Anyone travel to India with baby (8 mo)?

[Anonymous]

I have a work trip to India coming up in early May. DD will be 8 mo old at the end of April. Since I'm still BFing, and assume I will be in May, I am considering taking DD with me. My mother has offered to come along to help take care of DD. I'm wondering if anyone else has traveled with their baby to India (or similar places) and if so, what things should I be aware of - e.g. plane trip, heat, water & food, jetlag, etc. I need to be gone 2-3 wks which is why I'm considering it. I'm afraid I'll lose my milk if I don't take her and have to pump exclusively for 3 wks but I'm open to thoughts on that too. I'll be in Delhi & Bombay. Just FYI, I've been to India often and feel very comfortable myself, but the prospect of having the babe with me is getting me to think about things in a whole new light!

[Anonymous]

Never been to India, but there was an article in the Post recently about a woman who was afraid of flying but flew to India with her baby to visit family.

As far as a long trip with a baby - there are lots of posts on this board if you do a search. I went on a business trip to Europe when mine was 9 months. My husband came along to watch DD during the day, which was crucial. BFing was difficult during the day, so he gave her formula and I was a bit uncomfortable during the day. By the end of the trip, I had kind of weaned her from daytime feedings, although if I'd worked hard, I could have gotten my daytime supply back.

DH and DD had so much fun together exploring the towns while I was working. I think having your mom there will be a big help to you and a peace of mind if you're running late or just need help in transit.

[Anonymous]

I had a friend with a young child who went to India for a couple weeks. She took malaria pills and the baby got the meds through her milk.

[Anonymous]

After having recently spent six hours on a plane traveling from DC to California with an 18 m.o. old, I would think that traveling to India w/ an 8 m.o. would be relatively easy. I think it gets MUCH harder when they become toddlers, because they are so active and it's almost impossible to occupy them (unless they fall asleep). Traveling w/ an 8 mo. sounds like heaven to me. Humor aside, I would be careful about the water once you get to India -- I don't know if you're considering bringing any formula with you (as a back-up to the breastfeeding), but if you do use formula, you should only mix it with purified water.... I would also be concerned about having access to appropriate medical care when you're over there (just in case the baby does get sick).

[Anonymous]

Here's some practical advice about the flight. We've made 5 trips to Australia in 7 years:

Be sure you can carry EVERYTHING you take with you on the plane. The hardest part may be transfering in California. So, if you check the stroller, you may be in trouble in LA.

If you can afford it, buy a seat for the kid. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to take the carseat on the plane.

United returned my stroller with three wheels. I made a fuss (it was 6 am on a sunday), and got them to give me one out of lost baggage for the duration of my trip. You can do that, too. (I hope you don't need that bit of advice.)

I would NEVER bring an expensive stroller on an airplane. Combi made a nice travel stroller. Not great for the long haul, but the $100 investment was worth it.

If you are bringing a car seat, they sell car seat bags that can strap to your back. This is pretty much the only way to walk through an airport with kid supplies, a kid in a stroller, and a car seat.

You need at least one more change of clothes than you think. Don't forget a clean shirt for you. You need more diapers than you think, too. Throw in a few extra gallon zip lock bags. If all goes well, you won't need this stuff, but if you do need it, you will REALLY need it.

Don't rush. Good luck. You will probably have a blast (but not on the flight.)

[Anonymous]

We just recently left DC to move to India as my husband was transfered. We have a 6 month DD. The flight was fine as she slept for most of it. In terms of India, it will be really hot in May so bring really light clothes, sun hats and sun screen. Also some bug lotion as there is Dengue fever. If you are pumping bring an adapter or lots of batteries for your pump. I would also get one of the medela bags that you put in the microwave so you can sterlize the bottles and pumping stuff. In terms of the car seat I would just bring the infant seat without the base easier to travel with. Also there are diapers for sale here but they are pricy. You can get baby food but not sure what kinds and if there is sugar in it as my DD is not eating solids yet.
For eating out I would suggest a portable high chair that staps onto a table as not all places have a baby chair. We have one made by mee too products. It is great.
Indians love kids and will be a great help to you. Have fun and good luck!

[Anonymous]

oh good, I am travelling to India. someone interested in accompanying. gge2007atgmail.com

[Anonymous]

Did it to the middl east with a 16 month old.

Things I thought were important for plane travel:

1diaper per hour of travel. There might be blowout diapers, illness, delays (delays most likely).
Layers of clothing, plane temps seem to change a lot.
Shirt change for you.
Baby motrin, benedryl, and thermometer on flight. Flights and layovers are so long, developing illnesses can pop up at the worst times. Benedryl just in case. My child had his first allergic reaction to food overseas.

[Anonymous]

All the PPs have good suggestions about flight. I am an Indian living in DC area so I can give some info about India.
It will be hot in May in Delhi and Bombay - carry stuff to deal with it
Do not worry about medical care. Most cities have top notch medical care in case you need to take your child to a doctor. However, when you land there, it might be a good idea to ask your Indian co-workers for some recommendations. Most of these hospitals are walk-in. As long as you got the money, you will get real good care (sad I know!)
Stick to bottled water of known brands - like those of pepsi or coke. Make sure the seals are not broken.
Do not forget adapters for your breast pump. You can find them there but I doubt you want that hassel.
While you are at work, your mother and baby will have plenty of places to visit. If you don't mind spending some money, ask your company front desk to arrange for a car and driver. That way your mother and baby have a dedicated car and a single driver who picks them up everyday, shows them around town. It would probably cost around $50 a day. You can arrange it by day or by week.
And like one pp said, Indians love kids. They will be very helpful. You may not have noticed it on your previous trips as you went there w/o baby, but Indians really like to pick up babies, talk to them and touch them. If you don't want strangers touching your child, just move the baby away and politely say the baby is not used to strangers.
Enjoy your trip.