural sites such as Chichen Itza , Coba , Ek Balam and the ruins of Tulum that are easily accessible if you have a baby carrier.
Cenotes: are natural freshwater wells, usually surrounded by lush vegetation and offering a unique experience for visitors of all ages, including babies. The cenote of Casa Tortuga is ideal for families.
Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas: are popular tourist destinations in the Yucatan region accessible to the whole family.
Sian Ka’an : is a unique biosphere reserve not to be missed in Mexico suitable for all ages.

Be careful not to go out into the streets at night with your baby in dark streets. Visiting remote jungle areas like Calakmul for example is far from everything and requires organization.

When to go to Mexico with your family?

The best time to travel to Mexico with your family depends on your preferences and the place you wish to visit. In general, the peak tourist season in Mexico is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny, which is ideal for outdoor activities. This period can be very crowded and prices for accommodations and activities can be higher.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and high prices, the low tourist season, which runs from May to October, may be a better option. This period is also the rainy season and temperatures can be higher and more humid.

If you are traveling with a baby, it may be best to avoid the hottest months of the year, May through October, when temperatures can be very high in some parts of Mexico.

The best time to travel with a baby is probably December through February, when temperatures are cooler and more pleasant for little ones.

To learn more about the best time to travel to Mexico, see our article on “ What is the best time to travel to Mexico? “.

In summary, the best time to travel to Mexico with your family depends on your climate preferences, your budget and the place you wish to visit. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before you leave and to book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak tourist season.

What are the requirements for traveling to Mexico with a baby?

Preparation before the trip.

Before traveling to Mexico with your baby, it is important to take a few precautions to ensure a safe and stress-free trip. Here are some tips:

Check immunizations: Make sure your baby is up to date on his or her immunizations, especially for diseases such as measles, chicken pox and hepatitis A and B.
Get a passport for your baby: If you are traveling to Mexico with your baby, he or she will need a passport. Passport applications can take several weeks, so be sure to apply in advance.
Pack a first aid kit: Don’t forget to pack a first aid kit for your baby, with medicine for earaches, fevers and nausea. It is also important to pack enough diapers, wipes, sunscreen and insect repellent.
The usual products: you can take with you all the products for your baby such as bottles, powdered milk, diapers, pacifiers, a blanket, toys, wipes and childcare equipment (difficult to find here).
If you want to go for a walk, the easiest way is to have a baby carrier.

Our tips for traveling with a baby in Mexico

Now that you are ready for your trip, here are some tips to make your stay in Mexico enjoyable for you and your baby:

Opt for family-friendly accommodations: many hotels and resorts in Mexico offer family-friendly facilities, such as cribs, air conditioning, high chairs and children’s play areas.
Avoid overloading the day: Try not to overload your schedule with activities to enjoy without your baby getting tired or stressed.
Medical care in Mexico: Medical care here is, despite preconceived notions, of good quality.
To learn more about the different medical services in Mexico, click here . You will find the testimony of a mother who had a problem with her child in Mexico.

Traveling with a baby to Mexico is possible and can be a memorable experience for the whole family. By taking the necessary pre-trip precautions, choosing the right dates and accommodations, and planning baby-friendly activities, you can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable trip. Whether you choose to relax on the beaches or explore cultural sites, Mexico offers a variety of options for families with babies.

So pack your bags and head out on a family adventure!

Don’t hesitate to contact our travel coaches to find out about all of our excursions and tips for your trip.

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10-month-old girl abducted from New Mexico park after mother, another woman found dead, police say

An Amber Alert was issued for a 10-month-old girl after the baby's mother and another woman were discovered dead and a 5-year-old was found injured in a New Mexico park.

The Clovis Police Department issued the Amber Alert for Eleia Maria Torres on Friday after officers were dispatched to Ned Houk Park near Clovis around 4:30 p.m. in response to a 911 call about a person finding two deceased women.

New Mexico State Police said they do not have a suspect at this time but believe the person was driving a maroon Honda.

Officers found the women lying on the ground near a silver Dodge minivan, Clovis police said in a Facebook statement . They had apparently been shot.A 5-year-old girl was found suffering from a gunshot wound to her head, according to statements from Clovis police and state police. She was taken to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas, about 100 miles southeast of Clovis.

At the scene was also an infant car seat, an infant stroller and a small baby bottle, police said.

"Officers were concerned there was an infant child with the female victims when this incident happened," Clovis police said.

