I have often seen questions being asked, whether it is safe to come with an infant to India. Of course, a lot depends on which other country we are talking about. Saw the same question being asked in Washington Post Travel Q&A. The answer given there is definitely impressive. But if you ask me where I have seen the best and most detailed advice on this topic, I would have to say on Indiamike by Steven_ber.
Michelle was looking tired and Maggie getting hungry, So I put Maggie into her harness, strapped her to my chest (facing out) and went for a walk down the train, eventually I found the Pantry car, there was about 15 men working in very hot, very slippery conditions, but they all looked very happy, I asked them to ‘make hot’ Maggie’s bottle (“heat up” doesn’t seem to be understood), they were happy to do so.
One thing I’ve learnt in India, is that people will do anything to please you, and will go out of their way to do the right thing, this isn’t always a good thing.
I watched as they emptied the contents of the bottle into a pan and boiled the milk, I was still trying to work out how to cool the milk down when I noticed the next helpful thing they done, they washed the bottle in tap water, I just smiled, give them Rs20 for their trouble and left, I will suggest to anyone not to try to get them to do this differently, they’re only doing what they think is best.
I´ve always been in a bit of awe before Steven , but I remember being completely blown away by reading his post the first time. The amount of care and forethought they put in to making it worthwhile for their child still makes my knees a bit wobbly. Then there is the bombshell in the middle , that really hit me since I´d come to know his integrity from a couple of years postings. Took courage. I can´t help making a small remark about the bottle incident though : if the milk really was boiling , I´d feel safe with it. Wrap it in a towel and shake it , and all surfaces are way above 85 degrees , which is the the hospital norm for desinfection . Wait an extra minute (well , that´s pretty unavoidable, waiting for it to cool down) for that extra safety margin one always want with children .
Vistet, I know you guys are so involved with Indiamike. It shows. And I think I know what is the bombshell that you are referring to. I agree it takes a lot of courage to write like that. And I am also sure when it comes to babies, no precaution is too much. What do you say?
“One thing I’ve learnt in India, is that people will do anything to please you, and will go out of their way to do the right thing, this isn’t always a good thing.”I wonder if that applies only to foreigners.
Me too, not sure at all Sidhu -)