Taking kids to India

We'll be going to India for the first time with our 16-month old daughter. We're leaving on Friday and she can't walk or speak yet and we are worried about her getting ill there. We'll be in Mumbai and Ahmedabad for about 6 months. We've been there many times, but never with a child. Does anyone know of any good pediatricians, in case she gets sick? Also, do you recommend malaria pills for her? Are diapers and baby food available there? Any suggestions, comments, or recommendations, please email me.

How would she take malaria pills? I suggest a long talk with a pediatrician. even though the last child of a visitor that I knew that died was termed by a fever, I would suggest dehydration is a more serious threat. Pedialyte can be brought along for that. However, for anything half way serious in that regard go for an IV pronto. At that age you don't get much time and things that an adult can tolerate like Bacillary can take out an infant in a few hours. One stable place helps a lot I would say. Of course, that is where I had one nasty experience so its a matter of odds ultimately. But, do have that chat..

Forgot to mention that diapers of adequate quality are available. The quality of the baby food I can't judge..

Some of Indian friends who had their babies born in US/UK have braught back the kids to India well within that age...

They take all the precautions and carry medicine as suggested by the child's pediatrician.... good doctors/medical care is available in India in the cities you say you are going to be in....keep a database handy just in case you require to consult.

Diapers and baby food is no problem..but some prefer to bring that along as well.

My wife and I took our two eldest sons to India in 1995-1996 for 5 1/4 months. Our sons were 3 and 1 years old. Upon arrival in India our youngest was 10 months old. All of their shots were up to date. We carried Jevanjal, a rehydration powder as an emergency measure for rehydration. We did not have any health problems.

We stayed in Kulu Valley for 3 months and in Arambol, Goa for 5 weeks. We also spent a week in McLeod Ganj and a week in Gokarna. Our travels also took us to Mussourie, Rishikesh, Lucknow, Agra, Indore, and Pune. We stayed for at least 2 nights at each locale except for Indore and Pune.

That was my longest stay in India. It was also my best stay. I still have a Yucatan hammock that I bought at the Anjuna Flea Market. Baga Beach was where my sons first went into the ocean.