What necessary precautions do we need to take to travel to India with kids from USA?

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Mercury Rising..

Health precautions:

* Don’t drink water from tap or roadside vends. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Also, buy water from respectable and decent looking outlets. Check the seal before buying the water to make sure that it is intact.
* Never eat cut fruits sold by the roadside vendors. Always eat fruits you can peel. Wash the fruits properly with water well before eating them.
* It is advisable to keep a mosquito repellent ointment with you always.
* Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need. Especially medicines for upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc. Also, keep some band-aids, antiseptic ointments, etc with you.
* Avoid fountain drinks and ice cubes.
* Avoid eating food from the roadside vends. If, by chance, you are forced to eat from there, make sure that the food is well cooked and is served hot.
* Try to avoid spicy dishes, especially in the initial stages of your travel.
* For the first few days it might be advisable to clean your teeth in bottled water.
* Avoid eating salads, especially at small restaurants and small hotels.
* If you are visiting India in summer time, drink lots of water, cover your head with scarves or caps or hats, wear sunglasses and use sunscreen lotion. Try to stay indoors in the afternoon.
* If you fall very sick, it is better to visit a doctor. However, ask the hotel authorities or the people at whose house you are staying to refer a good doctor to you.
* Always carry sunscreen with minimum SPF 20 to escape sunburn.

Food Precautions for India

The food you eat, how it's cooked, stored and served is very important. Make it a rule to stick to freshly cooked food, made in clean and hygienic place. Here are some food precautions for India that need to be taken by you:

* The safest thing to eat is freshly cooked food. Food left sitting may attract flies and cause major health hazards.
* Always drink only bottled water.
* Salads and cut fresh fruits should be strictly avoided. Eat only unpeeled fruits.
* Avoid fresh fruit juice. If you want to have juice, go in for branded ones being sold in tetra packs.
* If you are a non-vegetarian, buy from decent shops. It is better not to eat from lower end restaurants or station platforms.
* Beef is not served in many parts of India. Pork is also not easily available.
* Never ever eat anything from the roadside vendors. There are high chances of the food being contaminated.

Precautions for the Babies -

* Make an appointment with your doctor’s office, so you can get all the necessary travel immunizations and precautions. Depending on the traveler’s age, these include hepatitis A and malaria. Nowadays, many offices have special travel clinics. Don’t postpone this appointment, as some immunizations or medications must be taken weeks in advance to be effective! You can also check out http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm for updated travel recommendations for South Asia

In addition to buying the requisite chocolates and perfumes for your family, stock up on these items:

*
Diapers. Indian diapers aren’t always as absorbent as ones available in the U.S.. Try to take them from here. On your return, you can fill that space with all the nifty stuff you buy in India! If you cringe at the thought of carrying 500 diapers in your suitcase, you could take just enough for nighttime use, as that requires extra absorbency. Or do what some parents do – ship your diapers in advance! If you plan ahead, you can ship them via seamail to save money. It’s better than paying extra for excess baggage!
*
Baby wipes. These are handy for travel, to wipe dirty hands as well as butts!
*
Formula. If your baby drinks formula, take it from here. You never know how they will react to the Indian brands. If you are nursing, you might want to take a small supply just for emergencies, in case you are incapacitated and unable to feed your baby. If you can, get your child used to drinking formula cold or at room temperature. This will save you a lot of headaches during the long flight!
*
Milk products. As some pediatricians advise against consuming dairy products in India, you may want to consider these shelf-stable milk products: Horizon TM single serve milk, Pediasure TM, or Parmalat Long-Life Milk TM. These can be stored at room temperature, so they will also come in handy during your journey! Make sure you introduce this to your child before the journey, to ensure that she will drink it.
*
Breast pump and bottles. If you are nursing, it may be advisable to take a manual breast pump (The Avent Isis TM is a good choice.). That way, you don’t have to worry about the electrical connection!
*
Baby food. If your child eats this, you may want to take baby food from here. There are, however, many babies who discover tastier home cooking once they reach India, so you may not use those jars, after all!
*
DEET mosquito repellant. DEET is the most effective mosquito repellant, and therefore recommended for use in areas where malaria is prevalent. You can find milder concentrations, especially made for children, but those will require more frequent applications. Children under two months old cannot use DEET – get mosquito netting for their infant carrier/carseat/stroller.
*
Sunscreen, ideally a gentle children’s formulation.
*
Hand sanitizer, like Purell TM. This will come in handy when you’re traveling to India (or even around town) and don’t have easy access to hot soapy water.
*
Travel medical kit
Disclaimer: Please go over this list with your child’s pediatrician, to obtain specific recommendations based on your family’s needs.