Officers immediately began searching for Eleia but could not find her.

The women were identified by police as Samantha Cisneros, the mother of both children, and Taryn Allen. Both women were 23 and from Texico, New Mexico.

Authorities believe Eleia was abducted by the perpetrator "and is in immediate danger," Clovis police said.

"Many details about this incident are unknown and under investigation, but of urgent concern is the whereabouts of Eleia Maria Torres," state police said.

Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Amber Alert issued after 2 women found dead, child injured in New Mexico park

Police in New Mexico issued an Amber Alert after two women were found dead in a park near Clovis on Friday and a 10-month-old baby was discovered missing.

Investigators believe the baby, Eleia Maria Torres, a daughter of one of the shooting victims, was abducted by the perpetrator at the time of the crime and is in immediate danger. Police described Eleia as 28 inches tall, and weighing 23 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair.

An Amber alert for Eleia was active Saturday morning.

Two women found dead, child injured in Ned Houk Park

Police were called to Ned Houk Park north of Clovis, New Mexico, at about 4:30 p.m. Friday, from a person who found two women dead. Officers who responded found the victims on the ground next to a silver Dodge minivan with gunshot wounds on their bodies, police said.

Officers also found a young girl at the scene with a gunshot wound to the head.

Police treated the child until Emergency Medical Services arrived to the scene to take the child to a hospital.

There was no immediate update on the girl's condition.

Police ID shooting victims

The two females were identified as Taryn Allen, 23, and Samantha Cisneros, 23. Both females were from Texico, New Mexico, about 10 miles east of Clovis. Officers found a baby stroller, bottle and car seat at the scene.

Eleia is Cisneros' daughter, police said.

If anyone has any information about the incident in Ned Houk Park, you are encouraged to contact the Clovis Police Department at 575–769–1921. For anyone that would like to remain anonymous can contact the police department tip411 program by going to www.police.cityofclovis.org .

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

Mexico Resorts with Baby Clubs

Mexico is so great for a family vacation. It’s a big country with a vibrant and warm culture. Additionally, there are plenty of accommodation options at very different price points and with a wide range of amenities.

Many resorts have rooms able to fit larger families with three kids or more, and most can arrange private babysitting. While a baby-friendly resort does not necessarily have to have special baby facilities, finding a Mexico resort with a baby club is a definite bonus.

Table of Contents

Baby Clubs, Not Just Babysitting…

The bonus of a baby club means you can often just pop by for an hour or two when it suits your schedule and/or your baby’s routine.

If your baby is an easy napper, you may want to drop them off at naptime. They’re supervised while they sleep, and you can steal a few moments to yourselves. Or perhaps you’d feel more comfortable letting your baby play in a safe, supervised, and air-conditioned area during awake time, so you could hit the beach for a snooze or a snorkel. Either way, if you’re comfortable enough to leave your little one in the care of others, it’s nice to have that option.

Baby Clubs at resorts vary widely in terms of amenities and services available, and also – cost. In Mexico, all of these resorts have their baby club included, with the exception of Baby Club Med at Club Med Ixtapa Pacific .

Mexico Resorts with Baby Clubs…

There is plenty of information out there for resorts in Mexico. But, places with actual baby clubs are not that easy to find.

I waded through them all to find Mexico resorts with baby clubs who will care for infants and toddlers 0-4 years of age. Unlike in Jamaica or Cuba , there are few that take very young babies.

For most of the resorts with baby clubs in Mexico, children need to be at least one year of age

Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs
Dominican Republic Resorts with Baby Clubs
Jamaica Resorts with Baby Clubs

Resorts with Baby Clubs in Cancun:

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Crown Paradise Cancun

In addition to the Kid’s Paradise Program with daily activities for children aged 4 to 12, the Crown Paradise Cancun has a Baby Paradise Program for babies aged 18 months to 3 years. The Crown Paradise Cancun is located about 20 minutes from the Cancun Airport, and 11 miles from downtown Cancun.

In addition to their supervised programs, there is also a water park with a pirate ship and eight water slides. There is also mini golf and a game room.

Baby Club Basics:

Cost: Included
Age: 18 – 36 months

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Crown Paradise Club Cancun at TripAdvisor

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Seadust Cancun Family Resort

Only 15 minutes from the Cancun airport, the Seadust Cancun Family Resort (formerly known as Great Parnassus ) has big rooms and is very family friendly.

