How Old Must Infants Be to Live Abroad?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! My mom and dad moved me and my siblings over to Benin, W. Africa when I was 2 or 3 months old. I think it really depends on when you're feeling up to the move. Babies are born and raised in all these countries and are fine. Just take your potential recovery time into consideration, or maybe you and your husband can get there earlier and deliver there? My cousin and her husband had both of their children over in Bancok, Thailand and they love it there. Their children and healthy and doing great. I understand your concern since it's your first though too and everything is unknown and new. Blessings,
E.

Please see my post to another mom about about bringing a toddler
to Thailand. I actually filmed 13 weeks, changing hotels 15 times with a baby that was only one month old, and had
just left hospital due to complications. She was
perfectly healthy and happy during the whole experience.
Thailand was one of my favorite locations, with lots of shopping and exploring available. Since you are
with a film company, production will have a good doctor
contact. It's a good idea to have some kind of nasal decongestant for plane rides, in case of blocked ears.
The tiniest bit of Vicks VaporRub, and I mean just a trace
under the nose will unblock passages, if
your baby starts hollering on landings and take offs,
due to ear pain. Just make sure there is no turbulence when applying it.

Just bring baby's formula, your brita water filters and container if you are nursing, ( you may buy one there, just not sure) as you need to drink lots of water,
especially in the tropics, and don't use a microwave for your baby's food or milk. Also, bring non chemical sunscreen,
as sun does not abate even in monsoon season. (Arbonne has great sun products), and some kind of mosquito repellant.
(I hate the smell of Avon's skin so soft, but haven't really
found anything else.) I would also bring potassium tablets,
and some kind of mineral salt,(Himalayan or cell salts) not table salt, as you will feel the heat, and taking these daily will help mom and dad feel less depleted.

I am quite jealous of your upcoming trip. Have a
wonderful adventure!

You might want to ask the place where you are receiving your pre-natal care from. I know that I was able to chose my pediatrician when I was 3 wks pregnant. I remember that my kids were not even able to get their first immunizations until they were 2 months old and the pediatrician specifically told me not to take her anywhere there would be a lot of people in a small area like Disneyland, beach etc until then.oh and also not to give infants, honey. I believe there are special vaccinations for Americans traveling abroad just not sure. You might want to check with the dept of immigration to see exactly what your baby would need, also for passports for infants. I hope a doctor responds to you for more help.
All the best
Deb

Hi S. -

Allow me to have just the teeniest bit of fun & point out that the Thais have been having babies live there for quite along time, otherwise there wouldn't be a Thailand... but I do get your meaning, I really do, I just couldn't resist.

I think the most important thing to consider is where you'll be in Thailand -- are you to be in an area where you'll have access to clean running water? Easily obtained nourishing food for yourself if your to be breastfeeding? What kind of conditions will you be living in from day to day? You could look in advance for the American embassy and get hooked up with whatever you might need in case of whatever might come up. You should probably find the Thai embassy here and ask them for advice.

And also important to find out is what sort of vaccinations your baby might need in order to go there. I don't criticize anyone who chooses not to vaccinate living here, but going there, I do think it's another matter. So even though you've got a ways to go before the baby is born, you probably need to talk to some pediatricians soon.

This sounds like an amazing experience, one that you shouldn't miss unless you really need to stay home, or if more level heads than mine prevail upon you to keep the baby home and away from places like Thailand.

All the best, and congratulations on your upcoming little rascal.

Cheers,
Colleen

ps - excellent idea of Julia's to keep sinus passages clear, but do be careful of petroleum-based products. I read on a package of one or another of them a warning not to put near nostrils, as it's not to be breathed. Look for something camphorish w/o petroleum. No criticism, Julia -- HARDLY ANYONE seems to know this. I was completely surprised when I found out. Even doctors don't realize, but the warning is there on lots of products.

My second was born abroad during post on a film - we were in London, though, but some of the same things might apply. One thing you need to find out - will your baby need a passport and how quickly can you get it? Immunizations could be a challenge. In London, since they knew we were returning to the states when my baby would be 5 months old, they put us on the "American" schedule. You need to find a pediatrician right away. Will production be giving you housing? Or money to find your own? Will your baby needs shots to travel? My husband was in Thailand nearly 2 years ago for a film (only 10 days, so no need for all 4 of us to go) and I don't believe he needed any shots, but that could be because he'd traveled to Morocco and was up to date. Since returning from Thailand, my husband has added it to the long list of places we must take the girls. He said it's amazing, the food is incredible, the beauty is awe inspiring, and the people are incredibly nice. It can be rough being a film wife, but the opportunities are endless. Our girls have traveled to London, Morocco, and Spain because of films. And we usually had other film families with young children to play with. Oh, one other thing - who will be taking care of your bills, etc back home while you're gone? Good luck with your pregnancy, delivery, and travels!