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Cuba Packing List For Totally Worry-Free Family Holidays

Cuba Packing List: what to bring to Cuba to have a memorable, worry-free, super-fun Cuba adventure with your family (and with a Baby)!

For many travelers, a Cuban vacation sounds like something outright exotic. It is understandable you can be uncertain about what to bring to Cuba for your first family vacation, especially if you plan a trip to Cuba with a baby. Not to worry, as regular visitors to the land of sunshine, white beaches, rum, sugar, and cigars, we present to you our ultimate Cuba Packing List. 

What you pack for Cuba holidays is indeed very different from other Caribbean countries, Mexico and Hawaii. Cuba was closed for the USA residents for decades, and only now the doors are slightly opening up. Europeans and Canadians are a bit luckier, as we could enjoy this fascinating country at any time – and we did! Magnificent beaches, openhearted people, and rich cultural heritage have outshined some of the problems the people and the tourists face. The US embargo is still very much alive, as are food shortages, ultimate poverty, import restrictions… So let’s break down what you absolutely need to have with you. 

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• Cash
• Self-care
• Skin Protection
• Hair Protection
• Activewear
• Beach Accessories
• Watersports
• Photo & Video Equipment
• Mobile Apps
• Travel Insurance
• Traveling to Cuba with a Baby? READ THIS. 

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Cash

Bring cash.

Credit cards do NOT work in Cuba. You may be able to use your credit card when booking a tour with your tour operator at the resort or at the airport – but that’s about it, not even guarantee on this.

Make sure to have enough cash with you. Look up in advance things to do in Cuba, which tours you’d like to take and how much these activities cost. You can also pre-purchase some tours using a credit card while still on the airplane.

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What currency should you bring? 

Starfish Varadero offers a decent exchange rate for the US dollar, Canadian dollar, and Euro. The best rate is for US Dollars though. So if you are traveling from Canada or Europe – bring US dollars. 

Cuban currency is CUC. Yes, they have two currencies CUC and the other one just for locals, but you’ll only be using CUC or US dollars (some taxi drivers prefer to be paid in the US and will give you a good discount).

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ATM & Currency Exchange

Your resort’s Front Desk is the most convenient and safe place to exchange currency. The alternative is to use the local bank. There is no noticeable difference in the exchange rate between the two – the rate is pretty standard and set by the government.

If you find yourself in a situation where you’d need to withdraw cash from your bank card, do NOT use ATM devices that are outside on the streets or at your resort. 

The safest option is to go to a local bank for any debit withdrawals. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: In a local bank you will be asked to present your PASSPORT. No other form of ID, such as driver’s license, is accepted and you will not be serviced unless you have your passport with you.  

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Tips

Tips are the livelihood of Cuban tourism and are expected for almost every service. Cuban salaries are set by the government and are extremely low. A typical hotel staff server can be getting $20 per month and is expected to top-it up with tips from tourists. 

DO GIVE TIPS. Give to your server, to the chef that made you eggs for breakfast, to your maid, to the bartender, to musicians that perform at dinner… budget to give 0.5 – 1 cuc to everyone, and more to anyone who exceeded your expectations.

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Self-care Cuba Packing List Items

A rule of Thumb for a trip to Cuba is: take everything you think you (and your baby) might need. Even if you are staying in an all-inclusive 5-star resort, do not expect they’ll have the same amenities as European or Mexican hotels.

If you forget something, like diapers or tampons, you won’t be able to buy most of the things. There are NO malls in Cuba. There are government-owned department stores that sell only regulated products. 

This means, your Cuba packing list must include all the basics, even stuff you are never taking anywhere with you – for all of your family: 

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap or shower gel
• Body lotion
• Face cream
• Toothbrush (+batteries for your toothbrush if it is electronic)
• Toothpaste
• Floss, mouth wash
• Hairbrush, comb
• Compact hairdryer – the one in your room may not work or missing. This is normal.
• Make-up
• Make-up remover
• Cotton pads, cotton balls, cotton q-tips
• Female pads and tampons – if you expect to have your period you will NOT be able to buy tampons in Cuba. Bring your own
• First aid kit
• Your medication
• Your vitamins
• Hand sanitizer
• Contact lenses, liquid, etc. (if applicable)

When my friends ask me what they should plan to pack for a trip to Cuba, I always answer: imagine you are going to a wasteland and you can only use what you bring with you (with the exception of food). I know it sounds cheesy, but quite astonishingly this is what it feels like.

