cost of baby formula, diapers, etc.

[sholo]

My 5 month old daughter and I will be living in CR for a few months and I would love some info about the cost of things such as baby formula, baby food, diapers, strollers etc.  We will be in the Dominical/San Isidro area.

[Russ]

My information is a little out of date - my youngest daughter is  almost 4 - but for some ballpark figures I'll give it a shot.   

The formula will depend on whether you get a basic brand like Nestle which costs maybe $8 for a can that could last about 7 days.  Your daughter is almost ready to eat solids so you may find that these brands are fine as a complement.  If you want something more nutritive then you'll probably pay twice that. 

Diapers are Huggies and cost about $6-8 for the 24-18 unit - as we know the smaller each diaper size the more come in the package. There are many places now that sell generic toilet paper, napkins and diapers.  These are much cheaper (like 50% less) - but we weren't happy with the quality, shall we say "holding power".  So it might depend how active your baby is. 

You should by strollers and car seats in the US.  The Graco or Century - for example - strollers and car seats go for from  $120 - $200 here.  If you want an upper end playpen or crib the same goes, however you could also go for old fashioned used ones that are readily available here.  Some of the second hand clothing stores sell strollers and car seats. 

These are prices at the supermarket or convenience store. Anyway, since you'll live in San/Isidro, your best value will be to buy in large quantities at Price Smart or Hipermas whenever you get to San Jose.  You can probably realize significant savings this way.