Traveling to Africa

I went to Zambia for 3 months, and as an adult I had to get 9 shots... I am not sure about children. Her peditrician should know which ones she can have. I would definatly recommend getting each and every shot recommended, because they are recommened for a reason.

Have you been showing your daughter pics of your husband? If not start now, so that she will atleast somewhat recognize his face. Have they been talking on the phone? If so, then she should be able to recognize his voice. I wouldn't worry, Daddys that love and care have a way with daughters...

I would call the local health department and ask if there are any additional shots needed for you both for travel. As for the baby seeing her father---let time and nature take its course. Afterall, you are family.

Wow! Im jealous. I would love to go to Africa. And Dont I know about those work permits. I lived in Belfast for awhile and spent years trying to get a work permit to no avail. My advice is to get on the internet. I would advise asking a local peds but I fear they would not be as knowledgable as if you just googled child immunizations travel Africa. I would say it depends if you are going to be rural or in the city. I have friends in college who lived in Nairobi and they had to have several immunizations including yellow fever. Here is the Center for Diease Controls recommendations for children's website
http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?sectio...

If that does not work google what I suggested and the CDC website comes up. As for the other thing. Nature will take its course. Your child will be fine and probably very happy to see her father, even if she seems shy at first. Good Luck!

Hi L.!

I am so sorry I am just responding to you. I haven't been on this website in a long time! Your pediatrician will have the information on the neccesary shots your daughter will need, and please know that you may need them too. So ask your doctor as well.

As far as how your child will react when she sees her father, I can't answer that. I would assume though, that her being such a small child, she will be shy at first, and eventually warm up to him as she would any other person who is a stranger to her. Maybe start showing her pictures of "Daddy" several weeks before you go. Do not force him on her, do not make her hug him, do not make her even get close to him if she's not comfortable. This is her experience, and she will react as to what her comfort level allows her. If she sees him and all is well, then let it be that way. Don't let anybody elses feelings and opinions have anything to do with her experience, as again, it is her experience.

Hope this helps.

J.