If you travel to Cuba with a Baby – READ THIS.

Cuba Packing List Item: everything you might need.

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Skin Protection

Sunscreen

It goes without saying that when planning a visit to Cuba, you should bring sunscreen. 

Natural, chemical-free, organic sunscreen should be your choice, but anything marked as “reef safe sunscreen” is good too. As per recent studies, some of the chemicals used in most traditional off-the-shelf sunscreens are toxic and destroy coral reefs, poison fish and turtles. 

Cuba is famous for its magnificent beaches, vibrant marine life, and frequent dolphin encounters. The least you want to do is to touch a dolphin with your “sunscreened”-hands only to hurt it with toxins.

Another obvious reason to use natural sunscreens is – it is good for you. Your skin will be much faster recovering from sun exposure without the need to fight off the poisoning and toxic elements attacking your skin cells. 

NO spray-sunscreens. Lotions only. When you spray sunscreen, the little oily particles get inhaled by everyone around and poisoning you from within. The sunscreen also bounces off your body and settles everywhere around, making the surface slippery, especially if wet – so it becomes quite dangerous. More and more boat excursions and catamaran tours in Cuba are starting to ban the use of spray sunscreens aboard.

Our sunscreen of choice in 2020 is Green Beaver. We had both – adult and kids sunscreen – on our packing list when vacationing in Varadero, Cuba last time. Since we started using Green Beaver, none of us got burned at all, even though both my son and my husband both have very sensitive skin. 

We’ve done research into other brands offering natural chemical-free sunscreen products. We specifically focused on baby-friendly options. Here is the result of our research and the list of sunscreens you can take to Cuba when traveling with a baby: 8 Best Natural Sunscreens For Kids. Organic. Chemicals-Free.

Cuba Packing List Item: Green Beaver Natural Chemicals-free Sunscreen

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Mosquitto and Bugs Protection

Although there’s generally very little risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Cuba, bugs and mosquitoes are quite active at certain seasons – typically in the fall. If you travel to Cuba in October or November, you’ll definitely want to have a bug repellent to protect yourself against mosquito bites. As always, look for natural non-toxic bug repellants. 

NO Deet-based insect repellents. There is a lot of discussion in the medical and environmental communities on the use of deet in bug repellent products, with more and more research-supporting evidence that deet is not entirely safe for you. It is linked to brain toxicity, cancer, seizures, and other side effects. Regardless, deet is a non-natural chemical compound, and when it comes to our family – we avoid it, if only for that reason alone. Deet-free repellent is a sure choice when planning a trip to Cuba with a baby.

Natural, chemical-free, Deet-free bug repellant: there are many natural alternatives to mainstream products. Some of the bug repellents you can even make at home with essential oils. Lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, citronella, thyme oils are just a few to be named. 

Our favorite natural bug repellant is the one we buy from a local small business Nasty Free Naturals. But there are some natural insect repellants available on Amazon you can look at.

Cuba Packing List Item: Nasty Free Naturals Bug-off insect repellent

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Hair Protection from Sun-Damage

When in Cuba, you’ll be spending lots of time in the sun and saltwater, but it can be devastating for both your skin and your hair. If you don't protect your hair, the sun can actually shift your hair color and also change your hair texture by drying it out. 

While the use of sunscreen for your skin is an obvious solution, what do you do for your hair? Apparently, it is even worse for bleached-blonde types as I have experienced first-hand. 

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Hair Sunscreen

Yes, there are special sunscreen oil sprays products on the market that are specifically developed to protect your hair from damaging UVA/UVB light. Learn more about hair sunblock products HERE. 