Open from 9 AM to 9 PM, the Baby Club (18 months to 3 years old) provides supervised care and activities for baby. There’s baby pool time, face painting, magic story time, baby aqua-aerobics, coloring, sand castle building, and more.

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Seadust Cancun Family Resort at TripAdvisor

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Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda

I had the pleasure of staying at the Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda a few years back on a press trip. I was surprised to discover that they offered a mini-club for children as young as two. The area was shaded, the indoor part was clean and air-conditioned, and the (then) new cribs were well-taken care of. Additionally, children did not need to be potty-trained, and the staff seemed caring and fun.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda is located about halfway between Cancun airport and the town of Playa Del Carmen.

Now there are conflicting reports as to whether or not they will accept children as young as two. Therefore, if a baby club is an essential amenity for your vacation, you might want to confirm directly or give this place a miss.

Age: 24 months & up

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda at TripAdvisor

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Grand Palladium

There are actually four Grand Palladium resorts in the Riviera Maya. There’s the Grand Palladium Colonial , the Grand Palladium Kantenah , the Grand Palladium Riviera , and the Grand Palladium White Sand .

The resorts are located across the Riviera Maya in Puerto Juarez (Colonial and Kantenah) and Chetumal (Riviera and White Sand). While the properties have unique facilities and decor, they all share the baby club.

The baby club takes in little ones aged 1-3.

Age: 12 – 36 months

Check out the Trip Advisor reviews and pricing for the following Grand Palladium resorts in Riviera Maya:

Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa
Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa
The Grand Palladium Riviera Princess Resort & Spa
Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa

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Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda

The Paradisus Cancun offers a baby play space off of their Family Concierge Lounge, but no actual baby club.

However, the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda offers included daycare service for children between the ages of 12 months and 4 years.

It’s open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.

Age: 12 months – 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Paradisus La Esmeralda at TripAdvisor

Resorts with Baby Clubs in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo :

Club Med Ixtapa Pacific

We were very fortunate to be guests of Club Med Ixtapa Pacific when it first re-opened after a major renovation a few years back. It was incredible. And, because they love it so much, a colleague of mine has been returning annually with his family.

Club Med Ixtapa Pacific ‘s facilities are amazing. But, the Baby Club Med and the Petit Club (for infants four months to three-year-olds) come at an extra cost. (The Mini Club for kids four and older is included). The clubs are run by international G.O.s, and they are lovely, fun, and caring.

However, the additional fee is roughly US $100 per day. It seems steep but, for occasional use, the level of care is outstanding.

Cost: Approx. US $100/day
Age: 4-23mos. for Baby Club; 24mos.-4 years for Petit Club

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Club Med Ixtapa Pacific at TripAdvisor

Resorts with Baby Clubs in Puerto Vallarta :

Grand Palladium Vallarta

The Grand Palladium Vallarta is located on Banderas Bay. It’s just 20km from the airport in Puerto Vallarta.

As with the Grand Palladium resorts in the Riviera Maya (and Jamaica , and Dominican Republic ) the Grand Palladium Vallarta baby club is for babies and toddlers aged 1-3.

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say Grand Palladium Vallarta at TripAdvisor

Melia Vallarta

The Melia Vallarta is only a 5-minute ride from the airport and it’s 10 minutes to downtown Puerto Vallarta. The resort is located in a great neighbourhood, overlooking the marina.

The kids’ activities at Melia Puerto Vallarta are Flintstones-themed. And the children are cared for by certified babysitters with Red Cross First-Aid training.

Supervised care is offered for children from 4 months to 4 years old.

Additionally, this resort is also 100% smoke-free!

Age: 4 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Melia Puerto Vallarta at TripAdvisor

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Resorts with Baby Clubs in Mexico and the Caribbean
The 10 Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers
Planning Your First Trip with Baby
Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
Tips for Visiting Mexico and the Caribbean with a Baby or Toddler
Travel Vaccinations for Babies & Toddlers

39 Responses to Mexico Resorts with Baby Clubs

hi i have twin boys who will be 18months by feb and a 3year old. we are looking to go away in febuary for a week to somewhere with an included baby club! we dont want to pay too much. we like the idea of mexico but basically anywhere in the caribean except dominican. our main thing is somewhere for the kids to go for a few hours every day!!

Do they check your child’s passports to make sure they are of age? Our youngest will be 11 months but looks 18 months.

