The summer break is a great time to take your family on vacation before the kids head back to school. It can also be stressful, especially if your children become sick or overwhelmed. Luckily, we have helpful tips to share for smooth and stress-free travel so your family can enjoy the last bits of summer vacation!
Firstly, it's important to prepare ahead of time before traveling, including ensuring that your kids are up to date with their vaccines. If you're traveling internationally, check the website CDC.gov to see if any additional vaccines are needed to prevent illness. If travel vaccines are necessary, you will need to make an appointment at a local travel clinic as travel vaccines are not typically kept in stock by pediatricians. Keep in mind that certain countries have mosquito-borne diseases so make sure to bring along mosquito protection with you as well.
If your kids take any medication or use an asthma inhaler, double check that you have these packed both when leaving and returning. It's also good to pack a thermometer, pain relief medication, and bandages in case any of them are needed. When purchasing food on your trip, try your best to pay close attention to ingredients, especially if your family has any food allergies or dietary restrictions. It can be helpful to keep your child's medical history written down in case a healthcare specialist is needed while on vacation. This should include any condition, medicines, allergies, and prescriptions your child might have, as well as the contact info of their primary care doctor.
Traveling is a common time when kids get sick. The best way to help your family avoid getting ill is to take preventative measures. Surfaces and objects in airports and airplanes can carry a lot of germs. Encourage your children to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol before eating. Remind them not to touch their eyes, nose, or face. You may also want to bring disinfectant wipes to wipe down surfaces that your child will touch often, i.e. the seat tray on an airplane. If there's anyone close by that might be sick or is sneezing or coughing, try to keep your kids as far away from them as you can.
If you're taking a road trip and your child has motion sickness, it's recommended to take frequent breaks and let your child walk around for a bit before resuming the trip. Give them a light snack before traveling as hunger can worsen symptoms of car sickness. Having adequate air ventilation is also helpful and playing music in the car can distract your child from feeling ill. If your child does become very sick, place a cool towel on their forehead. There are some over-the-counter medications that can help, but these can have side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth and nose, or blurred vision. It's best to talk to the pediatrician first before giving your child any of these medicines.
If you're traveling by airplane and your child is under 40lbs, it's important that they are properly restrained in a car safety seat that is appropriate for their age, weight, and height. The FAA permits children under the age of 2 to sit on an adult's lap. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends trying to have the child get their own car safety seat.
Following precautionary measures and preparing in advance of your trip can make the travel experience enjoyable and healthy for the whole family. If you have any questions and concerns about your child's health and safety during a trip, call our office.
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