Travelling with a 5 month old baby

Hi everyone,

Well one of my DH's best mates is getting Married in May. His Fiancée and him have decided that they want to get Married in Vanuatu. So DH and I have booked a weeks Holiday in Vanuatu and will be staying on Iririki Island (just 2 mins ferry ride from Port Villa on the mainland)

So I am a little concerned...

Firstly our son Aidan will be 5 months old (almost 6 months) and cannot be Vaccinated and cannot take Malaria Tablets so is therefore vulnerable. Is it safe to take him? Has anyone taken their baby on a Tropical Holiday before?

And then there is the dreaded Option - Let my DH go and I stay at home with the baby :(

I feel like an idiot. I just assumed that he could be Vaccinated! DOH!

I discussed it with my GP and he thinks that I should be fine. Providing that I get a travel cot with a mosquito net and also plaster DS with baby friendly insect repellent. And under no circumstances give him local food.

So what does everyone think? Opinions appreciated :)

I have been to many countries where malaria is an issue, and never taken malaria tablets and never been infected. I think the precautions you have listed sound good.

I was hoping to go to europe for a wedding when my bub was 3 months and it ended up being too hard. The distance and multiple legs of transport (which you prob won't have) plus an unsettled baby made it too difficult.

A trip to a tropical island could be absolutely gorgeous for all of you, a pick me up after the first few months which can be tiring.

I can't comment on the vaccination aspect of your post.

However we travelled a few times with our little man and it was pretty easy. At that age they don't move or require much amusement so they are pretty easy - feed, sleep and hang out. We went to Darwin at 7 weeks and Canberra twice at 3 and 5 months. If you start solids before then (?) then you can take packet stuff for the week like Rafferties. We had no probs getting into Fiji recently.

The resort areas tend to be fine for these types of diseases so I wouldn't stress yourself.

It will be lovely - go!

PS. I got a baby breeze sling for our recent trip to Fiji and it was the best. Very light and could be used in the pool. I'd recommend it for your holiday.

There isn't a malaria problem there is there? We went to Vanuatu and didn't need anti-malarials.

And 5 months is great- still BFing, no need to worry about food.

It'll be an awesome holiday :)

Thanks everyone for your replies. We were really hoping for a nice relaxing break - as we all know is much deserved by mums and dads alike!

Well DH and I discussed it and we have both agreed that we think its safe enough.
Apparently Vanuatu is a malaria risk but I am hoping because it will be their "Winter" the mozzies won't be as bad. I have also found a great port-a-cot, its a Phil and Ted Travel Cot and it is completely sealed so we can zip him in and no mozzies will get to him (hopefully!)

Unfortunately Meow DS will be on Formula at that stage :( I am breastfeeding him at the moment but am weaning him at 5 months onto Formula so that I can go back to work at 6 months and have decided not to express at work.

I really appreciate everyones opinions and advice :)