Vacationing with Baby!
Q: My husband and I have an 8-month-old baby boy … angel baby so far 🙂 We are planning a trip down south — one of the islands not sure which one yet, maybe Cayo Coco — and want to hear from you how your experience was? My baby is still on formula, how do you boil water there? How do I protect him from the bugs? Any help would be great. 🙂
A: Sounds like a great trip, and it will be, as long as you have all the pertinent info you need BEFORE you leave. Although I’ve never traveled to a tropical climate with a baby, I have done a lot of domestic road and plane traveling.
Check and see if the place you’re going to sells the formula you use (take a few with you anyway). Also, meet with your travel agent and a travel medical clinic doctor regarding the water, food, precautions and shots you and your family need for the area you’re going to. For even more peace of mind, you may want to get the contact name and number of a local recognized doctor before you go (for example, one that speaks your language).
Having all this information and a valid travel health insurance plan will help ensure that your family has a happy, safe and healthy vacation; and, you’ll know where to go if you do have any health concerns on the trip, which you should address right away while on holiday, especially where an infant is concerned.
Enjoy your trip!
Different stages of Life and Seasons
Q: Although this is not my first pregnancy, I seem to be more tired and sluggish this time. Any suggestions for safe and natural pick-me-up?
A: As a Matter of fact, I Do!
Funny thing about first, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th pregnancies? They will all be different. You are also a little older this time, and having one or more other children at home makes you on call 24 hours a day for them, too.
But, there is something you can do for you and your baby. Even though the winter and cold is almost over, the grey, cool weather and the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy can keep us still feeling the blues.
My best advice is to take a walk and get outside in the fresh air as often as you can. We get very light-deprived in the winter. So, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of the little sun that there is as often as possible. Take a walk whenever you can, and do not wear your sunglasses! The natural light is good for your eyes. That and a dose of vitamin D (which you’ll naturally get from the sun – especially without your sunglasses on) will perk you up more than you know.
Feel good!
Shelly is a working mom to 3 grown-up boys. If you would like to ask Shelly a question, please email her. She’ll be happy to answer! Shelly also blogs at http://healingbyhand.blogspot.com.
Not sure if you decided on Cayo Coco or when the question was posted. We went in December with our 18 month old and wouldn’t recomend it. You can buy bootled water for formula from stores at the resort. We stayed at TRYP — not very clean and would recommend Punta Cana in Dominican over Cayo Coco. Feel free to email if you want more details!
~kirsty