...to think it's possible to go on holiday with a 6/7 month old?

[naranciata]

Expecting DC1 in April. Friend getting married in India in November and has invited me, DH and baby to be. I am very keen to go and have wanted to go to India for years and years. DH is trepidacious (understandably) but he's naturally much more risk averse than I am. I think it will be hard and scary but mainly an adventure. DH is Googling stats on road traffic accidents in India and saying I should go on my own.

Can I have your experiences of holidaying with small babies?

Took my 8 month old to Rio, without DH, she was bottlefed, and crawling and walking around furniture, in their summer so 35/38 degrees. I had an awful lot of how could you's, are you insane comments... It was an amazing trip, our first adventure and I loved every minute. She adapted better than me to the heat, she basically didn't notice it, she was a little older so drank water (boiled) and she just ate what we ate, and had formula as normal. I personally don't get the over caution, you aren't going to the middle of the Sahara, and it's much easier with a little one. I flew with mine whenever and wherever I could and the upside is that she is and always has been an easy/versatile and relaxed traveller, no plane tantrums because she's used to it, and she adapts to any scenario/place, she's 8 now. Only advise I would give for flight is feed up and feed down and/or give a dummy they absolutely need to be sucking to help with the ears! And like others have said if you think you might need formula take with you. Hope you go and good luck!

I'm sorry but get a grip! Europe-yes, India no! Think about your baby. It's too risky at that age.

First holiday we had DD was 16 weeks to italy and again at 6 months. We went in a tour of US when she was 11 months.

At 7 months you'll only just be starting to wean so I think getting ill is low on the list. It does mean that you also need give really careful - what will you do if you get ill?

I'd do it. They're so easy at that age usually. Very envious

I travelled a few hours to go to the wedding of my friends when my eldest was about that age. He screamed his head off so I had to take him outside therefore missing the wedding. If I'd have gone all the way to India, I would have been very disappointed.
I have travelled extensively before the kids and although I loved India, I too got very sick ( in 37 degrees). The hospital I ended up in was far from clean. It was fine for me but personally I would never take a baby as the risks are too great.
Whatever happens, don't book your ticket until you've had the baby. Things will change a lot when your baby comes along and you'll be better placed to make a decision. Good luck with it all xx

We flew to US when DS was 5 months - breastfed exclusively 9 hr flight - then two years later took DD 3 months on same trip with DS who was then 2 - both very easy no problems at all. Fed more than normal as temperatures in low 100's while we were there but otherwise perfect holidays. I would say that the faces of several other passengers when we were getting on the planes in premium economy were a picture though!

I went to Prague with an 8 month old and it was tough. I wouldn't go to India (long haul flight plus danger of water) BUT I also think as a mum we are amazing at coping in any situation and the adventure will be amazing. You're more capable than you know.

I personally wouldn't take my baby to India, mainly because my husband would not like it there! I haven't been to India for 9 years so perhaps this is out of date, but when I've been before we as westerners were more interesting to the locals than the Taj Mahal (literally). Think people trying to manoeuvre themselves behind you to have a photo with you in it, or asking for a photo with you, or children wanting to shake your hand. And I am very average looking. So be prepared for your baby to be very very interesting too! I saw a western couple with a small baby politely asking a queue of admiring people not to touch her, although they were happy for people to look. Just to bear in mind if you do plan on anything beyond the wedding and the hotel!

Also, avoid ice in drinks, even from chains you recognise. I'm sure that's what gave me a bad tummy!

Good luck. Having attended an amazing wedding in India myself, I can say I am very very glad I went. One of the most fantastic experiences of my life. I hope it works out for you.

Travelling with child that age is fine - a good age to travel. They can sleep when they want and go out late to restaurants. The milk issue can be a problem. If breastfed, it is fine plus a little cooled boiled water esp if very hot. However, if bottle fed - may have to check what formula is available or bring a supply of it.

I've travelled (alone) extensively with my 2 DC at pretty much all ages starting with dd1 at 5 months. Only within Europe mind you but 5 hour + flight. My brothers work involves regular travel to India to source products and he and his partner have always taken their DD along from baby age! This is well away from the usual tourist trail too and they have never had any issues! I'd definitely go.

I know somebody who took a bf baby to India at 5 months old and said it was great. She used a sling to carry the baby who was happy watching people and snoozing. My dd would have coped ok too I think (although I didn't try).
I also have a friend who swears by going veggie in India and claims that dodgy tummies tend to be meat related. I've got no proof for this though.
Although you plan to bf I would advise thinking about what you would do if your baby was on formula. You can take it with you to most countries but worth checking the rules and what's available there. I planned to bf but dd couldn't. That might affect how easy it is to go, but wouldn't be a reason to cancel, it would just involve a bit more thought.

I have travelled with both my babies and at that age they are very portable. I think India is fine (and I lived there pre-children) there is easy access to medical help etc. That said, I assume that you will stay in decent airconditioned hotels (not backpacking hovels) AND take the usual precautions (only bathe baby in bottled water etc.)

Out if all these stories tuna 's experience of walking the west highland way with a 6 month old on their back is by far the most impressive!

Again everyone I know has been ill going to India. If the baby gets I'll over there you are in big trouble. I would give it a miss.

I would not risk the health of my child. I think India ìs lovely but does not have the best hygiene records. Also v hot
Plus if you take the baby you will spend most of your time looking after db. More relaxing without a baby. When you have the baby youyou will feel differently.

