In general we should not take children younger than 6 months old out into the world, and particularly not to warmer countries. Ideally, children should be at least 18 months old and have received all their vaccinations. If you nevertheless choose to take your children with you, here are some tips specifically aimed at them.

Diapers
can be hard to find or are expensive in some tropical countries. For a brief stay, it may be enough to bring a small number of disposable diapers. For longer stays, it is often more practical to use cloth diapers. These are rinsed out, placed in a bucket with disinfectant for a time, laundered and then rinsed carefully.


Food
As a rule, infant formula is available in tropical countries, but it might be hard to find gruel. On the other hand, there are different forms of powdered porridge and jarred baby food. You can also boil your own wheat or corn gruel. Remember to use pure water.

• Boil 3 teaspoons of wheat/corn flour and 100 ml of water for 10 minutes.
• Dilute the mixture with water to 100 ml.
• Mix in 200 ml of milk, a little sugar and a pinch of salt.
• Allow the gruel to simmer and then cool to a temperature suitable for eating.

Local fruit is excellent for use in baby food. Papaya (slightly laxative), pineapples, bananas and guava are all rich in vitamins.
AD drops can be recommended for travels lasting more than a few weeks.


Sleeping Area
If you brought a pram with you - remember that it can become very warm for the child inside. It is better to let your child sleep in a cool room.
Insects can transfer diseases; therefore, you should try to keep them away from where your child sleeps. A crib can easily be covered by a net. If ants are a problem, you can solve it by placing the legs of the bed into bowls of water.


Fever
is often high in children and is no indication of the extent or seriousness of the illness. If the child has high fever, clothe it in as little clothing as possible or let it be naked. Make sure that it is cool in the sleep room and provide plenty of water to drink.
Fever-reducing medicine can be given if the fever exceeds 39 degrees C. Appetite is often poor during a fever; however, ice cream, soup and drinks can readily satisfy caloric requirements.