In Reply to: Bali with a newborn posted by Bali_Dreaming on Wednesday, 26. January 2011 at 12:08 Bali Time:
Hi, I have a newborn and am getting organised for our trip at Easter. Here's the advice that I have been given so far from the professionals, plus a few things I have learned along the way travelling with my 3 kids:
* Babies' immune systems are most immature in the first 3 months, so you have to take a lot more precautions with a 0-3mo than 3mths+.
* Breastmilk is best. Don't give sterilised water or formula unless there is absolutely not enough breastmilk. There is safe medication available to help with low breastmilk production - this should be taken at least a week before travelling in order to get the supply going properly.
* Breastfeed the baby a lot more than you would at home, to prevent dehydration. Signs to look for in a dehydrated baby: urine is darker yellow and/or nappies are less wet. Also clench the baby's arm or thigh and release - if your fingermarks stay pink on the baby for longer than 1-2 seconds then the baby is too dry.
* If you need to use formula, sterilise drinking water by boiling it (never use the tap water, even if boiled). Milton's and electric sterilisers both work well to sterilise the bottles (use bottled water for the sterilising).
* Bath the baby in bottled water.
* Make sure the portacot and pram have mozzie nets
* Make sure all vaccinations are on time and up to date. It's preferable waiting until the baby has had the first 3 lots of shots (6 months), but not essential. You can still travel with a baby less than 6mo, but as a minimum make sure they've had their 2mo shots.
* Be aware that the Rotavirus vaccine at 2mo and 4mo can cause diarrohea as a side effect, so try not to have these shots immediately (1-2 days) before travelling.
* When flying with a baby it's critical to ensure they equalise their ears on take-off and landing (especially landing). This can easily be done with breatsfeeding; a dummy is a good back-up option too. If the baby is asleep when the flight starts descending to land - wake it! I learned the hard way with my first baby - almost burst his eardrum and he had a serious ear infection for the whole holiday. I also avoid drinking/eating dairy for a few days before flying, this keeps the breastmilk lactose free and baby's ears stay nice and clear. This probably sounds a bit over the top, but it did make a difference with #1 son who flew regularly and was very prone to ear probs.
* Take Baby Panadol on the flight, just in case!
Also, remind your friend that baby products are exempt from the 100ml liquids rule. We fly with all sorts of stuff that you normally wouldn't get away with (including 250ml bottles full of formula for the 2yo to drink on take-off and landing).