Argentina in 4 weeks, with an 8 week old

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Hi everyone! We’re moving to Buenos Aires from the UK at the end of March for a year due to my DH’s work, with a baby who will be 8 weeks old at the time.

Any advice on what to take, which I might not think of otherwise?? I’m packing my Twinings, for example! Anything to make life easier with the baby? Anything you missed from the UK at the start of living in a new place?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Just wanted to say good luck. No experience of Argentina but spent a couple of years in another Latin American country. Again not with a baby but kindergarten dc. It was challenging at times but very glad we did it.

Also no Argentina experience but I moved to another South American country with an 11 week old, so just wanted to reassure you it was fine! We couldn't get Marmite without paying a fortune at a specialist English shop, so if you're into that take some with you. Tea could be found but worth taking a stock of your own if you have a preferred brand. Can't really think of anything else that we didn't find a substitute for....

People were super lovely with the baby, which I think is typical of the region. For example, I didn't wait in a queue in a shop or airpirt the whole time we lived there, there was either a separate checkout for elderly/disabled/pregnant people or those with small children, or we were pushed to the front. That was great!

If you haven't done so already and if you have facebook, I highly recommend finding some groups there as I found these invaluable. Search for Argentina/Buenos Aires expats/expat moms/english-speaking moms etc. I got loads of great advice from groups, bought and sold loads of baby stuff (and household items and furniture), and made great friends by arranging meet-ups with other mums.

Enjoy and good luck!

Thank you, Desperately and Eleda! Only two weeks to go now...! I’m not hugely into marmite, but might take a jar in case I get homesick 😁 Alternating between excitement and abject terror, but hopefully it’ll be alright..! Just about to get on Facebook and search for those groups you mentioned :)

You'll be great, it's an adventure!! Enjoy yourself, I'm very jealous and would love to be back in that part of the world. Hope you love it!

I just wanted to say that it sounds like such an adventure!

My husband and I have moved around a bit, and I've found that one of the main things is just chatting to people, and having a baby is such an ice breaker. I've made some really nice friends through random conversations in supermarkets, parks etc.

Pack chocolate along with the tea!! It's heart breaking not finding a decent chocolate bar 😅

You should update this thread once you hit Argentina - sounds such fun 😀

Just wanted to post an update at last! We’ve been here for just over 3 months and are heading back to the UK for a visit shortly.

I didn’t really need anything from England, I can get almost everything here - but am looking forward to a traditional afternoon tea, and good chocolate, during my visit home! But the amazing beef here, and all the other local foods, have kept us very busy. I brought baby clothes, obviously, and haven’t bought anything here as it’s very expensive.

Membership of the Facebook groups has been an absolute lifesaver. I’m getting stuck into learning Spanish, and having the baby is indeed a great icebreaker.

The main (only?) issue so far has been making friends. People without babies are less keen to socialise with me always having to drag baby in tow (understandably!), but mum friends can be very flakey. It’s hard because knowing we’re only here for a year, I’ve so far struggled to put down sufficient roots to stave off the loneliness.

Once we’re back from the UK we’ll start planning regular trips away from the city, to explore new parts of Argentina and wider Latam. Very excited for that!

Overall 10/10, would recommend, but an also looking forward to seeing friends and family in a week!!

Expats come and go, so a lot of people prefer not invest in friendships if they know you're only staying a year or two. The goodbyes can be very difficult especially for longterm and residents
From my experience, I would definitely recommend integrating with the locals. It makes your stay more authentic and will definitely help with your Spanish.

Thanks, I completely agree with your point- I had the same attitude towards 1yr Masters students during my 3-4 year postgrad degree... Karma has come back to bite 😂 So far I’ve just tried to be relentlessly optimistic and keen to meet up, and it’s worked in part.

I’m definitely going to start trying to integrate more locally. So far my Spanish hasn’t been up to it, but I’m coming on in leaps and bounds with lessons 🤞🏻