BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi,

I am Jo and live in the US with hubby and our 2.5 year old son. I am so happy to have found this forum. Our family and friends don't travel much, so I have had trouble finding good resources for traveling with kids (toddler in our case). Hubby and I have been to New Zealand, Australia, Belize, Guatemala, Europe, Scotland, Ireland. Our son recently traveled with us to Peru, Galapagos and Ecuador, he was a GREAT traveler and enjoyed the trip very much. With 14 flights and 3 weeks in a range of climates, we are not yet seasoned travelers with him, but I think he would do well almost anywhere. We are looking at going to Ethiopia next year, he will be just over 3 years old. I am nervous about the shots he will need as well as the illnesses that can be contracted there. Anyone with Africa experience with young kids, yellow fever vaccines, etc.

Welcome! This is a tricky issue, especially with a child so young. Kids these days get so many vaccines before their immune systems are ready to handle them and I have known some who had one vaccine too many too young and have had permanent damage.

That said I also grew up in a day where my childhood friend got polio. So no easy choices and all the more so with traveling to remote places.

here is an interesting article to consider:

http://www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/vaccines/overseas.html

I would also go to mothering magazines forums on vaccinations to get more informed as I think it is best to make an informed choice in this area ( what ever you decide)_ knowing the pros and cons from every view.


We have decided to avoid really remote and high risk areas until our child is older, but everyone has different ideas on what works best for thier child and family.

Thanks for the information. I will check out the website.