Hi there, If I recall correctly, when you sign your baby into the club(s) for the first time they do require a piece of ID to confirm who they are. The age requirement is usually based on the level of care the resort employees are equipped to provide. An 11-month-old has different needs than an 18-month-old.

Just looking into travelling with our 11 month old to grand palladium Vallarta and wanted to know what the baby club was like and included, also how were the baby amenities. ThANKS

We are thinking of going to Mexico in Sept/Oct with our 10 months old, but we can’t figure out how to keep him entertained while in Mexico. Specifically, where would he crawl? Are we to keep him in our arms the entire trip? What do people traveling with babies normally do on vacation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Kate! Your little guy will love crawling in the sand, going for walks, splashing at the beach or pool… Ten months is a great age for his first vacation! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch or pop by Facebook and we can chat with some other traveling families 🙂

Hi, we are going to Mexico with our 5 year old and 1 year old (just 12 months) and I and totally stumped on how to go in the cab to town. If we bring the car seat do we have to carry it around town? Or can they bring car seats in the cab if we request?

Hi Brenna! On our past trips to both Mexico and Cuba, we made arrangements with cab drivers to take us into town (we installed the car seats) and then pick us up at a specified time and place. Usually they just put the seat in the trunk when we were off and then we re-installed it when they picked us up. We did this about five times in different places. We ask the concierge or front desk staff for taxi driver recommendations. Good luck!

Another family and ours are looking for somewhere with a lot of activities for young kids (2 and under) but we don’t necessarily want to leave them there to be supervised by others. Are these activities available for use if we prefer to stay with our children? Are there different resorts than those listed which provide a lot of activities but not babysitting?

Great round up! I can also vouch for Azul Beach Hotel in Riviera Maya. It’s a smaller, boutique all-inclusive, so their baby club is more one-on-one and personalized, and they lend free toys and gear to rooms, too.

I’m a little sad my kids are no longer babies and can’t attend these sweet baby clubs. These look fab!

thanks for the tip on the Grand Palladium Vallarta. Link goes to booking.com but no results to that hotel, fyi.

Thanks for the heads up, John! It works ok for me?

Surprised you missed the Karisma resorts – Azul Beach, Azul Fives, Sensatori, etc. All have kids clubs with babysitting

Kids’ Clubs, though, not baby clubs. Most Karisma resorts don’t take kids under 4 for their daily programming. Elsewhere I DO espouse the awesomeness of these properties for vacations with babies, they just don’t have baby clubs.

Hi, do you know what the maximum age for Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda baby is? I can’t find that information anywhere. Thank you 🙂

Hi Casian! Looks like kids club is up until 12 years of age, and there’s a teen club for 12-17. Have a great trip!!

I’m really about going to Mexico. I haven’t made a a decision as to which Resort I’m going to stay and I have A 2 year old and a 15 year old but he still needs to be supervised I don’t know if they have a kids club where I can let him sit in with her? I’m extremely nervous about leaving her with strangers and in a strange Place we’ve never been before let alone another country. However, I really am going to need some space at least for one day period any comments or suggestions question. Thanks in advance

The larger resort chains like Beaches and Grand Palladium also have teen programming. Do you know where in Mexico you’re thinking of visiting?

Hi I have booked travel for my family to Cuba Varadero and Havana. I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter. We want to book a resort in Varadero with a toddler club. I have spent weeks and months trying to find a decent resort. I have read so many bad reviews with the Melia resorts and the ones from this website. Most of the resorts with toddler clubs have bad reviews with service, food, and cleanliness. I am afraid to go to a 5 start hotel that has bed bugs. Can you please tell me if you stayed in a decent place in Varadero with a toddler club recently. I’m just stuck and wondering if i should just take the loss on my flights and cancel the trip to Cuba. I’m booked for the last two weeks in December 2017. I would appreciate anyone’s help please. I am looking and reading reviews on Trip Advisor and booking.com and reading over 100 of reviews.

thank you, Sbeen

Hey Corinne, thanks for the info, just wondering how current it is? Does the Paradisus La Esmaralda still have baby club (supervised for 12mo. to 3 years) while the Paradisus Cancun does not (requires parent supervision for that age range?)

Hi Trenton! Yes, it seems La Esmeralda has baby care for as children as young as 12mos. from 9am to 10pm, and Paradisus Cancun has the Family Concierge option but no kids or baby clubs. Babysitting can be arranged for a fee. Hope that helps!

Hello, We are hoping to find a resort that will accommodate an 8 month old as well as a 3.5 year old anywhere in the mayan riviera, would you have any suggestions? Thanks!!

