Hello, I’m planning on traveling to Ambergris Caye for Thanksgiving. Planning on staying at the Banana B.R.
I’m traveling with my wife and our 10 month old baby. Someone, just told us that it is not a very good idea to take the baby, because there are a lot of mosquitoes, sand fleas, etc.!!!!!
Could someone comment on this?
By the way, how’s the weather at that time?
Thanks!!!!

My pediatrician said that we can use "Off" on babies. They come in different strengths of deet. Just check with your doc and buy some up there. I think under 10% deet was the recommendation, but can't remember exactly. Johnson and Johnson make a baby mosquito repellent too that seems to work.

I would probably say leave the baby behind so you and your wife can have a nice vacation together - if you have a loving family member to take care of the baby at home. Believe it or not he/she won't miss you half as much as you fear.

Once you have visited the island once, you can assess if you want to bring the baby next trip.

Sometimes babys get tummy upsets because the food and the water is different that what they are accustomed to.

If you want to go on some tours you would need to hire a baby sitter to mind the baby at the hotel since most trips are not baby orientated.

The weather could be glorious, but it could be rainy and cool too.

Most likely we will have mosquitoes.

Have a great visit.

I have to agree with Amanda here... if you do not have to take the baby, then leave him/her in capable hands. You'll thank us upon your return

Assuming your baby is a pretty important part of your lives and not an optional item of baggage (!), have you asked BB what help they could provide in babysitting, etc? It would be good to be able to get away on trips without Baby. Diving/snorkelling/fishing would generally be half days, whilst trips inland would be whole days. You'll be back by nightfall (around 5:30-6pm) from any trip.

I'd be careful using any insecticide on a baby, as their skin area is proportionately much more than an adult's, and they are more affected by the drug. Definitely get a doctor's advice.

There are mosquitos around and the odd bite is inevitable, so ask your doctor about that as well. I've never heard of a case of malaria being contracted on the island. I have heard of dengue fever, but that's also pretty rare.

Sand flies are a major irritant around dusk but not at other times, but I don't think they constitute a health hazard even for a baby. Best keep yourselves and baby away from the beach and ideally in an A/C room between say 5pm and 7pm. Outside those hours there's no problem.

Optional items of baggage... gotta love it.

Obviously you don't have 3 kids, 2 dogs and a full time job. Sometimes you have to leave them all behind and go away with your spouse for a "grown up" vacation to strengthen the marital commitment - if you get my drift.

Although they weren't 10 months old we brought our 4 and 7 year old children to Cayo and A.C We only planned activities or trips that we could do with them. We hired a babysitter through our hotel (Banyan Bay) for a snorkel trip, only because our 7 y.o. didn't want to go on another boat. The babysitter was great and our "date" was too. If you want more info I'm sure I could get her number for you.

Our pediatrician was extremely helpful in our planning. She sees a lot of kids who travel overseas so we trusted her advice on shots, whether or not to take antimalarial drugs and insect repellent.

We didn't really consider it an option to not take them to Belize. Now, they'd be furious if we ever went without them, darn it! We hope to enjoy some "grown up" vacations too someday and A.C. would be a great choice.