Anyone in Trinidad or know anything about it?

[Mitchell81]

We might be going there in the next few weeks for afew months with my DH work and need to know about taking 3 kids there. 8 years, 2 years and 4 month old baby. What formula is available and what is the biggest nappy available? DD has special needs and uses pampers size 6 in the UK. Any advice would be great, I know that it isn't the best caribbean island to go to and that crime is a problem. I wouldn't be sending my DD to school so they will be at home with me allday.

[fransmom]

nowhere near sorry but bumping for you xx

[Mitchell81]

thanks

[Tolalola]

Hi there,

I'm in the Virgin Islands but have relatives and friends in Trini.

Formula is widely available - not that many mothers breastfeed in the West Indies. I've never used tham, but similac, nestle and enfamil are common in all sorts of different varieties (high iron, low iron etc.)

Nappies may be slightly more tricky - huggies are probs the most common brand, and you can get pull-ups, if that helps. (DS is only 8 months, so haven't really got there yet with big sizes).

Don't get put off by what you may have heard about Trinidad...there is crime in certain areas just like in the UK, and you do have to be sensible, but try not to cut yourself off from the local community. Trinidadians are known throughout the Caribbean as being warm and friendly and for loving a party. One thing you'll find out quickly is that West Indians LOVE love love children, especially babies.

Anything else I may be able to help with, let me know.

[lotuseener]

Dh is a Trini and I disagree that crime is a big problem, not anymore than it is anywhere else.It's certainly not as bad as it is in the UK.

Trinidad stocks American products, not UK products, in their major chain supermarkets, including nappies, food and formula.

What part of Trinidad would you be in? Our family is in Trin City and San Juan.

I've never encountered such a friendly and welcoming environment in regards to children and families than when I'm in Trinidad.

Although the exchange rate of 12-1 sounds amazing, things are very expensive in Trinidad, exchange rate or not. A few months ago I remember paying $50 Trinidadian dollars for a pack of size 5 Huggies. That's not much of a bargain. Also, in my experience Trinidadian woman widely choose to breastfeed over formula.

I'm pretty familiar with Trinidad, please let me know if you need any help.

[malovitt]

I disagree about the crime, lotuseener.

My Trini family over there (San Fernando) talk of little else at the moment and have advised us not to bring the children over to visit this year due to the rise in violent crime and robbery by street gangs. They are usually really laid-back and chilled so I am inclined to listen.

[MrsMattie]

Hmmm. Trinidad does have a significant violent crime problem which is much worse than in the UK if you take into account it's tiny population. It was recently on one of those government lists of the world's most dangerous places to live.

I'm not being a scare monger. i would live in Trinidad for a few months like lightning if the chance came up! And my husband's family are in Jamaica and Guyana, in areas that are frankly extremely dodgy, yet we still visit.

[Sycamoretree]

Don't know about Trinidad, but I know about Tobago, and it's lovely. Great attitude to kids etc.

[Mitchell81]

Thanks everyone for the information,we would be in Port of Spain. I originally come from South Africa so do know about crime. I obviously wouldn't be going to walk about the streets with 3 children. Hopefully just stay in a hotel resort with pool. But with my DH indecisive (sp ??) company we still don't even know if it is going to happen or not.

I think crime is all relative, yes they might have kidnapping and violent crime, but if you are sensible you should be safe. Like not walking around the streets at night, not flashing jewellery and money around.

[Sara13]

I have been to Trinidad a couple of times (a couple of years ago now) and found that there was a wide range of US products to buy, better than the uk!! The chemists and supermarkets had an excellent range of goods ( I had been living in Barbados where there was a limited choice of food and products)I bet they would sell something for your DD.

DH is from t&t, he has the most hospitable family and friends (applies to all trinis i think) and when i was there to be honest when you didnt listen to the news or read the newspapers it seemed a fairly nice place to live (I was in westmoorings but went to family all over).They had some nice shopping malls. Lovely food too...

As you say being sensible youll be fine. Id jump at the chance to go out there for a few months it can only be a life enhancing opportunity and well worth checking it out. Have you had any news on whether your going? Check out the Trinidad newspapers www.guardian.co.tt/ & www.trinidadexpress.com/

Good luck if you get to go

[Mitchell81]

Thanks Sara: DH is probably going to go for afew weeks at a time and not for afew months so it looks like we will be staying in wet scotland.If things change I will at least know afew things before we go. It's good to know that they sell US brands.