Archie in Africa – how to prepare a baby for its first holiday

Royal Archie heads on his first trip abroad – what preparations are needed before your baby’s first holiday?

With news that Prince Archie will be joining Harry and Meghan on their Southern Africa trip, the new parents will undoubtedly be fretting over his first trip abroad. At just 4 months old Archie will require a few extra preparations before the journey; vaccinations, doctors’ visits, and possibly extra toys for the plane.

So what should first-time parents do when taking their toddler overseas? Fiona Macrae, head of travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk, runs through everything you need to get ready before your first family holiday.

 What vaccinations or doctor’s visits will my baby need before heading overseas?

Always schedule an appointment with your GP or primary care provider to determine what you or your baby will need to get before you travel. Some vaccines are required to be given well in advance of your trip to give your body time to develop immunity, so it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment 8-10 weeks before you travel.

Typically, the same vaccines you would need for life in the UK are needed for a trip abroad. These include the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, as well as the seasonal influenza vaccine for children over six months old. For some countries in Southern Africa, such as Angola, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for people over 9 months old to be allowed to enter the country.

Despite the rise in so-called ‘conscientious objectors’ to vaccines, it is incredibly important that you and your family are up to date on your vaccines, from both a personal safety and travel insurance perspective. Many travel insurance companies will not pay out for any expenses incurred as a result of a disease if you have not had the recommend vaccine or medication for that particular destination. Always check with your doctor on what your baby requires before you travel, or if it is safe to travel to specific countries.

 Where should I sit on the plane to make it less stressful for my baby, and for other passengers?

Flying with very young children can be difficult, both for you and other passengers. But the first step you should take is to ensure you are actually allowed to fly with a baby; some airlines let you fly with your baby as early as two days after they are born but most airlines have a restriction of two weeks, depending on your destination. Always check your airline’s requirements, as your travel insurance will not cover you if you have not read the terms and conditions of your airline carrier and you are denied boarding.

On long haul flights there are generally bassinets available for babies, but unfortunately you cannot reserve these as they are on a first come first serve basis. This means the best way of getting your baby a bed is to get to the gate as early as possible and be one of the first on the plane. It’s also best to book a seat near the bassinets, near the front of the plane. While it’s unlikely Harry and Meghan will have to worry about this, it is still a very useful tip to bear in mind.

 Is it safe to take my baby on safari?

Southern Africa is well known for its wildlife, with safaris being the major attraction of destinations like South Africa and Botswana. However, many safari tour operators, lodges and parks will not allow young children due to the risks involved. Always check if there is a specified age limit, as once again your travel insurance will not cover the cost of your accommodation if you are turned away due to not checking their specific terms and conditions.

 Is the baby covered under my standard travel insurance?

Travel insurance is important for exotic holidays, and you can buy specific policies to protect both you and your child. If you’re taking a baby on holiday, it’s worth ensuring that prams, cots, buggies or other accessories are covered. There are a couple of insurance options available, such as family policies and single parent policies. However, always check with your provider to ensure you, your baby and all your baby equipment is appropriately covered as many policies don’t offer automatic cover for prams, travel cots etc.