Advice on taking a 9 month old to South Africa

[alexis255]

In Sept I'm taking my DS to SA (cape town) to visit Fam. Any advice on what to pack or how to manage the trip?

So far I've bought groanywhere blackout blinds, swimming costume and a hat. Looking for suncream that won't upset his eczema.
Fam in SA have a car seat and travel cot.
Apparently don't need vaccinations or malaria tablets.
Don't need signed permission to travel from father or birth certificate (SA laws change in Oct).
Apparently he's too big for a sky cot.

Thanks in advance

[Kewrious]

My 11 month old fitted in a BA bassinet. It was a bit tight but he was fine and meant we were hands free when he slept. Take lots of snacks and small bags of toys. A light buggy for the airport? Can you fly at night? DS slept through most of a 10.5 hour flight to our relief. Also when taking off and landing your hand baggage will be locked away so keep a small bag of essentials handy that can be on your lap.

[Slavetominidictator]

I took my dd to Cape Town when she was 8/9 months and it was fantastic (her dad is from there so it was to see friends and family). She fit into the BA bassinet, just about, and I was still breastfeeding so just fed her back to sleep on the over night flight.
I would request a bassinet anyway and see whether he fits, as it is v useful to have the extra room for all the baby crap you need.
In Cape Town, we took her to the beach most days and she loved it. Enjoyed being outside so much. We took her to Boulders to see penguins and to the aquarium, which she seemed to love.
I got her some sunglasses with an elastic strap so they stayed on. Also, used an organic sun cream that I bought out there as they're so much better equipped for the harsher sun. Mostly kept her in the shade though.
Enjoy yourselves. I have such happy memories of that trip. We went again a year later, but that first trip was v special.

[alexis255]

Thank you both for the recommendations. Glad you enjoyed your trips.

I'll try to request a sky cot/bassinet and see if he fits. Hopefully he will sleep at least part of the trip as its a night flight. Though he's not a great sleeper at the best of times.

Also, I had no idea baby sunglasses existed- great idea as my DS seems to struggle with bright sunlight.

Thanks again.

[Slavetominidictator]

Oh and St James for swimming where they have a walled off bit so waves aren't too scary.