In the tropics with children, any advice.
For holidays in the tropics with children, a little more information is always useful to keep in mind.
We will never tire of repeating it: every child is serene if the parents are. However, this does not mean that, in the presence of infants or, in any case, small children, any travel wish expressed by the parents is achievable. Who wouldn't like to leave for a warm beach, while snow covers our cities? These are the points to take into consideration before defining the destination.
Keep in mind the needs of children : they need their own times and rhythms. The time zone alone could be a source of agitation.
Airplanes are a good means of transport , especially if you book with a baby-friendly company, which supplies toys, dedicated meals and a bassinet, a sort of cradle to hang in front of the parent's seat, ideal for children under 8 months.
If the child has already been weaned, it is advisable to find out about the type of diet typical of the local culture. Tourist villages now offer international menus, but intoxication diseases could also be a risk. Paradoxically, if the baby is still breastfed, the choice will be easier.
Fundamental element, vaccinations. In many exotic countries some vaccines are mandatory, such as those against typhoid or yellow fever: better to avoid them!
However, the range of alternatives is wide: the Caribbean archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the islands of Barbados, Mauritius and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.
All destinations famous for their warm sea and white beaches that form natural pools. But the Canary Islands are also valid, more similar to us in terms of culture and food and reachable with a much shorter flight.
Beyond vaccinations, it is good to find out about the quality of the health system and about any agreements with European health care.
Passports: unlike what happened in the past, when the minor was indicated on a parent's passport, from 26 June 2012 the passport is mandatory for children who have to reach non-European countries (for Europe an identity card is sufficient valid for expatriation). The request can be made at the Police Headquarters, at the Carabinieri Station or at the Police Commissioner's Office. For children aged 0 to 3 it is valid for three years, for those aged 3 to 18 it is valid for five years. Please note that, for some Caribbean nations such as the French Antilles, being French territory to all intents and purposes, an identity card is sufficient.
THE CHECK-LIST OF THE SUITCASE
If you choose an out-of-season tropical holiday, you will hardly be prepared to face the hot temperatures in terms of baby clothing. The advice is to move in time and look for opportunities among sales, markets, department stores: three bathing suits, two shorts, three tank tops, four t-shirts and a pair of sandals. Remember to dress the children in layers , as the temperature is often quite low on the plane. Don't forget: sunscreen, hat and sunglasses for the beach. And the baby carrier , for walking comfortably along the seafront when the baby is a few months old.
IN THE BEAUTY CASE
There are specific melatonin-based supplements to relieve jet lag in children, but the intake should be evaluated with your doctor. As for mosquitoes, there are more or less 'organic' insect repellents . Interesting is the possibility of acting in a preventive manner by taking, before leaving for the tropics, Ledum Palustre, a homeopathic drug also suitable for children and useful for preventing mosquito bites (in Guadeloupe, as in other areas of the Caribbean, it is very widespread dengue fever…). Don't forget to bring antihistamines, antibiotics and, essential, after-sting creams with you: in some countries, in addition to mosquitoes, terrible midges could ruin your sunsets.
By Lucia Modici | Article published in Nascere Mamma, Winter edition