Hi Andrea! In that area there are plenty of resorts with good facilities for a baby of that age, but the ones with included baby clubs only start at 12mos. I will take a look again as I am working on some more content for that area in the next few days 🙂

Are there any in Cozumel? Thanks!

None in Cozumel yet that I could find. Will keep you posted 🙂

I just stayed at the Azul Ixtapa and found the baby room was really tailored to babies and toddlers and not so much three and four year olds. So it seems like it would be a little dull for kids that age. The toys were bright plastic ones (xylophones and the little cars they can drive around in) and the tv was blasting (they did turn it off when I asked). I only ever saw one tiny baby in there although I was told there were ten kids in there one day. The staff seemed nice enough. There is a small outdoor play area that just had one little slide in it. They are closed from 1-2pm for lunch.

Thank for the feedback, Jenna!

Is there any resort for under 3 in Cabo that has kids clubs?

We just came back from the Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda with our two ½ years old. We booked there in part because there was a baby club. Unfortunately, they don’t accept babies anymore, any kids under four years old. And it is only when you get there that you learn it …

Oh that sucks, Katherine–thanks for the update.

Yes, likewise, i just came back from Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda also with my 3.5 year old, expecting to be able to leave him but they now require $15/hr for babysitting younger than 4. They haven’t updated their website with that information either and quite ticked they haven’t as that’s why we chose that resort.

Thank you for this update! I will update the post.

Hi, I would like to know if you know the rates for baby sitting in the room for the Grand Palladium Colonial. Just 1h for romentic dinner. We would like to go with our 15 month old.

Hello Corrine,

Thanks for putting this website together! I am interested in taking my family of four (wife and two children aged 4 and 2) to PV or Cabo in the coming month or two. I am happy to splurge a little bit and was interested to get your thoughts on a couple high end resorts that you could recommend. Thanks in advance.

Hi there. Any baby clubs in the Cabo area? Thanks!

Hello — Great listing! My wife and I are hoping to take a trip with our 9 month old son. We are looking to go really anywhere in Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica with either a baby club, or babysitting for an extra fee–I don’t mind paying. Do you have a few suggestions of all inclusive resorts that would accommodate our little guy for a few hours a day?

Curious which would be the most luxury resort that has baby club 18months and up? Luxury in terms of both property, food and service.

Club Med wouldn’t be considered luxury, I think, however with an upgraded room it’s extremely comfortable and the food and service are amazing. Beyond that I’d suggest maybe the Azul resorts however they don’t offer infant care. Beaches is amazing but in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, not Mexico.

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Live updates, callum robinson, australian surfer slain in mexico, left girlfriend heartbreaking voicemail before death: ‘just thinking about you’.

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The devastated girlfriend of Australian surfer Callum Robinson revealed a heartbreaking voice message he had left her before he and two pals were killed while on a trip to Mexico last month.

San Diego local Emily Horwath posted the touching message from the 33-year-old Perth native, who was found slain at the bottom of a 50-foot well in Baja Mexico alongside his brother, Jake Robinson, 30, and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30.

“Happy Tuesday! Good morning,” Callum said in the message she posted to her Instagram Story, Australia’s 7 News reported .

“It’s 11:11 and I’m just thinking about you. Just wanted to drop you a quick message and say hello, baby.

“Hope you’re having a phenomenal start to your day. I’m sensing a big grin on your face for some reason today. I hope you’re full of positivity and smiles.

“Cheers, baby. Miss ya.”

Horwath wrote that she “Will be playing this on repeat” in the caption.

“This man changed my life in a way that I can’t even put into words,” she wrote in another post with a photo of her arms around Callum.

“I don’t yet understand a world without him and his energy in it. I feel so grateful to have loved him.

“Tell your people you love them,” she continued. “Live life to the fullest every day be kind to others, laugh uncontrollably. Don’t let the small stuff bother you. lead with positivity. and live like Cal.”

The three friends were last seen alive on April 27 in the city of Ensenada.

Mexican authorities initially said the three were victims of a violent carjacking — but The Post has learned that they may have been killed by cartel members looking for a rival gang, as Baja California is in the midst of a drug war.

Three people — Jesús Gerardo Garcia Cota, his partner Ari Gisel García Cota, and brother Cristian Alejandro Garcia — were arrested in connection to the three surfers’ disappearance , but at this stage haven’t been charged with murder.