Some useful items include:

*
A comprehensive children’s health guide, which includes basic first aid. Sears and Sears’ The Baby Book was a lifesaver for us! There are several self-care guides on the market.
*
1% hydrocortisone cream. This can be used on insect bites or to relieve general itching.
*
Diaper rash ointment
*
Alcohol wipes
*
Antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin TM
*
Bandaids
*
Anti-diarrheal medication
*
Electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte TM. This is used to prevent dehydration, if your child has diarrhea, for instance.
*
Infant or children’s acetaminophen. Ask your child’s doctor for the appropriate dosage.
*
Children’s cold/flu medicine
*
Thermometer
*
Medicine dropper
*
Tweezers (to remove splinters)

Hope this Helps! :)

vasucm

1. Most important is water - make sure you drink boiled water at all times and carry water bottles from reputed stores and not buy them at train/bus stations as they tend to be tainted or repacked. Home boiled water is my best bet.

2. Make sure you dont eat raw food from streets/open restaurants, especially kids:

3. Get the vaccinations prior to going to India that are necessary, metfloquin for entire family - take 2 weeks prior to departure and one week after return for malaria/mosquito bites

4. As much as possible go in covered taxi - meaning not open window while driving around to avoid unnecessary dust.

5. Finally go with confidence and nothing will happen. More you worry, more chances to get undesired consequences.

Vasu Murthy New York
been in US for 20 years, travel to India almost every year, travelled with young kids in past several times.

Smile- conquers the world

Take proper immunisation. Always carry water bottles & tissues with u. u can also take the anti bacterial solutions. Wash ur hands & legs after u come home from a visit outside.

krishvanth

Hey well this may sound pretty silly but the first thing you gotta keep in mind is the climatic conditions of India.

Its like totally different from the USA and unless you don't have proper accommodations with an air conditioner, your kids would probably start complaining soon that the trip sucks.

So take care of that and hope you have a nice trip!

VIJAY

What time you travel is important, summers in Gujarat are extremely hot... hence water born disease , heat stoke, stomach upset .. keep cool, avoid sun, do not eat at ordinary hotels, eat fresh... with all precautions it is difficult to avoid upsets.. get mentally ready.

rebel g

Contact the Indian consulate in your area. They will let you know everything you need. I know you will need Visas, but I am not sure about immunizations.

Yash S

Take some precautions and enjoy your trip, this trip is like going camping:
1. The water in any other region is different and takes time to get used to. I recommend to use Bottled water always (for drinking and brushing teeth). I used Bisleri, Kinley and Kingfisher brand.
2. Advice your friends and relatives and sensitize them about why you are using bottled water, they will understand.
3. Buy some mosquito repellants use them night and day
4. Please do not use the mosquito coils like the tortoise, etc. I recommend using the Goodnight electric matts to chase away mosquitos, these look like those Glade room freshners.
5. Don't worry too much there are plenty of nice clean places to stay and eat.

Check out these links they talk about immunization and travel tips:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1139.html

Hemang

Kai Nahi.

Amdavad hatu aevu ne aevu j che.

champs_thebest

As you are travelling with kids there is surely some things which you need to care. But I don't know when you are travelling if you are traveling in the summers then do care about dehydrationa and all otherwise its ok if you are traveling in the month of october and onwards then ok.

if you need info on India tours and other things pls check www.holidayclubindia.net

Siddhant

Health precautions:

* Don’t drink water from tap or roadside vends. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Also, buy water from respectable and decent looking outlets. Check the seal before buying the water to make sure that it is intact.
* Never eat cut fruits sold by the roadside vendors. Always eat fruits you can peel. Wash the fruits properly with water well before eating them.
* It is advisable to keep a mosquito repellent ointment with you always.
* Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need. Especially medicines for upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc. Also, keep some band-aids, antiseptic ointments, etc with you.
* Avoid fountain drinks and ice cubes.
* Avoid eating food from the roadside vends. If, by chance, you are forced to eat from there, make sure that the food is well cooked and is served hot.
* Try to avoid spicy dishes, especially in the initial stages of your travel.
* For the first few days it might be advisable to clean your teeth in bottled water.
* Avoid eating salads, especially at small restaurants and small hotels.
* If you are visiting India in summer time, drink lots of water, cover your head with scarves or caps or hats, wear sunglasses and use sunscreen lotion. Try to stay indoors in the afternoon.
* If you fall very sick, it is better to visit a doctor. However, ask the hotel authorities or the people at whose house you are staying to refer a good doctor to you.
* Always carry sunscreen with minimum SPF 20 to escape sunburn.

