TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Two weeks to go - what to bring... for a 6 mo old?

So we're now just under 2 weeks out and while we pretty much are all set with everything, we're just trying to figure out what else we might want for our boy who will hit 6 months the day we depart.

We've got a chair that can mount to the table, his car seat, toys and a few other things. Just wondering what else might be good to have that we aren't thinking of.

Thanks in advance!

Swim diapers and a float thingy that he can sit in , in shallow water. We took our 5 month old grandson a few years ago. He lived in diapers and used damp flannels to keep him cool. Loads of heavy duty sun tan lotion required too. We used a cooler box as a bath! Everyone loved him and I am sure you will have the same reaction. Have a super time.

Sun protection,extra paci's/binkies because you never know when those things will sprout legs, go missing and it is a PITA to need a shore stop to try and buy one. A good supply of burp cloths ( Chux pads are great when laundry service isn't there for you 24/7), and remember baby powder and your preferred method of dealing wtih heat rash/diaper rash issues.

Have a great time !

A mosquito net to cover the Pack N Play or whatever he'll sleep in. Children's water sunscreen. Life jacket. Hat with brim. Water bottle. Trying to remember all the stuff we had for my niece when she was a baby - now she's 15 and into nude sunbathing <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />.

We had a spring float thing for our son when he was an infant. When I get to a real computer, I'll find it and post a link, it was cheap and ,packed small. The great thing about it is that it keeps the little ones center of gravity low in the water and they aren't easily able to tip down head first into the water.

Thanks for the advice so far!

I think we have most of the things mentioned - swim diapers and float for sure - he's been in the water many times already and loves it. Even had him completely on his back in the tub and while in his life vest and he was comfortable. I think he'll love the warm water in the BVI as my parents pool is on the cool side!

We use the chux pads and will be sure to bring many plus diaper cream - we have found triple paste to be excellent. Gotta get some extra pacifiers though - never seem to have enough!

And fortunately we will have A/C, so sleeping won't be a big deal - we're actually going to put him in the v-berth off our cabin saving us from trying to bring a pack N play.. But we'll bring the mosquito netting for when we are off the boat!

Really looking forward to the trip!

Any thoughts on a stroller? We've been going back and forth - it would certainly be nice at times.. we're thinking maybe a small umbrella stroller might be good and pack easily?

Thanks - we probably already have the one you are thinking of maybe.. This is the one we have and he loves it!

http://www.amazon.com/SwimWays-Spri...RPETGY/ref=dp_ob_title_toy?&th=1

I would suggest that you discuss your plans with your child's Dr. and you may want to take some antibiotics with just in case. Have fun and stay in the shade.

We found getting on and off the boat was the biggest issue. Parents used a baby carrier for that, but pretty hot to use the rest of the time; a cheap stroller might be a good idea, but remember roads and areas you are going to use it aren't that smooth! we had a cheap bouncer chair, though he was a little younger than your boy, and then donated it t a charity when we left. Could do the same with a stroller if you don't want to bother taking it home.

We were a baby wearing family and actually didn't even purchase a stroller until our son was about 9 months old. Never took one on vacation when our son was an infant. (We did once he was walking.)

However, other families are solidly stroller people for infants.

How much do you use a stroller at home? Does your baby enjoy sitting in it at restaurants? If so, it might be worth while to take one along.

I was thinking of wearing him - I think the problem for both of us may be that we both get hot very easily. His car seat also is a problem for him because of that, which is why we're thinking a light umbrella stroller that might let his back breath a bit He's fine sitting in his car seat, so a stroller would be no different (as long as he's cool enough). Like me, he'll complain if he gets too hot <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Biggest debat right now is how we'll have him sleep. I was thinking we'd use the v-berth for him and we'd be sleeping off of that. My sister feels we need to contain him better than just putting him in the v-berth.. A pack n play MIGHT barely fit in the cabin, but leave us very little room to move around - would be ok with me as long as we could squeeze by to get to the head and in and out of bed.. during the day we could keep it in the salon area.. Plus side is it gives him a place to be contained to sleep and during the day. Downside is the size..

Any thoughts?

I am putting on my safety nazi hat but make sure you have a plan for who will attend to the baby at all times if there is a emergency. Boats, even charter boats in the BVI have sunk in just minutes. A child was lost of Virgin Gorda a few years back. Have a plan for every situation and make sure the baby has some type of flotation while in the dinghy. Dinghy rides are probably the most dangerous part of sailing in the BVI.
G

Thanks George - we'll be sure to do that. We also have a life vest for him that he'll wear when in the dinghy. Already have had him wear it and even had him float in it in a pool. He actually was pretty comfortable in it - he really seems to love the water.. bathed him last night and poured water over his head and down his face and even that he was ok with.. pouring it over his chest he just smiles and laughs.. I think he'll be a fish (as a good friend calls me) like me

Would the Pack N Play fit in the salon of your boat? If heat/diaper rash is an issue, maybe you could put one of those absorbent pads and let him sleep naked.

