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Hello!
I will move with my family that includes 8 month old baby to Hanoi this October. Was wondering if babyfood is easily available in shops? Families with babies and infants - maybe you have some other important information that we should know beforehand?
Thanks!
babyfood (add tags) Why? Details of tags
answered about 4 months ago by blue_tiger
hi! Imported baby food is widely available in Vietnam. There are a lot of western shops here in Hanoi that sells items from the Western world, so there should be no problem. Imported toys and books are limited though. If you need my help please feel free to contact me. I am a kindergarten teacher in an International school and basically know places to go suitable for families with young infants/children.
answered about 4 months ago by Ouriel
Our son grew up here (was born in Thailand though) and so we have a lot of experience living here. Medical - I was only allowed to go to SOS (insurance reasons) so I can't comment on the French Hospital with kids but SOS was able to give our kids most of their shots here. We went to Thailand for the shots that are not available here but needed for attendance to schools in the US. SOS staff is pretty competent but there is no resident paediatrician so you will have to just take whoever is available - depending on who you get it ain't bad. I usually go for the Australian or Belgian doctors as they are professional and competent. I have had bad experiences with the VN doctors at SOS. I only purchase over the counter meds from SOS as purchasing from outside pharmacies was not an option for me - too afraid that the meds were not genuine and wasn't going to take a chance anyway. Even though our insurance covers us 100%, for someone with no insurance, SOS is pretty pricey. Baby food is available here - cereals are pretty good eg. Nestle rice, barley, wheat, oats. The jars of baby food tend to be expensive as well. If you are competent in the kitchen, I would buy fresh fruit and veg and make my own! Personally, I prefered to peel all fruit. If you get a nanny here, she will make awesome congee for your baby - mixture of rice porridge with meat and veg. Citimart in Vincom Towers now stocks some Fisher Price toys. There are more for babies than older kids so you're in luck there! The clothes here are not too bad, but I found the quality to be not as good as the items in the States. But, as your baby will be growing fast maybe you don't care if it gets raggedy after a few washes. You could just get a tailor to make some special items if you like. I am a protective mother and after seeing lots of bad accidents involving kids here, I didn't let my kids get on a motorbike at all. As a result getting around tends to be a little more expensive. We lived in Ciputra which I felt was a suitable place for our kids. We had a clear sidewalk to push our stroller unlike the rest of the city. There are numerous playgrounds there and lots of baby groups. Well, I wish you everything of the best with your move to Hanoi with your baby. Feel free to PM me if you want more specific information. ;)
answered about 4 months ago by bobthebob01
Well for the pediatrician part, you can check the Hanoi Family Medical Practice on Kim MA. you can check their website: www.vietnammedicalpractice.com They have a very nice and friendly pediatrician: Dr. Hellen. they have also program for vaccination which comes cheaper than paying shot individually (though it depends what your baby already had); They are often cheaper than SOS too but their staff are really friendly. And i agree with Ouriel: for the sake of your child DO NOT GO ON A MOTORBIKE WITH YOUR BABY like many parents do. Roads are way too dangerous. cheers
answered about 4 months ago by Kris23
Thank you everybody for information and advice! I do feel more reassured now about moving to Hanoi with such a small baby. We will get all our vaccinations done here in Europe before moving. One more question - does it make sense to take a stroller with us from Europe or better to buy it there? Or maybe the stroller is pretty useless in the streets of Hanoi? Don't know in which part we will be living though ...
In 90% of Hanoi the sidewalks are tiny and used to park motorbike or by various mini street shops. but depending where you will live, there are parts of town that can accommodate a stroller. as for the price: not sure.
answered about 4 months ago by virezo
bobthebob01 was right, it depends on where you whill live. However, I suggest you buy a stroller here (because there are more important things you want to carry), not too expensive and it's useful in Hanoi, I'm sure.
I personally wouldn't waste my money on a stroller here ... even though they are cheap, the quality is poor and they plastic they are made of may not be safe for baby. You can carry it on the plane at no extra cost - they store it in the cabin for you.
answered about 4 months ago by Joey
I have been here a year and arrived with 7 month old twins. I had similar concerns as you and the HIWC group answered nearly all of them. HIWC have a weekly playgroup. Morningstar Kindergarten also has a weekly mothers and baby hour. Strollers here need to be ruggered and what you can find here to purchase are not good quality or really expensive in at Hanoi Towers. When I first arrived I walked most places on the road pushing our 3 wheel buggy (which came with us from Australia) and commanding as much space as a motorbike on the roads. It is overwhelming when you first arrive, but gets much easier and there are loads of people here with little ones. My kids have had all the checks done at the Family Medical Practice including vaccinations. Very happy with their service. One thing I have not been able to find here is cot sheets, but I have noticed there is more baby merchandise available than a year ago when I was really looking. High chairs, cots, safety gates, dummies, bottles, milk powder, baby jar food, nappies and wet ones are all readily available in Hanoi.
