Kids health & weather.

[india2usa]

We live in one of the coldest regions here in US. Winters are longer than summers, my kid goes to day since both of us work. There has not been even 1 week my kid stayed without falling sick, something or the other kept bothering us. Doctor visits, one of us staying home and taking care of the sick baby, medicine expenses (antibiotics and emergency treatments) and on top of all, mental tension.

We have made up our mind to move off of this cold weather, we were planning to move to the west cost, considering the warm weather in california area. I was curious how the health situations in california would be, do kids fall sick too much if they have to go to day care or are there any other options to avoid the day care scenario.

Please share your thoughts !!!

[poragoru]

What kind of sickness is your child suffering from? Even though California weather is definitely better in terms of temperature, but there are other drawbacks too. In general California weather is dry - not a good place for eczema and various types allergy.
Is this the first season for your child in a day care? I live in California. I have seen children here, who go to day care or kindergarten, become sick on and off, especially in first season of exposure in outside world and with other children.

If your child's pediatrician thinks that a warmer place wll be better for your child, moving could be a good option. Otherwise, you may end of in very same situation, even after moving to expensive California.

[IndianAtUSA]

Moving south would be another good option as well.

[india2usa]

Thanks Much for sharing your thoughts...
My kid frequently runs into severe cold & fever, which inturn leads to bad ear infection and diarrhea. It takes atleast 2 - 3 weeks for these to get better and immediately in a week he will develop stomach flu or a respiratory infection. We can't even take him out for a walk in winter to get fresh air due to the cold weather. Always the heating is turned on that inturn makes the environment dry inside the house. No eczema or allergies so far!!, He has been going to the daycare for a while (more than a year).

I have heard California is expensive, but what might it take to run a family of 3 (2 adults & a child). Apartment rent (2 BR), day care expense (Good place), day-to-day management (average life style). eg : $1000 - $2000???

you can also mail me at ukride01@yahoo.com.

Thanks again!

[poragoru]

As you use heater in your house, I am sure you always use an effcient humidifier alongwith. In general dry weather is bad for cold, cough or any other respiratory problem. Humidifier helps a lot.

I am sure you already explored internet for all the information. I find Baby Center (http://www.babycenter.com/) is very useful site for all the baby/toddler related stuffs. Here, a couple of links related to cold and flu.
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/toddler/toddlerills/todcold/11417.html
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/toddler/toddlerills/todcold/11431.html
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babyills/babycold/1498026.html
http://www.babycenter.com/expert/toddler/toddlerills/todcold/11766.html

[poragoru]

I have heard California is expensive, but what might it take to run a family of 3 (2 adults & a child). Apartment rent (2 BR), day care expense (Good place), day-to-day management (average life style). eg : $1000 - $2000???


It depends on whether you live in San Francisco Bay area or southern CA (LA, Orange County or San Diego).

2 bedroom:
SF Bay Area: $1500-2000
LA + Orange County + San Diego: $1200-1800.

Unless you are living in cities like Manhattan or San Francisco, day care cost of more or less same in most of the suburb areas in coastal states (east coast and west coast) - starts from $2000. However, if you are lucky you may get a desi nanny in same price (which can help your child not to be exposed with other children, hence less chances of getting cold/flu). However, many of these nannies are not professionally trained and there are stories of child-abuses.

Gas, car insurance are more expensive in CA.

Public schools are overall good in SF bay area, except some parts of east-bay.
In LA county, finding good school district is a major problem. Same problem in north-west orange county. South orange country is pretty good.

[aninya]

hmmm acctually i am pregnent & i am not able to decide whether to go back to india or stay here because one of my friend told me that usa dose not support dual citizenship that is being american & indian citizen so i am worried if i have a baby here in usa my kid will not be indian citizen and we are planning to go back to india after about 2-3 years plz help me :confused: out

[poragoru]

hmmm acctually i am pregnent & i am not able to decide whether to go back to india or stay here because one of my friend told me that usa dose not support dual citizenship that is being american & indian citizen so i am worried if i have a baby here in usa my kid will not be indian citizen and we are planning to go back to india after about 2-3 years plz help me :confused: out

Your friend is wrong. US does not care for the citizenship of other countries.

[shashiinUS]

India is providing dual citizenship from the past one year. Only thing you have to do is after your delivery, apply for POI (Person of India Origin) Card. I dont know whether you can apply the same in US. Better to contact the Consulate General of India on this. If you happen to go to India you can get the same in Chanakyapuri, Delhi.

[csingh]

I don't think so... a PIO card is nothing at all like a dual citizenship. I think its more akin to a long term visa.
You can apply for one in the US itself; infact, you'd need that or a visitors visa for a baby born in the US to visit India.