[polinski]

We got our son's passport last Friday. We are hoping to travel soon. I am so excited. This is our first child.

I am starting to pack. I was thinking. Do we need to take a car seat? I thought I heard or read Guatemala does not use car seats. I just do not know how much the airlines let you take. I know we are taking umbrella stroller plus 2 suitcases and a carry-on.

Please share your opinions or advice on this situation. Thanks

Buffy

[Waiting4Zach]

They do not use car seats. I guess it would depend on how much you will be "on the road". We took a taxi to the Embassy and a shuttle to the airport. So, we did just fine without one. I would think that would be a lot to lug around with everything else. Just my opinion though. The stroller is definitely a must. I didn't take ours and regretted it! Hope your trip is soon!

[mommy2ana]

I would take the stroller over the car seat (and I am typically VERY strict about car seats). When we traveled in April we took our 5 and 8 year-old with us and did not use car seats for any of the kids on the plane or around the city. Our driver did provide a car seat for our infant daughter on our day-trip to Antigua. That was GREAT because it allowed her to sleep on the way there and back. Hope this helps!

[skiouro]

I took a stroller and am so glad I did. Kaya was not used to a car seat, she did well when we got home b/c she was so tried, but she slept on almost every car ride in my arms. I was amazed that I was in a car and holding my baby, but I did it. On Sunday we walked outside our hotel on the Ave. of the America's with the people of Guatemala and used the stroller. We also went to the mall and used it all over.

[nannyisme2004]

Don't bother with the carseat. You will be fine without it. I have been to Guatemala 4 times. No need for the carseat for sure.

[triciabn]

for barely any extra money just hire Victor! I went on my pick up alone and he was the BEST... I never worried for anything and his vehicle was clean and new, and had carseats.
He was some of the best money I ever spent in my entire life!... and it was barely anything at all... I actuall tipped him twice what he charged me...it was that little.
Tricia

[DPline]

Originally Posted by polinski

I just do not know how much the airlines let you take. I know we are taking umbrella stroller plus 2 suitcases and a carry-on.

Make sure you check with the airline you are flying. More and more are now charging per bag and have weight limits on bags.

[carolun]

we did not take a car seat or stroller. If you say at la casa grande there are a few strollers for common use. the only time you would need a carseat would be for the ride to the airport.

[hol332]

We did not use a carseat. Even when going to Antigua, I just held her. It will be waaaay to much stuff to tote if you attempt to bring one. Pack as lightly as you can. Remember, you can buy diapers, formula, baby food, bottled water, etc. down there easily. Also, it is pretty inexpensive to send some of your clothes to the laundry at the hotel.

[myrachel]

i agree with the rest of the posters... forget the car seat... defintely need a stroller...

best of luck to you

alex

[JustBarbara]

Yes, nix on the carseat - and definitely check with your hotel re: stroller. If they have one you can use then you might be just fine with an Ergo or Baby Bjorn or some kind of wrap. If you do take the umbrella stroller make sure the airline doesn't try and put it in the hold for you - you'll appreciate it while waiting for your bags.

[jennandsteve]

We did never took a car seat on four trips. We used the stroller in the hotel, some, but mostly use a baby carrier for the infants. We used the stroller for our older daughter visiting and picking up our son. Sophia would NOT sit in the stroller on visit or pick up. Wanted to held and snuggled so the Bjorn was perfect. Jeff was eaiser but we still used the carrier for him. The carrier is better for bonding I think and the if you are going to walk around Antigua or GC the streets are rough and hard to use a stroller so a carrier is great.

For our visit with sophia we brought a very inexpensive stroller and left it at the hotel. They stored it until pickup and then we left it with the foster mom for the next baby.

Jenn