Food Precautions for India

The food you eat, how it's cooked, stored and served is very important. Make it a rule to stick to freshly cooked food, made in clean and hygienic place. Here are some food precautions for India that need to be taken by you:

* The safest thing to eat is freshly cooked food. Food left sitting may attract flies and cause major health hazards.
* Always drink only bottled water.
* Salads and cut fresh fruits should be strictly avoided. Eat only unpeeled fruits.
* Avoid fresh fruit juice. If you want to have juice, go in for branded ones being sold in tetra packs.
* If you are a non-vegetarian, buy from decent shops. It is better not to eat from lower end restaurants or station platforms.
* Beef is not served in many parts of India. Pork is also not easily available.
* Never ever eat anything from the roadside vendors. There are high chances of the food being contaminated.

Precautions for the Babies -

* Make an appointment with your doctor’s office, so you can get all the necessary travel immunizations and precautions. Depending on the traveler’s age, these include hepatitis A and malaria. Nowadays, many offices have special travel clinics. Don’t postpone this appointment, as some immunizations or medications must be taken weeks in advance to be effective! You can also check out http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm... for updated travel recommendations for South Asia

In addition to buying the requisite chocolates and perfumes for your family, stock up on these items:

*
Diapers. Indian diapers aren’t always as absorbent as ones available in the U.S.. Try to take them from here. On your return, you can fill that space with all the nifty stuff you buy in India! If you cringe at the thought of carrying 500 diapers in your suitcase, you could take just enough for nighttime use, as that requires extra absorbency. Or do what some parents do – ship your diapers in advance! If you plan ahead, you can ship them via seamail to save money. It’s better than paying extra for excess baggage!
*
Baby wipes. These are handy for travel, to wipe dirty hands as well as butts!
*
Formula. If your baby drinks formula, take it from here. You never know how they will react to the Indian brands. If you are nursing, you might want to take a small supply just for emergencies, in case you are incapacitated and unable to feed your baby. If you can, get your child used to drinking formula cold or at room temperature. This will save you a lot of headaches during the long flight!
*
Milk products. As some pediatricians advise against consuming dairy products in India, you may want to consider these shelf-stable milk products: Horizon TM single serve milk, Pediasure TM, or Parmalat Long-Life Milk TM. These can be stored at room temperature, so they will also come in handy during your journey! Make sure you introduce this to your child before the journey, to ensure that she will drink it.
*
Breast pump and bottles. If you are nursing, it may be advisable to take a manual breast pump (The Avent Isis TM is a good choice.). That way, you don’t have to worry about the electrical connection!
*
Baby food. If your child eats this, you may want to take baby food from here. There are, however, many babies who discover tastier home cooking once they reach India, so you may not use those jars, after all!
*
DEET mosquito repellant. DEET is the most effective mosquito repellant, and therefore recommended for use in areas where malaria is prevalent. You can find milder concentrations, especially made for children, but those will require more frequent applications. Children under two months old cannot use DEET – get mosquito netting for their infant carrier/carseat/stroller.
*
Sunscreen, ideally a gentle children’s formulation.
*
Hand sanitizer, like Purell TM. This will come in handy when you’re traveling to India (or even around town) and don’t have easy access to hot soapy water.
*
Travel medical kit
Disclaimer: Please go over this list with your child’s pediatrician, to obtain specific recommendations based on your family’s needs.

Some useful items include:

*
A comprehensive children’s health guide, which includes basic first aid. Sears and Sears’ The Baby Book was a lifesaver for us! There are several self-care guides on the market.
*
1% hydrocortisone cream. This can be used on insect bites or to relieve general itching.
*
Diaper rash ointment
*
Alcohol wipes
*
Antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin TM
*
Bandaids
*
Anti-diarrheal medication
*
Electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte TM. This is used to prevent dehydration, if your child has diarrhea, for instance.
*
Infant or children’s acetaminophen. Ask your child’s doctor for the appropriate dosage.
*
Children’s cold/flu medicine
*
Thermometer
*
Medicine dropper
*
Tweezers (to remove splinters)

Hope this Helps! :)
Source(s):

http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/travel-...

http://www.babyhindustani.com/pcorner.ht...

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