Prosecutors allege the trio targeted the surfers for their cars’ tires before a confrontation turned violent. They then hid their bodies in a well about four miles away.

But that story doesn’t appear to add up , one source who does private security work in Mexico told The Post.

Instead, he believes the surfers were misidentified as a rival criminal organization and murdered by the cartel.

“Given the deep and widespread corruption in the Mexican police, it’s hard to dismiss the possibility of a cover-up, potentially to shift blame away from a powerful drug cartel. This would certainly align with the Mexican government’s efforts to downplay the severity of cartel violence in Mexico,” the source said.

Prosecutors said a fourth body was also found at the bottom of the well. It is believed to be the remains of a rancher who owned the property and vanished two weeks earlier.

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Mexico tightens travel rules on Peruvians in a show of visa diplomacy to slow migration to US

Mexico has begun requiring visas for Peruvians in response to a major influx of migrants from the South American country

BOULEVARD, Calif. — Julia Paredes believed her move to the United States might be now or never. Mexico was days from requiring visas for Peruvian visitors. If she didn’t act quickly, she would have to make a far more perilous, surreptitious journey over land to settle with her sister in Dallas.

Mexico began requiring visas for Peruvians on Monday in response to a major influx of migrants from the South American country, after identical moves for Venezuelans, Ecuadorians and Brazilians. It effectively eliminated the option of flying to a Mexican city near the U.S. border, as Paredes, 45, did just before it was too late.

“I had to treat it as a emergency,” said Paredes, who worked serving lunch to miners in Arequipa, Peru, and borrowed money to fly to Mexico’s Tijuana, across from San Diego. Last month smugglers guided her through a remote opening in the border wall to a dirt lot in California, where she and about 100 migrants from around the world shivered over campfires after a morning drizzle and waited for overwhelmed Border Patrol agents to drive them to a station for processing.

Senior U.S. officials, speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of top diplomats from about 20 countries in the Western hemisphere this week in Guatemala, applauded Mexico’s crackdown on air travel from Peru and called visa requirements an important tool to jointly confront illegal migration.

For critics, shutting down air travel only encourages more dangerous choices. Illegal migration by Venezuelans plummeted after Mexico imposed visa requirements in January 2022, but the lull was short-lived. Last year Venezuelans made up nearly two-thirds of the record-high 520,000 migrants who walked through the Darien Gap, the notorious jungle spanning parts of Panama and Colombia.

More than 25,000 Chinese traversed the Darien last year. They generally fly to Ecuador, a country known for few travel restrictions, and cross the U.S. border illegally in San Diego to seek asylum. With an immigration court backlog topping 3 million cases, it takes years to decide such claims, during which time people can obtain work permits and establish roots.

“People are going to come no matter what,” said Miguel Yaranga, 22, who flew from Lima, Peru’s capital, to Tijuana and was released by the Border Patrol Sunday at a San Diego bus stop. He had orders to appear in immigration court in New York in February 2025, which puzzled him because he said he told agents he would settle with his sister on the other side of the country, in Bakersfield, California.

Jeremy MacGillivray, deputy chief of the Mexico mission of the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration, predicts that Peruvian migration will drop “at least at the beginning” and bounce back as people shift to walking through the Darien Gap and to Central America and Mexico.

Mexico said last month that it would require visas for Peruvians for the first time since 2012 in response to a “substantial increase” in illegal migration. Large-scale Peruvian migration to Mexico began in 2022; Peruvians were stopped in the country an average of 2,160 times a month from January to March of this year, up from a monthly average of 544 times for all of 2023.

Peruvians also began showing up at the U.S. border in 2022. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Peruvians an average of about 5,300 times a month last year before falling to a monthly average of 3,400 from January through March, amid a broad immigration crackdown by Mexico .

Peru immediately reciprocated Mexico’s visa requirement but changed course after a backlash from the country’s tourism industry. Peru noted in its reversal that it is part of a regional economic bloc that includes Mexico, Chile and Colombia.

Adam Isacson, an analyst at the Washington Office on Latin America, said Peru’s membership with Mexico in the Pacific Alliance allowed its citizens visa-free travel longer than other countries.

It is unclear if Colombia, also a major source of migration , will be next, but Isacson said Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is in a “lovefest” with his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, while his relations with Peru’s government are more strained.

