https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 09 May 2026 10:23:23 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/young-kids-and-zika#post-2623852 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 18:06:49 +0000 yoursilverlining 2623852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would also talk to your pedi; but just wanted to chime in that we've taken multiple Caribbean cruises and I'm a TOTAL bug magnet (so is my DH) and we've never been bitten that I remember! You could also stay on the ship in port so try to further avoid bugs </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/young-kids-and-zika#post-2623838 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:02:25 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2623838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I avoided a trip to DR last summer for the same reason. If it can cause Guillen-Barre in Aditya, who knows what it can do to kids? I want to wait a bit and see... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/young-kids-and-zika#post-2623812 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:45:58 +0000 Mama Bird 2623812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@psw27: I was thinking the same thing! I've gone on a similar cruise and didn't get bitten once. But maybe bugs just don't like me. Some people in my family are total bug magnets though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/young-kids-and-zika#post-2623779 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:59:28 +0000 psw27 2623779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It wouldn't worry me but I would discuss it with my pediatrician first. I think that the odds of catching it + it causing problems for a toddler are pretty low. I would just spray everyone down at each port. I've been to the Caribbean so many times and I can't ever recall being bit by a mosquito with the exception of one resort in the Dominican Republic. I feel like I get eaten up more when I'm in Texas or Louisiana! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/young-kids-and-zika#post-2623771 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:54:42 +0000 Mama Bird 2623771@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@raspberries: thanks... I'm definitely planning to talk to the pediatrician when they go for their flu shots. I'd hate to be all "the sky is falling" if it's actually safe.</p> <p> @Beehive: yup, I saw that! And they point out there's major neural development going on till 18 months. I don't think any severe effects have been reported, but what if it's like eating lead paint... no obvious harm, but the effect is there :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/young-kids-and-zika#post-2623740 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:18:36 +0000 Beehive 2623740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mama Bird: There was just an article on this: <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/09/how-does-zika-affect-the-toddler-brain/498578/" rel="nofollow">http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/09/how-does-zika-affect-the-toddler-brain/498578/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/young-kids-and-zika#post-2623702 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 13:41:51 +0000 raspberries 2623702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This isn't something that would bother me - I would just make sure we brought plenty of bug repellent. It can't hurt to talk with your pediatrician though... maybe s/he could reassure you so you feel better about going? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/young-kids-and-zika#post-2623571 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 10:25:03 +0000 Mama Bird 2623571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH wants to take his mom on a cruise for her birthday. The trouble is, all the destinations that work for us have Zika. I'm not so much worried about us, we're not TTC, but I'm wondering if it's safe for the kids to go. They'd be 1.5 and 4. The CDC website doesn't say it's more dangerous for young kids then for adults, and we wouldn't be spending a lot of time in any port, but there's also so much we don't know about its effects, and toddlers' brains are still developing...</p> <p>DH really has his heart set on going, and he usually does what he wants and laughs at my fears, but even he seems doubtful this time. I just don't know if I should encourage going (his mom is getting older and this might be the last time she travels anywhere) or try to come up with an alternative (not many other good options in the winter for people who don't like the cold!)</p> <p>Has anyone considered taking the kids to the Caribbean recently, or had this discussion with your pediatrician? Do you think I'm being too cautious and we should just go and bring lots of bug repellent? </p>