Hello, I would wait until your baby is here before deciding. You might feel differently about the trip once the baby is here. I was much more nervous and protective than I expected to be. But everyone is different trust your instincts and do what works for your family x

The first trip DD1 went on was UK to Australia and Singapore at 2.5 months. The flights were tough but otherwise ok as they're both child-friendly and developed countries. Both very hot at the time we went - 35 - 40 Celcius. DD1 did get an ear infection but was sorted quickly.
We did other short-haul trips which were completely fine, but the trip with DD1 at 18m to Jordan was slightly scary.
It's quite interesting at the time, but now thinking back I do thank my lucky stars that nothing bad happened on that trip - there was flood on our way to Petra and our car had to turn back in the middle of the night to find a hotel in Aman at 3am, etc.
We also had two experiences of ear infection / chest infection around Xmas time, once in Germany and once in Morocco. Heavily relied on the hotel to sort out doctors and medicine. Both time no problems but they were stressful experiences with language barriers.
With DD2 we've been way more conservative - she's been to about 10 countries by 3 but most are safe / developed countries (if Thailand and China count).
I guess what I'm trying to say is that knowing what I know now, I personally wouldn't take a 6m old to India, particularly because I wouldn't know what the temperament of the baby is like before s/he is born. Whether s/he is a good sleeper or not makes a huge difference. My DD2 also had reflux which would've been a huge pain to travel with. But on the other hand, it probably would be fine and it would be a very interesting experience - the unknown is part of the fun I guess :)

I got married in India and there is no way on earth I would have asked anyone to bring a 6 month old. I'm well travelled and not scared of taking my DCs places, but wouldn't take them to India until they were at least 3 or 4. Dangerous roads & lack of healthcare would be my biggest concerns. At 6-7 months you will have just started introducing solids. It's not a good time to be away. Sorry!

I have twins and have travelled with them loads especially since we used to live in the US. 5/6/7 months was the worst age for traveling long distances - the jet lag was just horrific since they were only just getting the hang of sleeping in general. I have a few friends who also lived overseas and travelled home around that age to introduce their babies to family and they all agree with me on this.

I don't want to put you off, often babies can be as adaptable as you let them, but just thought I'd share my experience.

Also despite having taken my toddlers to Australia I'd be really nervous about India especially at that age (we are actually considering it next year and I'm torn about it). I have been once and was horribly horribly ill (collapsed in a railway station and had to call an ambulance which took so long to come we ended up not even using it). That said, if you stay in 5* hotels the whole time you might be ok health wise.

OP I wouldn't do this based on my experience having DC-
I couldn't breast feed (saying you want to doesn't always make it happen) so I would have to book somewhere to stay with the right facilities to clean/sterilise bottles and take enough formula.
I weaned both DCs at 5 months (DC1 they said 6 months but she was big so advice was to do it much much earlier and DC2 the general advice was to wean at 4 mths)
DC2 was on the move at 5.5months crawling, stood up at 6months and cruising before 7months. So he was a tiny toddler.
DC1 in hindsight I could have travelled with before I weaned her because she was so good at sleeping and taking bottles and didn't move anywhere (2-5 months) but experience of a different type of baby (DC2), well he was less good!
Overall, yes you can go on holiday, it's just not much fun and because you're not at home, it's 20 times harder trying to cope.

I would definitely think twice and as pps have said, wait till after you've had the baby. It's hard to know how/ whether breastfeeding will work out even if you want to, and I would worry about baby getting ill from solids (except bananas!) as you would be weaning by that age. I've been to India and loved it but wouldn't go with a baby - crazy driving (car seats??), d & v, long flights and very hot!

I'm sure you're intending to breastfeed but if it doesn't work out you'll need to bottle feed. I wouldn't have wanted the pressure of travelling to India and doing that-unless you're staying in a 5 star hotel - even then you may not be able to guarantee keeping everything sterile. I've travelled in India and didn't get ill and I was roughing it but very careful too. Don't risk your baby's health. A baby with dysentery would be scary indeed.

I also have a friend who swears by going veggie in India and claims that dodgy tummies tend to be meat related

Ah no.

I was vegetarian. Still sick as a dog.

I took my ds1 to India when he was just over 6 months old, we were absolutely fine! We stayed with my mil in a normal house in a normal city, drinking filtered tap water, he was exclusively breastfeeding but had also started blw so had some homemade chapattis and veggie dishes. The recommendation at the time for vaccinations was just to be up to date with infant jabs and have the MMR early (it still needed to be done again at one year) and give precautionary anti-malarials. We've since been again with ds2 as well, and anti-malarials weren't recommended this time, so worth checking current advise for the place you are planning on visiting. We have travelled on the trains, roads, planes, we have stayed in different cities, visited tourist sites, had numerous people ask for our picture (Indian husband and very pale children!) and took it all in our stride! Ds1 is now 3 and has been 3 times, if you want to go then go, don't listen to people telling you you shouldn't do it, some people need to relax and live a little!

Went to India with some trepidation as I have IBS.Wasn't ill once nor was anyone in our 9strong party .Mid range but not 5*hotels and ate while travelling but only places our guide booked.Even cleaned teeth in bottled water and DH and I stuck to veggie food.Used gallons of hand sanitiser .We didn't take anti malarials(N India)but I think I might be a bit worried about dengue fever Possibly not an issue if you are visiting only a big city.It's a fascinating place and you sound like a seasoned traveller and not a panicker
I recently travelled back from Tokyo to UK with a plane full of small children.Didn't seem to be causing anyone problems.Most of them slept most of the time .More than I could !
I'd go for it OP. I once did a 7hour drive (in the Uk)alone with a 5m old baby and I thought that was brave .In fact it was fine We stopped now and then and I fed and changed her .She slept a lot of the time .I think things are often much easier than you think they will be.

if my health visitor and GP said it was ok then I'd go.