Hi moms,
My DS (2.5 years old) are going on a much needed vacation starting tomorrow. I saved up enough money for one of those all inclusive resorts and we are going to a kid-oriented one in Cancun, Mexico.
Packing list:
- bathing suits, check
- worry wart mom, check check!
I am worried that my son will get sick from drinking the milk or from the water (I will of course not let him drink tap water, but I think about fruits and veggies and that just scares me). When I was little my parents used to take us to South America on vacation and we would get sick every time… I also went to Mexico as a young adult and got sick while I was there.
I am bringing a few of those Horizon milks that don’t need refrigeration, but I certainly cannot bring enough to cover a whole week’s worth of milk. I guess I am just looking for reassurance and maybe hearing that I am worrying for nothing :) Any tips or personal experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance wise mamas!
Thanks all for the advice - I didn't think to use bottled water to wash things and thanks for the SAND INFO - Yuck!! But it makes total sense. I have no idea what frankenmilk means... I guess it is a play on Frankenstein? hahaha
My son takes a probiotic every day with his drinkable yogurt, so hopefully that will help him out too while he is there.
Thanks once again and wsh me good weather for tomorrow so we can actually make it out of here ! (got 14 inches yesterday!)
The only time I have been sick is when I messed up and rinsed out my toothbrush in the sink. On the off chance you forget...buy a new toothbrush!
Also, eat fruit you can peel.
Avoid ice cubes.
I live in Central America and travel to southern Mexico quite often. Most likely your resort has a filtration system on the water be sure to ask when you check in. The milk will be fine. Actually probably better for you than milk in the states. It is pasturized and no hormones. Mexico is not a backwards country and is quite modern now. The state of Quintana Roo where Cancun is located is one of the safest and richest states in Mexico. They cater to tourists and you will see it. Don't worry and have a good time that's what vacations are all about.
I am American and lived there for four years and never got sick, and I did drink the water ;) If you don't have him drink the water, he will certainly be just fine!! Think of all the kids that live there, he will be OK, especially in such a touristic spot. I actually prefer the fruits and veggies in Mexico, they are often from local farms and don't look like some waxy version of fruit that we have here. I picked some figs right off a fig tree there once, yummy!!! I wouldn't worry at all, have a great time :D
Have a good time. You re going to a resort where they cater to Americans coming in and dropping a ton of money. THey will have packaged waters and juices for him and it will all be fine.
Don't forget your own bathing suit. Wish I were going too. It's cold here.
The resort I went to in Cancun had a filtration system that purified all the water. I still only used bottled water, but we didn't have any problem with any food that was washed or made with water.
frankenmilk that doesn't need refrigeration worries me far more than fresh fruit! you can wash your produce even in the tap water (or in boiled water if it makes you feel better). drink bottled water and juice.
a healthy immune system is your best defense. boost it with plenty of vit C and D laden foods before you go (and all the time anyway), make sensible food choices when you're there (either food that's well-cooked or food you yourself can wash thoroughly) and have fun.
:) khairete
S.
I go to Mexico every year with my husband's family and I have a 4 yr old and a 2 yr old. Wash the fruits in bottled water only. Call room service every night for a few extra bottles of water to be brought up to your room so you have them for the next day. In Mexico I swear everyone loves kids and they will cater to you if they think you need something for the baby. Also cancun has a walmart - just go there the 1st day and stock up on horizon milk, diapers, hand sanitizer. You'll probably have a fridge in your room too. Most of the all inclusive places do. Although I have used the "frankenmilk" as one poster perfectly coined it - it smells weird too but my kids have never had ANY problems with it - and my son has kind of a weak tummy naturally so that's proof enough for me. But I don't blame anyone for not using it, it's certainly not what we're used to in the states.
Most importantly, it's not just the traces of tap water that sometimes make people sick there - it's also the sand. Sand is honestly kind of disgusting and has traces of fecal matter and sometimes even parasites in it (that can wreck a little tummy if ingested). I'm not saying be freaky about him playing in the sand, just be sure he washes his hands before eating after playing in the sand (or use some hand san or sanitizing wipes). And DEFINITELY get a couple packs of probiotics before you leave the states. Call your pediatrician to confirm that they are good with this, but my pediatrician is a huge fan of us using probiotics - there is a formula made just for kids, and is safe to use all the time. We only use it in Mexico, but you can add it to his drinks or applesauce and it will just help to fend off any little bugs that his tummy might encounter and hopefully stave off any diarrhea or upset stomach while you're there. Start giving him the probiotic a week or so before you leave and continue through the trip.
Have fun!!
Don't drink anything that isn't packaged...cans, bottles, etc. and you and your child should be fine. Take some immodium with you just in case.
I got sick in Mexico 20 years ago but it is my understanding the water,fruit etc. Is much better now. My friend goes 3x's per year with her kids for the last 3 years (Time Share) and they have NEVER been sick. Enjoy your trip, I wish I was going!!
