Costa Rica — Baby Travel Info
Costa Rica car seat laws, baby formula availability, and tap water safety for families travelling with children.
Car Seat Laws
- Legally required
- yes
- Age range
- 0 – 12 years
- Approved standards
- FMVSS 213, ECE R44
- Rear-facing required
- no
- Enforcement notes
- Enforced; fines apply. One of the stricter Central American countries.
- Notes
- Children under 12 must use appropriate restraint in rear seat. Car seat required for children under 4 (approximately). Costa Rica has relatively strong road safety laws for the region. Taxis exempt but ride-shares may have seats.
Compatible Car Seats
| Model | Type | Certifications | Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cybex Aton 2 | infant | FAA, ECE R44 | Yes (ece r44) |
| Joie Gemm | infant | ECE R44 | Yes (ece r44) |
Formula Availability
- Availability
- limited
- Notes
- Some US and local brands available in pharmacies in San José and tourist areas
Tap Water Safety
- Safety
- partial
- Notes
- Safe in San José and major cities; use bottled water in rural and coastal areas