sussing out hk with a 5 month old

S

shahirakk

Registered User
We are considering moving from London to HK and I am travelling with my husband and son on Friday to stay in a serviced appt for a week.

Obviously I would love to shop and introduce my son to the delights of the lifestyle and look at accomodation which would be easily accessible to central.

Anyone any suggestions on what we can do in our week? Where I should take him? What to look out for in terms of accomodation.

I have a couple of specific questions -

1) Car Seats - We have a maxi cosi cabrio and have had trouble in the UK and in Spain getting the car seat into taxis. Unfortunately, seat belts arent always long enough. Has anyone had any experience of using the MAXI Cosi Cabrio in HK / should we buy a cheap Car seat in HK for our trip?

2) WATER- My son is being exclusively breastfed but I do pump milk - If I boil and cool tap water would this be ok? Or should I use mineral water and boil that?

3) Where can i get "traditional" gifts for friends and family and particularly babies?

4) SWIMMING - any good companies/ short courses I can take while I am out there?

Your experiences, warts and all, would be much appreciated.

Shahira
 
Hi Shahira,

I hope you enjoy your visit to Hong Kong.

As far as the taxis go, getting car seats into them is next to impossible and to be honest the drivers aren't too keen to hang around whhile you have a fight with the seat belt (time is money). Most people don't bother with car seats and although it wouldn't be acceptable at hime (and in the back of your mind you know it's not safe) people tend to carry their babies either in the arms or in a sling when they're in a cab. Where are you staying? It might be easier to get around on the MTR (Hong Kong's Underground), which is alot cleaner, safer and runs on time (a novelty in comparison to the London Underground). Also you might find that while you are here, that if you go exploring alot, that it's easier to walk, the main areas i.e. Central are all really within walking distance. And one of the great things about Hong Kong is that everything is signposted if you are walking.

The water here is cleaned using exactly the same system as at home (UK). So it's up to you and a matter of taste as to whether you use tap water or bottled.

Now shopping in Hong Kong is a very different experience than at home. They tend to block shops that sell the same things into one area rather than have a town centre like we do. Someone once said to me 'If you want to buy a hammer in Hong Kong you have to find the street that sells the hammers.' This is so true for many items. Having said that in Central there are alot of shops that sell a range of things. You will also find alot of shopping malls, including a huge one in Tsim Sha Tsui which is just the other side of the water in Kowloon (catch the Star ferry). You will also find alot of shops in what look like office buildings. So shopping is an experience and well worth exploring.

Good luck with your visit I'm sure you'll have fun.

Jools
 
Calling Mid Levels mums - coffee anyone?

thanks Jools - really helpful advice.

Just managed to log on here in HK - Am really enjoying it here. Really enjoying it here except for steps and pollution -I think the baby bjorn is coming out today! Having said that, we have taken 3 taxis and managed to get our car seat into 2 out of 3 of them. Our car seat clicks into the pushchair chassis so it's not too cumbersome if there is more than one adult on duty.

Are there any groups / people I can meet in the Central / Mid Levels area while I am here - We are staying in Mcdonnel road. Really want to hear about your early experiences here and what to look out for as we consider living here.

Thanks
Shahira
 
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