Dominican Republic with 7 month old? Help!

[VillageFete]

Hi,

We are booking the Dominican Republic for my DP’s 40th Bday. Beautiful, 5* Platinum hotel, so hopefully nice and clean and decent food.

We will have 3 children by then. A just turned teen, a 5 year old and a 7 month old.

Any advice/tips for a panicky mother regarding the 7 month old… I’m really worried about mosquitoes, the flight and disturbing everyone else on it!

Any tips from those who have gone long haul with a small baby appreciated. Any must buys to make things easier? Or advice on bottle prep etc? She won’t be breastfeeding at that point.

In terms of vaccinations, she’ll be up to date but won’t have had MMR of course. Do any of us need extra vaccinations? Best mosquito repellent for kids and babies?

Last time we went to the Caribbean (Cuba) My eldest daughter was 4 and I don’t even think we brought mosquito repellent and we certainly didn’t have any additional vaccinations etc.. I was clearly a bit reckless back then 🫣 But as i’ve gotten older, I worry A LOT!

Honestly - I’d delay the holiday until they’re older. Or go without the kids.

@Lcb123 I can’t leave the baby for 2 weeks, although I wish I could 😂

I feel really unfair on DP and the older kids suggesting we delay as we’ve not had a holiday for 5 years and the older 2 are besides themselves with excitement, plus, it’s gotta be easier with a baby than a toddler? I certainly wouldn’t do long haul between ages of 12 months and 3.5 years but that’s just me.

We went to Mexico with ds that age. You have to accept the flight will be what it is, lots of walking around, take screens, books and snacks. We bought a load of new bath toys which are soft and gave a few on the plane then they were great for in the pool. Have a pushchair that reclines so they can nap in the evening if you are eating. Loads of sun cream and mosquito stuff including plug in one for the room. We had a fab time but you have to go with the flow and we often had an afternoon nap. Take calpol with you. It will be fine. We then did Cuba when ds was 2 and that was a lovely holiday.

We went to the DR when my daughter was 7 months and my son 3 years old and had a great time - the flight will be what it will be. Even if it's a nightmare, it will pass!! We've just come back with my 4 year old daughter and 7 year old son and it was actually harder work on the flight because they were "booooored".

Try to get a window seat as then you can cococon bubs in with a sibling. See if your airline let you use an inflatable foot rest - it gave us so much more usable room to play with. Take blankets on the plane, they're useful to make a nest/padding/pillow etc.

Snacks, drinks, toys. Tablet with endless bright animation. Lots of walking around the plane and shoogling bubs. Get window or bath stickers, you can stick them to the seat in front, much amusement for little hands. I was still breastfeeding so I BF a lot on the plane, I didn't bottle feed so I can't help there.

Insect repellent is a must and honestly I found a sun suit and hat was so much easier than trying to cover a baby in suncream (less sticky too).

Which resort are you off to? I'm so jealous - I can't wait to go back one day!!

Thank you for the replies, I massively appreciate it!

Some great tips - a mosquito plug in sounds great!

Can either of you remember what brand of mozzy repellent you used for your baby’s? @StillMissV @mumonthehill

The Royalton Bavaro is where we are going! Overall excellent reviews, although some Americans on Tripadvisor do like to moan about trivial stuff!

Where did you stay? @StillMissV

Any chance you can keep the bf going until the ? It will make things a lot lot easier with food and water (because most of it will be from you and so safe!)

We went abroad when ds was 4 or 5 months and it was pretty easy. I just fed him a lot on the plane, He thought it was great!

Yes, being able to breastfeed in the heat was a real winner as I knew she was hydrated if nothing else!!

We went to the Nickelodeon last time and Fantasia this time - both were absolutely excellent but we have never really had a negative experience in DR!

I am really interested In knowing how you got on with your holiday @VillageFete I am going to the same hotel on Monday with a 2 year old and a 7 month old, do you have any tips on mosquitoes, food, sterilising or any tips in general? Thank you!!

Does it have to be the Dominican Republic?

Hey, how did you get on please? We’re considering booking the hotel for when baby is 7 months and not sure about sterilising bottles/breast pump and also whether there’s any veg purées for weaning xx

@VillageFete have you been away yet OP? Wanted to know how you got on if so. I stayed in Royalton in Punta cana it was paradise. I know some people dislike but I loved it. The hotel and the people couldn't do enough for us. They sprayed our hotel for mosquitoes each evening.