Colombians are consistently near the top nationalities of migrants arriving at Tijuana’s airport. Many find hotels before a guide takes them to boulder-strewn mountains east of the city, where they cross through openings in the border wall and then walk toward dirt lots that the Border Patrol has identified as waiting stations.

Bryan Ramírez, 25, of Colombia, reached U.S. soil with his girlfriend last month, only two days after leaving Bogota for Cancun, Mexico, and continuing on another flight to Tijuana. He waited alongside others overnight for Border Patrol agents to pick him up as cold rain and high winds whipped over the crackle of high-voltage power lines.

The group waiting near Boulevard, a small, loosely defined rural town, included several Peruvians who said they came for economic opportunity and to escape violence and political crises.

Peruvians can still avoid the Darien jungle by flying to El Salvador, which introduced visa-free travel for them in December in reciprocation for a similar move by Peru’s government. But they would still have to travel over land through Mexico, where many are robbed or kidnapped.

Ecuadoreans, who have needed visas to enter Mexico since September 2021, can also fly to El Salvador, but not all do. Oscar Palacios, 42, said he walked through Darien because he couldn’t afford to fly.

Palacios, who left his wife and year-old child in Ecuador with plans to support them financially from the U.S., said it took him two weeks to travel from his home near the violent city of Esmeralda to Mexico’s border with Guatemala. It then took him two months to cross Mexico because immigration authorities turned him around three times and bused him back to the southern part of the country. He said he was robbed repeatedly.

Palacios finally reached Tijuana and, after three nights in a hotel, crossed into the U.S. A Border Patrol agent spotted him with migrants from Turkey and Brazil and drove them to the dirt lot to wait for a van or bus to take them to a station for processing. Looking back on the journey, Palacios said he would rather cross Darien Gap 100 times than Mexico even once.

Associated Press writer Christopher Sherman in Mexico City contributed.

Parents identify bodies of U.S., Australian tourists missing in Mexico

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Members of the United States and Australian embassies and the parents of missing U.S. and Australian tourists leave the Forensic Medical Service in Ensenada

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Reporting by Raul Cortes and Lizbeth Diaz, additional reporting by Lewis Jackson in Sydney; Writing by Drazen Jorgic, editing by Deepa Babington and Michael Perry

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The sun shines behind the United Nations Secretariat Building at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City

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An Israeli strike on a village in south Lebanon killed a Lebanese technician contracted by a telecoms company to fix a phone tower, Lebanon's telecoms minister told Reuters on Friday.

U.N.-backed human rights experts called on Italy to combat racial profiling in law enforcement on Friday after collecting evidence of discrimination by officers.

A Delhi court on Friday informed the ex-chief of India's wrestling federation, a powerful member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, of charges of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against him.