Yeah, it will fit in the salon fine. Heat shouldn't be a problem in the boat, we've got AC. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

What type boat do you have?

We're going to be on a Moorings 4800

Would something like this work?

http://www.target.com/p/brica-fold-n-go-...f66QaApfH8P8HAQ

Or this -

http://www.amazon.com/BayB-Brand-Infant-...YHVFKD1QHPY12PT

We had a different travel crib but I can't find it via googling now.

Along the lines of what GeorgeC1 brought up, we found the best way to smooth the travel road was for each parent to have clearly defined rolls and to stick to them with no exceptions.

For example, one parent always carries the baby through TSA/C&I and the other always carries the hand baggage. That way you aren't burning energy with a constant back and forth about "who has the diaper bag? type of exchange. The same could be applied to safety.

Our land-to-boat and back again were limited to day trips, water taxis, some dingy trips, etc. but in those instances, my husband was most comfortable taking charge of our son.

His focus was 100% on our son and I backed off and didn't distract him with a thousand questions, advice, coaching, etc. about how he was doing it.

Is your son's PDF the type that keeps him face up? Ours had a pillow type flap at the rear collar area with a handle that was always firmly grasped.

Also, is a bright color? Those stupid blue ones should be illegal.

Matt I have small yet efficient battery operated fans I'll bring to keep the air moving over him!

Only my opinion but taking an infant that young on a trip like that isn't "how can I say this" well lets put it this way I'd wait for a while too many dangers involved.

Well, that's a thoughtful thought! Thanks for sharing, ,no really, thanks for sharing and don't forget your seat belt today!

I have the Brica on my wish list in amazon - its just a bit small for him, although he would fit and it certainly would contain him as long as he didn't roll out of it He moves around a LOT when he sleeps. I'm not sure why it has a weight limit though - he already exceeds that.

Life vest is as you describe - it is unfortunately blue, but has orange stars all over it and the straps are a bright orange as well. It does have a handle too. We're still figuring out packing, but since he will be in his car seat when we are going through the airport, I will be in charge of him and then we'll each have certain bags we'll take - we may just take his stroller simply to make this part of the trip easier..

Cool, thanks. We've got a spray bottle with a fan too.. plus a cooling towel.. Between the A/C in the boat and the water, he'll stay plenty cool I think. Planning on keeping him out of the sun for the most part too, even though he'll be thoroughly covered in sunblock..

seat belt is on tight! A conscious choice

Nanny

If you are on a 4800 take the port fwd cabin. You can just leave the door open to the bow cabin and place the baby there in the coffin berth. The baby will only be a foot away from you and there is nowhere unsafe he can go. The boat also offers outstanding shade so keeping the baby out of the sun will be easy. Move the baby in and out via the center of the boat not the suger scoops. Easy to hand the baby up or down. Do not try and board or deboard holding the baby.
The main salon table drops down and forms a almost queen sized berth. I would drop it down after breakfast and leave it that way until dinner. Perfect place to leave the baby to nap ect.. when underway. He can be kept in sight easily from the front or rear cockpit.
Bring bungee chords to use for extra places to hang towels ect. Where to hook them is obvious when looking at the cabin walls. I would also make sure you bring at least one noodle and a long length of poly ¼ inch rope. Thread it through the noodle and tie it under the boat. Perfect place to hang out in the water completely shaded.
G

That was my thought too George - we've been on the 48 a few times - my sister didn't like the idea of just leaving him in the v-berth without something else containing him in a smaller space.. I'm not sure its an issue myself.

Dropping the table's an interesting idea - hadn't thought of that - we'd typically just put him on the floor on a play mat and watch him - we couldn't leave him out of reach as he moves around way too much.. that's where a pack n play would be nice, but I'm not sure I want to lug it around just for that..

Thanks for all the great advice - Beerman will be posting a trip report and I'll also be sure to post what worked for us

wow,...so excited for you guys. I'm sure you will have a blast.,

I agree with Warren about seeing your doctor for a broad spectrum antibiotic in case of unforeseen issues.,
. ear infections can really come on fast , especially when in and out of the water daily ....and ruin everyone's trip, most especially your baby's

Have fun....can NOT wait to read all about it <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm sure we'll have a blast too!

My sister who is an RN and working towards nurse practitioner now will be with us and was very much against the anti-biotic recommendations. If we were doing a multi-day passage or something it would make sense, but we're in reach of medical care if needed and would seek that out if we needed to. She said she'd be surprised if a Doctor would just give a blanket prescription as well without an immediate need. I appreciate the recommendations though.

I'm an RN also and also hate and never use antibiotics.
...just one of those people who prepare for everything ...if I have it I won't need or ever use it...if I don't have it I may need it.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

thankfully have never needed to access medical care abroad but I'm sure the BVI would treat you well if needed from reading post on here in the past.

I was sure glad you had some with you in May, Kim! I would have been a VERY unhappy camper at the Poker Run! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />