Holiday with baby to Maldives

[susie66]

We're thinking of going on holiday to the Maldives in October with our nine month old daughter. Does anyone have a similar experience. We expect to take nappies and jars of baby food but we are concerned about vaccinations and potential healthcare in the event of an emergency.

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half of them disappeared I think

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Here (in Italy) they sell the maldives as a family holiday

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Susie we had our honeymoon in the Maldives and there were 2 couples with babies there. Staff were great re food and babywatching and it was lovely and quiet/private.
Only 14 islands were affected by the Tsunami so at least 80 left to choose from (and goodness knows they can do with the business) Just don't go in the hottest season (Mar-Jun so prob not an issue)

Oops - meant to say - they have seaplanes connect islands with capital for emergencies

Seem to be two messages with same subject so I'll post this again here:

We went to Mauritius/S Africa with our daughter when she was five months old. Went really well, though I dreaded it in advance. At nine months, should still sleep really well in the bassinet they provide on the plane. Triple check with the airline in advance that you have a bulkhead seat and can use a bassinet! It makes a huge difference. We also upgraded to World Traveller Plus so were in a smaller cabin. Also, try to fly overnight both ways. We had a five-hour day flight between Mauritius and Cape Town during the day and it was a 'mare, but the overnights to and from London were a breeze.

We took enough formula (in sachets) and some disposable bottles as well as a travel steriliser and some steriliser bags (better to be overprepared), though I was still mostly breastfeeding (which was great on the flights!!). We also brought enough nappies, though we would have been able to get them there. It took up loads of space. Regarding food, you might want to start getting your dd used to eating mushed up non-jar food so that you don't have to bring as many jars with you. Speak to your hotel about what they can provide - they are usually really helpful. Also don't forget some medicine; calpol sachets and dehydration sachets are a must for sniffles and bugs!

We went back to our honeymoon hotel in the Seychelles in August (dd was 5months old) and it was FANTASTIC. All the staff made a huge fuss of her and she slept wonderfully well (all that sea air!) so dh and I had plenty of quiet time to ourselves. Not sure what the vaccination recommendations are for the Maldives but think it may be similar to Seychelles, ie. diptheria and typhoid which are contracted through food and water so if you will be using jars and bottled water you shouldn't need to worry. Check with your surgery though - the practice nurse will have up to date info.
Go for it!

When we went the travel agent said that you are not advised to take under 5's because it takes too long to fly to the hospital.

A big thank you to everyone who responded - it was great help. The island has a doctor & speedboat to Male hospital is 25 minutes. Flights are overnight. Typhoid and Hep A are the recommended vaccines although at 9 months too young to have these.

Thread hijack alert - I'm doing a newspaper article on holidaying with a young baby and would really appreciate your help with tips and such. See here for more information. Would be particularly good to hear from those of you who have survived long haul trips! Thanks xx