Travelling to Vanuatu with a 7 month old

Hi,

I am about to travel overseas (from Australia to Vanuatu) with my 7 month old daughter for the first time in November. We are spending 3 nights at Le Lagon, then 4 nights on Tanna at the White Grass Bungalows. What I was wondering was, is there any chance of getting baby seats in the cars used on Tanna for tours? How discreet should I be about breastfeeding in Vanuatu? Does anyone have any special ideas on avoiding mosquitos and how big is the malaria risk in Efate and Tanna, and is it feasible to catch the local buses with a baby and stroller?

Also any general tips for travelling with a baby would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Peta

This website has up-to-date info on malaria. I thought Vanuatu had among the highest risk in the world, and not sure I would feel comfortable taking a baby there (I have been to Vanuatu, have a 2 year old child, live in India and do travel alot, but malaria is one of my biggest concerns). I believe malaria is under control on the main island but still a big problem elsewhere. You could also check the promed site for recent outbreaks.

It was a few years ago I was on Tanna but the roads then must have rated as among the worst in the world. Infratructure was also very simple, and I would say almost certainly that car seats are not available - but then not necessary since you could only move at a crawl (although car sickness may be an issue). I know the roads are being upgraded now but I believe it is still at the planning stage - maybe something has been done in the last few years.

The stroller. Are you travelling alone? I would find it a hassle on public buses, but things probably move slowly enough there that people will be patient with you. You may find it easiest to just leave it behind at your accommodation for some trips though. I wouldn't worry too much about breastfeeding. Be discreet (make sure you have a loose top or use a scarf), but most (non-western) cultures are tolerant of kids being breastfed up to a certain age (in India it is up to 1).

Mosquitoes. Is your accommodation air-conditioned? If so, seal up the room before dusk to prevent mosquitoes from entering. If not, then you will have to use nets or repellent. Cover your baby in the evenings (long sleeves and trousers) to prevent bites, although this is no guarantee as they will sometimes bite through clothing. I personally don't like using repellents on babies, but you can find some that will be suitable. Avoid deet based products or at least test first as some babies react to them. You should probably also check for dengue outbreaks, which means you will have to think about day-time protection as well.

Do try and get an accurate idea of the malaria risk though - it is such a serious problem in babies.

Excellent malaria link, Api.
You would be very unlucky to contract malaria on a 7-day visit. However, take all the advised precautions - the most important being cover the baby completely around dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active.
Rather than a stroller, try the method most island mothers use - a baby sling - either on the front or back - much less hassle than a stroller, particularly anywhere outside Vila, where there won't be even paths.
As for breast-feeding - this doesn't present a problem for island women, so should not for you.

No chance of a baby seat in Tanna. You'd be lucky to get a seat for yourself. You'll see what I mean.

White Grass Resort has mosquito nets and mosquito coils in the huts. At night I wore light cotton clothes with long sleeves and long pants - I would recommend covering baby completely.

Ha Ha! Local buses on Tanna, no such thing. Only transport is utes , you usually ride on the back, sitting on little wooden benches ot on your bags. With a young baby you could probably manage to get a seat in the front cab if you're lucky.

Cuppa

regards
Cuppa

Click to view my Vanuatu pics

Sorry (in advance) to go on about the malaria, but it is just such a serious issue in babies and even a lowish risk of the nasty strain present in Vanuatu would be extremely serious. I have been in a couple of malaria outbreaks with my son - the first when he was 7 months old, and how I felt and dealt with that was very different to when it was just me I had to worry about (basically, I never worried). Saying that I checked another site, and the risk is lower than places like Cambodia so not as great as I thought... but it is falciparnum, which is bad news. You also have to keep in mind that many locals will have immunity and show few signs of illness - so there will be more malaria around than makes the stats.

So, if you are going to go, then you absolutely have to make sure the baby is not bitten by a mosquito. Even aside from malaria, the reaction to the bite would probably be nasty (takes a while to develop immunity to that). Coils can cause a reaction in babies (this is advice from a doctor I consulted in Thailand during one outbreak), but I guess are preferable to malaria - do test first before you leave one burning all nights. Also, falciparnum can cause illness up to 3 months after being bitten, so I would check any subsequent fevers immediately. Sometimes malaria is seasonal and worse in the wet season, so you could also check this out for some peace-of-mind.

It is not recommended to travel to outer islands with children under 2 years old.
There is a world of difference between Le Lagon and Tanna.
Though Whitegrass is beautiful, it only has basic facilities. There are mosquitoes in the cabins, they come in through the bathrooms, through the gap between the walls and the roof and they are savage biters. I do not like your chances of protecting your child from them. Have you discussed the malaria factor with your doctor? Have you thought about hepatitis and typhoid?
There are no cars and no baby seats either. Transport is by truck or ute. The roads are extremely rough. We were well shaken and hit our heads on the sides of the truck and on the roof of the cabin several times when travelling to the other side of the island. I hope you are not considering taking your baby to the volcano. When we were at Whitegrass, a couple with a 2 yr old and a 3 yr old were told not to take their children on this tour as it was too dangerous.
A stroller will probably be of little use on Tanna.
To anyone else considering a trip to Tanna with young children, investigate, think and plan very carefully and thoroughly. Tanna may sound like a fun, carefree adventure in brochures and on the net but in reality it is a third world environment and a long way from anywhere.

Thanks for all of the comments and information. Will post the outcomes when we get back!