In the United States, a first-time mother from Camagüey faces a challenging decision: should she take her two-month-old baby to Cuba to meet the grandparents? Seeking advice, she turned to TikTok, asking other mothers for guidance on what to bring and how to prepare for the conditions in Cuba.
"Could any mom who has traveled to Cuba please give me advice on what I should take, whether I should bring medications and which kind, or if I should bring diapers from here," explained user @madelincita20. She also expressed concern about baby care products, noting her child's sensitive skin.
The video sparked a flood of reactions, with many advising against the journey due to potential risks for such a young infant. One user commented, "Recommendation #1: do not go. Don't take your baby anywhere without the three-month vaccines, and you need to bring everything, everything, everything, and then some." Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, "I suggest you wait until she's a bit older, and if you go, bring everything because there's nothing in Cuba."
Several users shared personal experiences: "I went two months ago with a four-year-old, and it was tough, mosquitoes everywhere"; "I went with mine for five days and brought everything from here." Concerns about health risks were also common: "Don't take her while she's so young; there are many diseases in Cuba, wait until she's older." Warnings were explicit: "Bring everything, I went in July with my eight-year-old, and she didn't want anything from there, so imagine a baby."
The most repeated advice was to bring absolutely everything the baby might need. "Bring everything, literally everything: fever medication, allergy meds, a rechargeable fan, food, and hygiene products," urged one commenter. Another detailed, "You need to take medicine for fever and pain, diapers, a fan, solar-powered lamp, mosquito net, and all her usual foods and supplies."
Others focused on the scarcity of basic goods: "You have to bring everything from diapers, milk, water, soap, medicines... literally everything." Additional advice included, "Bring hygiene products, all the medicines needed for fever, diarrhea, hydration salts, her milk, cold remedies, fans, diapers."
Some simply pleaded with her to reconsider: "Don't travel, that's the sad reality, especially with a baby"; "My opinion is don't bring your baby to Cuba. There's nothing in that country. Don't expose your young child to such risks." One mother was blunt: "I think you should bring everything except the baby."
Despite the warnings and mixed opinions, @madelincita20 expressed gratitude for the input. She shared that, although it's a tough decision, her goal remains for her family in Cuba to meet her baby. "It's like a spiritual boost to be with loved ones," she conveyed, underlining her resolve to have her child meet her grandparents in Camagüey, despite the obstacles.
Traveling with Infants to Cuba: Key Considerations
What are the main concerns when traveling to Cuba with a baby?
The primary concerns include the availability of essential baby supplies, potential health risks due to lack of vaccinations, and the presence of diseases and mosquitoes.
What should parents pack when traveling to Cuba with an infant?
Parents should bring all necessary supplies, including medications, diapers, food, hygiene products, and items for mosquito protection, as these may not be readily available in Cuba.
Why do some advise against traveling to Cuba with infants?
The advice stems from health concerns, the scarcity of baby supplies, and the potential exposure to diseases, which might pose risks to an infant's health.