These hair products should be used before sun exposure. As always, I encourage you to carefully read through ingredient-list and give preference to natural, non-chemical, organic, reef-safe hair sunscreen products.

CubaPacking List Item: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

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Leave-in Conditioner

Leave-in Hair Conditioner can be a great additional protection option to reduce the damage and restore the hair from exposure to elements.  Leave-in conditioner is usually applied post-factum after you left the beach for the day in case you are not planning to properly wash your hair right away. Once again, try to find a natural toxins-free solution.

Cuba Packing List Item: SunBum Leave-in Hair Conditioner Spray

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Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is something I take with me everywhere I go alongside, and sometimes instead of, packing traditional skin products, like body lotions and face creams. 100% natural and rich in fatty acids, coconut oil is known for keeping skin moisturized, reducing inflammation, and helping heal wounds including those from sunburn.

I use it on my skin every time after taking a shower after a beach day. I also have started treating my hair with coconut oil hair masks after prolonged sun exposure – it works miracles restoring the softness and smoothness of my bleached-blonde hair. Check out my recent article to learn more about How To Save Sun-Damaged Hair With Coconut Oil After Beach Vacation. Coconut oil makes my packing list every single time.

I always buy 100% natural, organic, food-grade, ethically produced pure coconut with no additives. Therefore when using coconut oil instead of regular body lotions when in Cuba, I have that peace of mind that the marine life and coral reefs are totally safe! 

TIP: Most coconut oil is sold in larger containers. Just scoop a bit into a reusable bottle or a lunch container to take a smaller amount with you. It is unlikely you’ll be able to buy coconut oil when in Cuba, so bring it with you.

Cuba Packing List Item: Certified Organic Coconut Oil

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Activewear

Swimwear

Swimwear is likely at the top of anyone’s Cuba packing list! In many other places like Mexico and Hawaii, you might be able to shop locally and get a new fashionable swimsuit for very cheap. Not in Cuba.

If you do not have a swimsuit – buy one before your departure. Better bring two, as if something happens to your one swimsuit you are unlikely to find a local option.

This applies to your whole family and kids.

Cuba Packing List Item: Swimwear

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Swimsuit Poncho & Sun Hat

Swimsuit poncho, cover-up or a pull-over beach dress are super-handy at any beach destination and a definite must-have in Cuba. 

Good news that, along with Swimsuit Ponchos, cover-ups and sun hats are among the items that are in abundance at every Cuban market. So don’t worry if you forgot your sun hat or cover-up – you will be able to buy these locally.

Cuba Packing List Item: Swimsuit poncho

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Long-Sleeved Rashguard

The sun in Cuba is strong all year round even in the winter, but there is so much outdoor fun! Too much even. It is so easy to lose track of time when snorkeling, taking a catamaran excursion or learning how to sail a catamaran. It’s super-easy to get burned. 

Rashguard is a long-sleeved swim shirt. It was first invented by surfers to protect their shoulders from rashes carrying the surfboard. Now with modern fabrics, the UVA/UVB protection is built-in and it is a must-have for any active adventurer! 

A “rashie” was a new concept for us before we first visited Hawaii, as they do not sell these here in Canada in mainstream stores. I have totally overlooked it in all my past visits to Cuba. This latest visit however I am happy that both my 3yo son and I had rashies on during the full-day catamaran and dolphinarium excursion. Other yacht guests got sooooo sunburned!

Cuba Packing List Item: Long-sleeved rashguard

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Water Shoes

Although Cuba is famous for its exceptional sandy beaches, if you are into serious snorkeling or diving, you might want to explore some harsh areas where the rocks are sharp, slippery and may be covered with marine vegetation. Definitely include water shoes on your packing list for Cuba!

Our favorite water shoes are JIASUQI – these even have a little zip pocket for your hotel card key and a credit card! (not that you need your credit card around there… – on it later)

Cuba Packing List Item: JIASUQI Water Shoes

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Sunglasses

When selecting sunglasses to take with you on Cuba vacation, look beyond just the style. The best way to protect your eyes from the sun is by choosing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. 

