South Africa with a 7 month old

[FloriaTosca]

DHs friend is getting married at the end of April in Durban. So instead of a quiet uk first holiday en-familee we are now booked to go there with our ds who will turn 7 months just 3 days after we leave (he is still exclusively bf at the moment but will be a month into blw by then). While we are out there Dh wants to visit Imfolosi game reserve, Richards Bay and Cape Town. I know that malaria risk in these areas is low espcially in what will be their Autumn but wondered what "sensible precautions" comprises...just covering up at dawn and dusk and using a mosquito net? or should we be taking anything?...is there anything a tiny tot can take? And has anyone got any tips on travelling in those areas. Sorry if this is repetition, I know there was a similar thread to this but it is 5 yrs old now and things change.

any advice at all?

I am originally from Durban and if I was taking my LO over there, I probably wouldn't give him anything. After all, he won't be drinking any water other than cooled boiled water and you aren't likely to go swimming with him in the rivers, are you? You can buy a mosquito repellant cream over there which you can rub into his skin and mosquito nets at night will probably be provided at the game reserve.

If you are still concerned, I would ask my GP.

Even though it is Autumn in Durban/Richards Bay, it will still be incredibly hot but probably cooler in Cape Town.

Have you been to S.A before? It really is a beautiful place and I am dead jealous you are going. We would love to go back on holiday sometime.

Durban is beautiful and you will have a wonderful time.

I travelled to America with my dd when she was 10 months (pretty much exclusively bf too) and we had a great time - flights etc were much easier than I expected.

I went to Durban a few yrs back (in January, their summer) and it was very hot. I took insect repellant as I get awful bites but don't remember having any trouble with mosquitos, and I didn't have to take any tablets or anything as my GP said it was a safe area.

I'm jealous too as I didn't get to do game reserve or Cape Town last time, but it does mean I have to take another trip there sometime soon

FT, you will have a fantastic time. We are going to out see family in SA in 2 weeks time with DS and DD. We love it out there. Durban can be quite humid so bear that in mind with clothing, bedding etc. Cape Town where we are heading to is excellent and you will find that SA has a much more welcoming approach to children/infants in restaurants etc

Flight is long, however most are overnight so bearable! SA has great provision for childrens clothing/equipment so don't worry about taking lots of clothing. Woolworths in SA by the way is like M & S here but a bit cheaper!

Have a fab time

Thank you...that pretty much sets my mind at rest about malaria...I'm seeing the travel nurse at my Drs practise this week anway so I'll double check but I feel a lot easier already, thanks again.And thanks Smurfs..I'll travel light and buy out lo's summer things there.