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For the baby, we just did simple sponge baths on a towel on the bed or couch. Cleaning Bottles - This can be done a few ways depending on what you have access to and how diligent you want to be. If you have access to a sanitizing method like a microwave or boiling water, your can clean your bottles using the tap water.
Yucatan with a Baby and Toddler: Merida to Cancun
Yucatan Itinerary with Baby. Arrive in Merida, get situated and explore (Parque Centenario- to let the kids run around).; Merida walking tour at 9:30 a.m. (free on Thursdays) + explore historic center, carriage ride on Paseo de Montejo, evening Parque Santa Lucia (free live music show every Thursday); Day trip to Celestun to see flamingos (bus+tour 700 mxn adult)
12 Tips For Traveling to Mexico with a Baby
Read along for 12 tips for taking your sweet baby to Mexico (or any other jungle location). cleaning bottles in the jungle. 1. Cleaning bottles. We all know of the health risks associated with the drinking water in Mexico, but you've got to clean the baby bottles. Hotels usually use filtered water for consumption in the common areas and often ...
Is It Safe to Visit Mexico with a Baby?
Azul Beach Resort, Puerto Morelos, Mexico. A lot of people are nervous to bring their babies and toddlers to tropical destinations for a lot of reasons…. Strong sun, possible bug bites, different water …. At one point the illness that scared people away (especially from Mexico) was H1N1 or Swine Flu.
5 Tips for Traveling to Cancun with Babies and Toddlers
Book a Cancun hotel that caters to babies and toddlers. Azul Beach Resort. Carey Driscoll, a travel concierge with Beach Bum Vacations says, "I've always loved Azul Beach Resort because it's so small that it's easy to get around with little ones, and the staff is very accommodating." At this hotel, families can have breakfast with SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.
Tips for Traveling to Mexico with a Baby
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Mexico with a Baby 1. What age can babies travel to Mexico? Typically airlines will deny boarding to babies younger than 2 weeks of age, but some will allow you to fly with your baby as young as 7 days old. The hardest part about traveling to Mexico with a baby is getting the paperwork completed so ...
Traveling to Mexico with a Baby: Tips and Best Places to Visit
Introduction: Traveling to Mexico with a Baby. Traveling with a baby can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. From choosing the right accommodation to packing all the essentials, there are several factors to consider when traveling to Mexico with a baby. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right ...
Visiting Cancun with Kids: Important Information ...
If you're traveling to Cancun with kids, there's some important information you need to know first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it's important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be ...
Doing Cabo San Lucas with a Baby
Transportation in Cabo with Kids. There a few things you have to decide in advance about how you will get around in Cabo with your baby. The primary options of transportation available to you are renting a car, hiring taxis and/or private transportation, or taking the public bus. As I mentioned, we rented a car on our trip because we like to go ...
Mexico City with a Baby Itinerary and Museums
However, a Mexico City itinerary for travel with a baby is something totally different. Today I wrap up the recaps from our visit to Mexico City, and give you the perfect itinerary for travel with a young toddler or baby. For older kids I would implement some changes, but not much! Discover the museums we loved in our 5 days in Mexico City!
Mexico Family Vacations: 11 Best Places to Go in Mexico with Kids
11 Best Family Vacations in Mexico: Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Beyond. With its sandy beaches, stunning archeological sites, and kid-friendly mega resorts, there's always something fun to do on a Mexico family vacation. This post was last updated and reviewed for accuracy on December 29, 2023 by Josh Roberts. With its sandy beaches ...
The Ultimate Mexico Packing List- Don't Forget These Essentials!
Packing cubes make organizing your clothes soooo much easier, especially when you're traveling with kids. You can easily find and repack everyone's clothes without having to dig through the entire suitcase. Compression bags. If you're tight on space, compression bags free up a lot of room in your luggage.
What to foresee when traveling with baby to Mexico?
Our advice for a car rental in the Riviera Maya in Mexico . 27 September, 2023 . 1-677-124-44227. 184 Main Collins Street West Victoria 807. [email protected]. Travel Coach; Excursions; Concierge; Living in Mexico; About; Blog;
Eleia Maria Torres: A missing New Mexico infant has been found and a
A 10-month-girl police said was abducted from a New Mexico park Friday after the death of her mother and another woman has been found and a suspect is in custody, the FBI announced Monday morning.
10-month-old girl abducted from New Mexico park after mother, another
By Minyvonne Burke. An Amber Alert was issued for a 10-month-old girl after the baby's mother and another woman were discovered dead and a 5-year-old was found injured in a New Mexico park. The ...
2 women dead, baby injured and Amber Alert issued in Clovis New Mexico
Both females were from Texico, New Mexico, about 10 miles east of Clovis. Officers found a baby stroller, bottle and car seat at the scene. Eleia is Cisneros' daughter, police said.
Mexico Resorts with Baby Clubs
Crown Paradise Cancun. In addition to the Kid's Paradise Program with daily activities for children aged 4 to 12, the Crown Paradise Cancun has a Baby Paradise Program for babies aged 18 months to 3 years. The Crown Paradise Cancun is located about 20 minutes from the Cancun Airport, and 11 miles from downtown Cancun.
Callum Robinson, Australian surfer slain in Mexico, left tragic
00:01. 00:45. The devastated girlfriend of Australian surfer Callum Robinson revealed a heartbreaking voice message he had left her before he and two pals were killed while on a trip to Mexico ...
Mexico tightens travel rules on Peruvians in a show of visa diplomacy
Mexico said last month that it would require visas for Peruvians for the first time since 2012 in response to a "substantial increase" in illegal migration.
Traveling the world with my one & only ️#Cozumel #mexico #baby
TikTok video from Savanna (@burrell_2022): "Traveling the world with my one & only💚🤍 ️#Cozumel #mexico🇲🇽 #babymoon #birthdaytravel #livingthedream #cruise #travel #vacation #relationshipgoals #happycouple". Castaway - Zac Brown Band.
Parents identify bodies of U.S., Australian tourists missing in Mexico
Item 1 of 3 Members of the United States and Australian embassies and the parents of missing U.S. and Australian tourists leave the Forensic Medical Service (Servicio Medico Forense) after the ...