My Travel Essentials for a Trip to Mexico with a Baby

I was recently asked by a friend for advice on packing for a trip to the Riviera Maya with a baby.  Having just returned from this area ourselves, I thought I would share my must-haves for a trip to Mexico with a baby:

• Duct tape or masking tape - to keep drawers and cabinets shut, cover electrical outlets, fix stuff that breaks (if you want to save room in your luggage, saw a roll in two and just pack one half)
• Car seat – a must if you are planning on renting a car or taking long car trips or rent one down there 
• A travel crib and sheets - if you are staying in a hotel that provides cribs or pack n' plays, it is still a good idea to bring your own sheets since most hotels use standard twin or queen sheets which are easy for an active baby to get tangled up in. Read my review of the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib 
• Stroller - though you may occasionally have to carry the stroller up or down a few stairs or over a puddle, most sights (even archaeological sights like El Rey, Tulum and Chichen Itza) are for the most part, pretty stroller friendly.
• White noise - always a winner for helping a baby sleep particularly in an environment where there might be more noise than he is accustomed to, there are a number of phone apps (we are regular users of Sleep Fan, which can help to drone out the occasional noisy passersby in the hallway, and the inevitable pool-side party)
• Baby monitor – if you plan on using your balcony/terrace after baby has gone to bed
• A wide-brimmed hat, UV protective swim suit (I am a big fan of Baby Banz swimsuits), sunglasses and serious sunscreen

Don't worry if you arrive at your resort and find you have forgotten something.  Pharmacies and shops are abundant and well-stocked, so you will likely have no trouble buying what you need there.