How do you tell if your sunglasses remove 100% UV light? 
Beam the UV light through one of the lenses and onto the credit card or money. If the symbols are still visible, your glasses are not 100% UV protected. This means the lens is letting the UV light through and as a result, the symbols become noticeable.

Cuba Packing List Item: Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses

In addition to looking for UV protection, my husband always gets polarized sunglasses – these reduce glare when engaging in watersport activities or driving in the sun. To learn more about polarized sunglasses check this out.

Cuba Packing List Item: Polarized sunglasses for activities

NOTE: Some contact lenses provide UV protection too, but they don't cover your whole eye, so you still need sunglasses. 

Sunglasses strap is another little gimmick no one usually thinks about in advance, but it can be a lot of help. When you are adventuring over water – paragliding, surfing, motorboating, you name it! – the least you want is to lose your sunglasses as they slip off by accident.

If your baby uses sunglasses in Cuba – the sunglasses strap is an absolute must-have!

Cuba Packing List Item: Sunglasses security straps

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Beach Accessories

Water Bottle and Reusable Glass

Most of the resorts in Cuba are all-inclusive and have a bar at the beach or near the pool. All the drinks you get from these bars, whether in 3-star or 5-star property, are served in single-use plastic cups. 

Firstly, these cups are super-tiny – you’ll be able to take in your drink in one sip and will have to go back and forth to the bar quite often.

Secondly, and most importantly, these single-use plastics are not biodegradable and create tons of unnecessary trash. 

Every time we travel to Cuba or other all-inclusive resort anywhere else in the world, we make sure to take large reusable mugs and glasses with a lid and a straw – that can house 750ml to 1L of our favorite mojito! No garbage, no frequent bar visits, waiting in line and countless tipping… 

A large water bottle can be used for the same purpose. We’ve seen some fellow tourists pouring beer into gallon-sized water jugs! We thought – wow that’s amazing! They just saved 20+ single-use plastics from entering landfills!

Cuba Packing List Item:  Water Bottle and Reusable Glass

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Beach Bag

A good is key because likely you won’t want to go back to your car or hotel any time you need something, be it a snack, a towel or a change of clothing. There are some bags you can find now that even have an insulated cooler at the bottom for keeping your drinks and snacks cold in the sun. 

Cuba Packing List Item: Odyseaco Aruba Mesh Beach Tote Bag

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Beach Towel

You’ll definitely need towels in Cuba. Indeed, nearly any hotel will provide them. However, shortages and laundry service disruptions are not uncommon and affect both 3-star and 5-star resorts alike. A few years ago in Varadero, our resort was out of towels for 3 days due to laundry workers strike.

When traveling to Cuba, we always take a towel with us. Just one for the entire family, but it is there if we need it. Look for a lightweight quick-dry travel towel, not a bulky bath towel. 

Cuba Packing List Item: Microfibre Beach Towels for Travel

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Portable Cigarette Ashtray (for smokers)

It pains my heart to see vacationers smoking on the beach, putting off their cigarettes into the virgin white sand and leaving it there! Sadly, on our last Cuban vacation I’ve witnessed this scene way too often. 

The situation was so bad that the whole magnificent Varadero beach was covered with cigarette butts and the resort staff could not keep up cleaning. Cigarette butts are one of the most toxic litter items that enter world oceans and poisons marine life. 

We’ve even embarked on an improvised campaign cleaning up the beach area around us every day with my 3yo son before we stepped our feet into the water. Read more in the Red Bucket Challenge.

Although none of us are smokers, we’ve done a quick search and for those of our readers who do smoke, we are happy to report – there are portable ashtrays available on Amazon. These are compact and can be taken with you everywhere to be used to put off cigarettes and store the cigarette butts for proper waste disposal at a later time. 

Cuba Packing List Item: BMTick Smell-Proof Pocket Ashtray Capsule

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Watersports Equipment

Cuba is not so popular with surfers [yet], however, I have seen some pretty good waves there in the shoulder season when the weather is a bit stormy. If you are a professional surfer, I’d recommend coming to check out Cuba without your board first, before you pack up your board at the next visit.

