Job Discussion Forums

KarneyHatch · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Various of course

I've been considering a move to Mexico to teach English for a few years, but now I've got a newborn in my life. This may be off-topic, but from reading the responses on the insurance question, it seems like there are some people here who have good insights into medical care in Mexico.

At what age would it seem advisable to move with a toddler (or younger) to Mexico? Of course they're going to get diarrhea like everyone else, but are there other things that I should be worried about? Of course I want to err on the side of caution...

Does anyone have any experience in this area?

saraswati · Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 200

I'm originally from the States but my son was born and raised here in Mexico. (He's now 10 years old.) My son is actually healthier than any of his American-born and bred cousins. He was breastfed for the first six months and around four months started in on a wide range of fruit and veggies. I never gave him Gerber or any other form of canned/bottled food. One of the advantages of living in Mexico is the variety and freshness of natural food that's available....beans and corn tortillas too!

As far as cleanliness is concerned, yes, you need to be careful that your house is clean (as you would anywhere else in the world). Your child also needs to be taught, when the age is appropriate, not to put his fingers in his/her mouth.

I don't know what shots doctors recommend, but my son had the usual...polio, MMR etc.

People are also concerned about travelling with young infants, but I found it was easier to travel with my son when he was younger than when he got a bit older.

Good luck!

p.s. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

My son and daughter were both born in Guatemala and grew up without any serious problems (so far). They were 3 and 1 when they moved to Mexico, the only minor problem they had was everyone wanted to know why I hadn't given them my eye color.

Once they get to school age be aware that Mexican public schools might not have the educational level you would like, I have to say that in Oaxaca anyway the level of education in kinder is marginally worse than a total waste of time.

saraswati · Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 200

If location and financial situation allow for it, some of the private schools might meet your specifications.

KarneyHatch · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Various of course

Thanks for the info, but I'm thinking there's a big difference between kids who were born in Mexico and Guatemala and one who was born in the States who then is taken to Mexico. Kids born south of the border would grow up with different things in their gastrointestinal tract and wouldn't be as susceptible to traveler's diarrhea etc; the Mom's main concern is that the kid would get a serious case of diarrhea or something even worse, which would be potentially life-threatening in someone only one or two years old...

-KtH

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

Even the ones born in Guatemala get the same stomach troubles as foreign kids, the immunities get developed as they grow older.

One of mine once had parasitos, amebas and a bacterial infection at the same time. When they're teething they seem to prefer bits of food on the sidewalk and stones to those healthy sterilized things we parents want to give them.

Bobbie Jo · Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Posts: 8 Location: Tlaquepaque

Well I am not sure that I can tell you much yet other than I did all the research and it really is not a big deal from everything I know.

I just moved my six month old son with me to Mexico (he was born and has always been in Canada). He is going to need Hepatitis shots. I am still breastfeeding and he has been eating cereal, fruits and vegetables as well. I will give him fresh stuff when I get settled but in the meantime I am on the hunt for preservative free baby food. There is lots of gerber but unlike in Canada it is full of sugar and preservatives. I will be able to get back to homemade food soon but I am sure a couple of days of gerber won�t hurt him.

I have only been in Mexico for a week but he really has not had any trouble adjusting. The plane ride was fine, his ears are okay and there was no change (other than a little less urine after the flight because he was a little dehydrated) in his bowels (no diarhea).

So far so good. Babies adjust so easily. I really believe all they need is their parent(s) and maybe some familiar stuff to help with the transition.

Good Luck. If you want any other info. let me know.