Baby in Tobago/Charlotteville

[Charlotte T]

I'm going to be staying in Top River Pearl from 29th April to 13th May. I can't wait especially as we'll have my daugther's first birthday to celebrate on the 9th May followed by my brother and Louise I's wedding on the 10th!

But, I would love any advice anyone can offer regarding my little girl e.g. keeping a 1 year old happy on a 10 hour flight , feeding her both on the plane and once we are there (I'm sure it won't be a problem as she eats just about anything), dealing with bugs and insects, any advice on good sunscreens etc etc.

Any and all information and advice - plus tips for those that have visited Tobago with small children would be great.

Thanks
Charlotte

[Steve Pitts]

Hi Charlotte

As the father of two 20-year olds, I'm afraid that I can't offer much practical advice.

Which airline are you flying with? Best to contact them and see what kind of services they offer parents travelling with babies e.g sky cots, heating up pre-prepared food, nappy changing faclities in the loos etc. Might be worth trying to book a seat near the loos and/or by a bulkhead.

Once on Tobago, most of the usual baby requirements are readily available, at reasonable cost, in Penny Savers in Cannan and Carnbee - disposable nappies, jars of baby food and powdered milk etc.
Not sure about the availability of these items in and around Top River Pearl, but you could always enquire from them by email.

Come to think of it - a section in the general advice section, on catering for youngsters would be a good idea - anyone with experience fancy writing a little hints and tips chapter and putting something back into the site for other visitors?

Cheers
Steve

PS You'll also find a list of pharmacies and doctors here -
http://www.mytobago.info/medical.php

[Charlotte T]

Thanks Steve,

We're flying with BA and have requested a bulkhead seat. Maddie (Maddalena) is usually pretty flexible and will probably just want to spend the whole flight walking up and down the isle! Fortunately my partner and my parents will be with us so they'll be four of us to share the wandering.

I'm not too worried if we have to make a trip to buy bits and pieces - we're planning on hiring a car and as we live more or less on top of a mountain with the nearest town and supermarket 45 minutes away we are quite used to having to drive to get things.

I want to bring as many nappies as I can. I use non-disposables at home and want to use bidegradable disposables (I have a thing about the 200 years it takes for normal disposables to decompose) which I doubt I will find over there. But it really depends on the quantity of other luggage we have!

I'd also like to get a birthday cake for Maddie - does anyone know of somewhere I could get one made?

Perhaps I can try and write some tips when I get back - if no-one beats me to it!

Charlotte

[Brian Taylor]

hello
steve was right about nappies and stuff. best you buy it on the way from the airport at penny savers supermarket in canaan.
can understand your point about the disposables, but maybe for the holiday time you might have to compromise...
at pennysavers they have small sponge birthday cakes. in scarbourough there is a bakery that does them custom made! the road that leads to the port from the highway, a small shop on the right. they do differnt shapes and decorations...
check with top river pearl if they have a travel cot or if you have to bring one. since most of them have mossie netting it should not be a problem with the bugs.
have fun walking the plane (better for your bloodcirculation anyway )
have a great holiday
STEPH

[Steve Pitts]

Hi Charlotte

I must admit that when I mentioned disposable nappies in my post, I did have second thoughts about the disposal implications. Good on you for thinking so far ahead and using biodegradables.

I remember from our early parenting days (and have noticed this on many flights since) that the most fraught time for youngsters and parents is during take-off and decent / landing. This is due to the changes in cabin pressure and poor little ones aren't best equiped to overcome this as we adults do by yawning, swallowing, sweet sucking, holding one's nose etc.
Worst of all, not only does it hurt, but they can't understand why and it frightens them too.

We always found that giving our kids bottled water, or juice, or milk to drink, provided the required effect and eased the pressure pain problems.

I expect you'll be a bit of a celebrity in Charlotteville.

Have a great trip

Cheers
Steve

[David Watkins]

You can get custom made and ready made celebration cakes up Wilson Rd ,on the left hand side just before Toni's bar opposite the end of the market car park.I bought one in february about 12 inches round with decoration and 'Happy Birthday' for $TT56.
David

[Charlotte T]

Thanks everyone for your helpful advice - we are now in the UK and leaving for Tobago tomorrow! I am seriously excited now.

The flight from Italy to London was fine. We had a bottle of milk with us but Maddie didn't seem to suffer at all with her ears either going up or coming down - so fingers crossed she's the same tomorrow. We had a late flight and she was exhausted (although sleeping was out of the question with so many new things going on around her!) but she was great. We walked up and down and she waved and smiled at everyone - but then that was only 2 hours........ wish us luck!

I didn't realise but there will be about 10 of us going to the wedding on that flight so we should have some allies to help us keep her entertained.

I will try and keep some notes whilst I'm away so that I can add some tips for others going to Tobago with small children.

Right - better go and sort the suitcase!

Yippee!

Charlotte

[Steve Wooler]

Have a wonderful flight and holiday, Charlotte. I hope all goes well. Be sure to let us know how you get on when you get back.

[Charlotte T]

Thanks Steve, will do!