If you are a snorkeler or diver, it is recommended you bring your own gear with you. Some of the excursions and tours have cheap reusable snorkeling equipment they loan to visitors too. But if you think you might enjoy venturing to explore reefs and underwater caves on your own – definitely bring your gear. You will NOT be able to buy quality snorkeling equipment in Cuba.

We always end up bringing our own snorkeling equipment, as the thought of sticking that resort-provided snorkel into my mouth after ten thousand people have spat in it makes me shiver. 

AVOID full-face snorkeling masks – these are at the very least unsafe, and some are outright dangerous! In it, you are breathing in recycled air and CO2, which leads to dizziness and headaches. In addition, if something goes wrong, it is very hard to get it off quickly even if you are not panicking. Avoid at all costs! Learn more about the dangers of using a full face snorkel mask HERE. 

Traditional two-piece snorkeling set – a mask and a snorkel – is the safest choice!

Cuba Packing List Item: Snorkeling equipment

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Photo & Video Equipment

Waterproof Phone Case

A waterproof case is a MUST if you want to do anything or go anywhere where your phone can get wet, get exposed to the sand or fall into the water. Bring your phone to the beach, take photos when on a yacht, visiting a dolphinarium or taking a catamaran ride. Some heavy-duty waterproof phone cases even make it possible to take underwater photos and videos.

Cuba Packing List Item: Choetech Waterproof Phone Case

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Floatation Strap

A floatation strap is definitely not something at the top of your mind when you are packing for Cuba. But that’s one of those must-have water-safety items you should definitely take with you if you’re going to bring your underwater camera, a GoPro or the phone (in its waterproof case) to the beach, while snorkeling, or out on a boat tour. Then if you drop your camera – it will float for you to easily scoop it back – no need to jump into the water to save it from the bottom of the sea!

Cuba Packing List Item: Camera float strap

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Selfie Stick

A reliable universal selfie stick should be added to your Cuba packing list. “Universal” means it has you can use to attach any device you are using: your phone, GoPro or your camera. There are some selfie sticks that convert into a tripod. As to the photoactivation button – it’s great to have both – one on the stick itself, and also as a remote control!

Cuba Packing List Item: BlitzWolf selfie stick tripod with remote

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Camera

Even if you are not a professional photographer, I can guarantee you’d be taking photos non-stop when in Cuba. There are plenty of memories you’d want to take home: magnificent sandy beaches, stunning sunsets, unbelievable turquoise color ocean, the bright colors of Cuban dancers, intricate Spanish Old Colonial architecture of Havana, vivid surreal mosaics of Fusterlandia… 

Bring your camera! When selecting a camera and a lense, get one with the best landscape photography capabilities.

Get a few lens protectors – you’ll encounter sand almost everywhere you go, and it is so easy to unintentionally scratch that expensive lens.  

For the memory cards, it is best to bring a few smaller capacity cards. For example instead of one 128GB, we’d recommend 4 x 32GB. This way you can replace a card once full, and have it safely stored away. If your camera (hopefully NOT!) is lost, stolen or broken at a later date, at least you have the memory cards with the most precious memories still in your pocket!

Cuba Packing List Item: Camera

Cuba Packing List Item: Lens protectors, specific to your camera and lens

Cuba Packing List Item: Samsung EVO Select Memory Cards

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GoPro

This photo of us visiting a dolphinarium was taken in Cuba with GoPro HERO7

Cuba is a stunning place indeed and is an absolute paradise for active explorers. Snorkeling, diving, interacting with dolphins, riding classic cars, motorbiking, exploring caves including underwater caves… But all of these adventures require a camera that is convenient, hands-free and waterproof. That’s why a GoPro, even the very basic inexpensive model, is a little something that’s will make a big difference if what memories you take home!

Cuba Packing List Item: GoPro HERO7

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Photo / Video Drone

IMPORTANT NOTE:
It is currently [2020] ILLEGAL to bring an aerial drone to Cuba. If caught at the airport or operating a drone anywhere in Cuba, you can face fines and potentially even imprisonment. Your drone will be confiscated.

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Universal Power Adapter

Something that rarely remembered is: if you are traveling to Cuba from North America or Europe, you may actually have different power plugs. Cuba operates on 220V. We recommend investing in a universal power adapter that can fit anything to anything in terms of equipment to a power socket. 

Cuba Packing List Item: Universal World-Wide Power Adapter

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Power Outlet Bar

If you are like us, you’ve probably brought tons of photo equipment with you to make sure you are not missing a thing in documenting your vacation. A camera, a GoPro, two phones, likely a laptop or a tablet, extra batteries, other gadgets…. And then you find out there are only a couple of power outlets in your resort room! Do you really need to take turns charging it all? Therefore a power outlet bar is something we always add to our packing list when going to Cuba or any other destination for that matter. We make sure to choose a power outlet with a surge protector, and with both: electric plugs and USB sockets.

Cuba Packing List Item: RDXone Power Bar with Surge Protector and 4 USB Outlets

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Power Bank

It totally sucks to take a road trip to Havana to only find out that your phone or camera is out of juice, and you can’t take any more photos or find your way around the city! 

Even if you have your charger with you, as Cuba is on 220v power sockets, you are unlikely to find a power plug or a USB plug to recharge. Even those cars and tour buses in Cuba, unlike in North America, do not have power plugs. 

We are always packing a power bank with us. 

Cuba Packing List Item: Jackery Bolt Ultra-Compact Power Bank

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Camera Backpack

If you are bringing a lot of camera gear with you, trying to pack it up safely using regular luggage may be a challenge. It makes sense to get a proper backpack that is specially designed for carrying electronics worry-free.

These days lots of brands are offering all-in-one digital nomad gear – it’s important to find one that works for you and your equipment.

The bag we use is TARION RB-02. This backpack fits our laptop, camera, 2 lenses, chargers, memory cards, power bank, GoPro and a few other little things.

You can stick your water bottle or a thermos into one side pocket, and your selfie-stick or tripod into another. The great thing about this backpack is that it comes with a waterproof cover that is always with you in a zip pocket underneath the bag! 

Cuba Packing List Item: Tarion RB-02 Camera Backpack

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Mobile Apps

Let’s start by saying that the Internet in Cuba is an issue. There is only one company operating a 3G network – CUBACEL – and the cell data network is only available in cities like Varadero or Havana. 

It is NOT possible to buy a local sim card – these are sold to locals only and require formal registration.

Many hotels and resorts sell WiFi access for $1 per hour. The network is public and unsecured. 

If you are staying in a large resort, and away from the city (like the one we stayed at last time –  StarFish Varadero) – you are likely not going to have wifi in your room. 

So…your mobile phone and your laptop for the purposes of browsing the web will be …useless most of the time.

It is best to take this Cuban vacation trip as an opportunity for a complete digital detox.

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Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Many travelers learn it the hard way that to go on someone else’s WiFi whether it’s at an airport, a cafe, a hotel, or any other public hotspot – your passwords, credit card, and identity is at risk of being hacked and stolen. 

When visiting Cuba you are likely to not have any alternative option – it is your resort’s public WiFi or nothing.

Therefore please do not be surprised to see VPN on your Cuba packing list. A good VPN will help you protect your devices and data. There are apps and VPN products readily available – learn more here. Alex uses expressVPN for all our travel needs.

Cuba Packing List Item: VPN application, such as expressVPN

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Travel Insurance

Cuba is a place to enjoy water sports and adventurous activities, and there is a higher risk of accidents. It is only natural to stock-up on insurance. More so if you might be traveling to Cuba with a baby.

While you may have emergency medical coverage through your employer or through your credit card company, it is important to carefully review all terms, to know what you’re covered for and any special conditions. 

IMPORTANE NOTE:
Most out of the box insurance packages do NOT cover travel to Cuba. For example, my favorite insurance company World Nomads Travel Insurance does NOT provide coverage for Cuba.
Tripple-check also if your insurance covers both you and your baby when in Cuba. You may need to purchase extra insurance to cover your children.

There are only a handful of companies that do have relationships within Cuba to make medical insurance happen. Research your insurance options – chances are you are able to get the travel insurance from your tour operator. 

Max-up on insurance – take the top option. When it comes to Cuba's travel, it is not recommended to be cheap – everything can happen. 

In addition to regular Emergency Medical, Luggage Delays, Loss, Theft or Damage to your equipment, for sure get Trip-Interruption – between July and November, it is Hurricane season in Cuba and everything can happen.

Cuba Packing List Item: Travel insurance, including Trip Interruption.

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Traveling with a Baby? Read This.

Traveling with a small baby to Cuba for the first time could be outright terrifying. You have probably heard stories about terrible food at all-inclusive resorts, upset stomachs, and tropical diseases, baby product shortages, etc. You shouldn’t worry, however, with a little bit of upfront preparation, your trip to Cuba with a baby will be absolutely fantastic! 

We first traveled to Cuba with Cosmos when he was just 5 months old – one of the best trips ever! Cuba is a wonderful place to get your little one introduced to the sun and ocean.

So here is what you need to know and how you need to prepare for your visit to Cuba with a baby.

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Baby Care

Same as for yourself – your Cuba packing list must include everything you might need for your baby. There are indeed even more shortages of baby products in Cuba, than adult products. And I doubt you’d want to spend time shopping with your infant baby or your toddler with you – the time is better spent enjoying the beach.

Therefore, make sure to include the following on your baby packing list:

• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Baby powder
• Baby soap
• Baby lotion
• Rash cream
• First aid kit, including baby Tylenol and baby thermometer
• Extra pacifiers
• Baby sunhat
• Baby swimwear, clothing, rashguard
• Everything else you use for your baby

Cuba Packing List Item: every care item your baby might need

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Water

If you are breastfeeding – that’s a no brainer! What if you are using feeding formula, or your baby is a toddler “picky eater” stage and you are totally dependent on water?

Many resorts provide coffee makers, but we have never yet seen a kettle in a Cuban hotel room. Take a small travel kettle with you. This way you can have peace of mind about water safety. They have amazing collapsible silicone travel kettle options now! 

Here is our favorite: Loutytuo Foldable Electric Kettle. Not only is this kettle light, small, and collapses into a neat package – it has a dual voltage separate power cables (Cuba is on 220V)

Cuba Packing List Item: Loutytuo Travel Foldable Electric Kettle

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Baby Food

Maybe your toddler is a picky eater, or maybe you are simply not sure if the resort food is of a “baby quality”… There is always a way to “play it safe”. 

We hear you… Our own son Cosmos is 4yo now, but he always was a picky eater. The resort food never cuts it for him.

But what food do you bring with you that is going to last for a week, or even two?

Here is what we always take with us: dry cereals, fruit pouches, and protein pouches.

NOTE:
You will NOT find good quality Milk in Cuba – most of the “milk” used at resorts for coffee and cocktails is a powder-based product they use water to mix.
Nor there any good quality juices that North American babies may be used to. For example, it is almost impossible to find apple juice in Cuba. If your kiddo is fine drinking mango or pineapple juice – that they have plenty of.

Cuba Packing List Item: Baby spoon, bottles, a bowl, a cup, and a few bibs. 

Cuba Packing List Item: Natural biodegradable dishwashing soap

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Dry Cereals

Dry cereal is easy. We usually take the bag out of the cardboard box and stack a few of them into a ziplock. If you are bringing a few different kinds, you can use a sticker to identify which one is which. Once in Cuba, use your boiled water to prepare warm cereal for your baby – it takes literally 2 seconds.

Our absolute favorite cereals to take on the travels are Baby Gourmet. Even though it is labeled for small babies, Cosmos is still enjoying a bowl here and there even though he is already 4yo. These cereals are full of nutrients, are organic and low on sugars. For our toddler, we take 1 pack of cereal for a 3-day period. So if our Cuban vacation is 2 weeks, we’ll be taking 5 or 6 packages with us.

Cuba Packing List Item: Baby Gourmet Baby Cereal

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Pouches

Fruit and protein pouches are also easy. These are prepared and sealed in a way that they do not require to be kept in a fridge. While fruit pouches are an excellent safe snack, to replace a meal you’d likely be looking at protein pouches. 

Our brand of choice is Baby Gourmet – their Salmon & Veggie is Cosmos’s absolute favorite! 

As an alternative, we sometimes get Love Child pouches – these have more cool selections and vegetarian protein options.

For a 4yo we typically calculate 3-4 pouches per day. Sometimes he ends up eating hotel food, like plain pasta, egg fried rice, veggies, and bread. But for the times of “absolute refusal” we have the peace of mind: we can always fall back on a food pouch.

Most protein pouches taste better when warm. There are two ways of warming up the contents. 

1. To pour the contents into a bowl and microwave it, if you have a microwave available.
2. To place a closed pouch in a bowl with hot water for 10 min, then pour into a bowl for serving.

NOTE: always taste the food temperature before giving it to your child to avoid burns.

Cuba Packing List Item: Baby Fruit and Protein pouches

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Beach Toys

Traveling with kids? You definitely need beach toys when going to Cuba! Yes, these could be bulky to pack and could take up much space in your luggage, but DO add beach toys to your Cuba packing list. You will NOT be able to buy beach toys in Cuba.

TIP: Get a cheap toy set with the intention to take it with you and leave behind in Cuba. No need to place those in the garbage, just leave toys, and any other leftover toiletries, sunscreen, no longer needed clothing, sunglasses, and anything else you do not intend to take back on the bed in your room. The housekeeping ladies will appreciate it. 

Cuba Packing List Item: Beach toys

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Stroller

One of the questions we are being asked all the time is: do I take my regular stroller to Cuba? When Cosmos was little, our personal choice was to leave the good expensive stroller at home and travel with a cheaper lightweight collapsible stroller. These are typically allowed to be used within the airport, are easily collapsible to check-in at the gate or to take with you on a bus excursion, and you won’t worry much should something happen to it.

For your trip to Cuba with a baby, select a stroller that has both: the extended canopy to protect from the sun and seat straps to confidently fix the baby within the stroller.

Our Summer 3D Stroller lasted for 2+ years and had survived multiple trips to Cuba, Mexico, Europe, and throughout North America. We were extremely happy with the durability and convenience this stroller provided.

It is a good idea to “double-up” and to bring along your baby carrier as well. In case something does happen to your stroller – you have a back-up plan!

Cuba Packing List Item: Summer 3D Convenience Stroller and your Baby Carrier

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Car Seat

Unless you are planning to venture out of your resort in a car, you won’t really need your car seat when in Cuba. 

If you are on the adventurous side – absolutely take it with you “just in case”. It is impossible to find a car seat when in Cuba – none of the taxi companies, nor car rental companies would have a baby car seat. Outside of Havana, you won’t find a baby car seat in any of the stores either. Even old car seats may not be an option…

Note, however, that if you are planning on taking one of Cuba’s Classic cars for a ride – none of the classic cars have the necessary hooks to affix a baby car seat. NONE. Most don’t even have a seat belt on the backseat.

Modern cars are enabled for car seat use. Yet again, unless you bring the car seat with you, they won’t provide it.

Cuba Packing List Item: Your Car Seat

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Traveling to Cuba with a Baby? You may also be interested in:

5 Tips Baby-Proofing AirBnB, Hotel, or Vacation Rental When Traveling With Kids

Toddler Airplane Activities You’ll Definitely Want to Use On Your Next Flight

Need more parent advice on traveling to Cuba with a baby? Check out our long list of Facebook Groups for Travel Bloggers – you can surely join some of them and ask away!

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We hope this packing list is helpful to you and your family on your journey to the most memorable place that we absolutely adore. If you have any other suggestions, packing tips or things you think everyone must bring with them to Cuba, leave a comment or send us a message!

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Enjoy!

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

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