Safety tips when traveling with children

Traveling with kids is a great way to explore new places, spend quality time with one another, and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, like with all vacations, it’s best to have travel plans and safety plans in place especially when traveling with children. So our provider, Chauna Scanga, PA-C, put together her top three family travel tips to help your trip go as smoothly as possible.

In this blog we will cover:

Research Your Destination –
These family travel tips can help you plan a secure and enjoyable trip. Before heading out be sure to research your destination and ensure it is safe for children. Consider crime rates in the area and the availability of health care.

Check Your Health Insurance –
When traveling with kids it’s even more important to familiarize yourself with your insurance plan, what are your out-of-network benefits? Do you have coverage abroad? Consider purchasing supplemental medical insurance if needed.

If Travelling Internationally Ensure You Have Proper Vaccination
From travel advice and notices to required immunizations the CDC’s Traveler’s Health website page has the most up to date and trusted information for traveling abroad.

Create a Safety Plan –
Create and review safety plans with your children. It is good to practice this before travel. For example, if old enough, teach them their parents’ names and phone numbers. Teach them who would be good to talk to if they get separated from you, like a police officer or other mom with children. Talk about staying in one spot if you get separated or meeting at a specific location. You may consider making information cards that your child can carry in their pocket that include contact information, location of lodging, etc. Check out this Travel Preparedness infographic by the CDC for more tips.

Get a First Aid Kit Ready –
Pack a medical kit. Consider Band-Aids, Disinfectant Spray, Antibiotic cream, Ibuprofen or Tylenol, and Benadryl.

Get Swimming Lessons if Near Water
Consider swimming lessons if your travel will involve pools, lakes, or large bodies of water.

Don’t Forget About Car Seats –
When traveling with children, remember these essential family travel tips: Small children should always ride in age-appropriate car seats to ensure their safety during the journey. If possible, bring your car seat with you when you travel, especially to countries that may not have car seats or seats that meet safety standards. When renting vehicles out of the country, inquire about safety features, including seat belts.

Plan Activities For DownTime –
Plan activities that are kid-safe and friendly. Don’t expect them to stay entertained and out of trouble doing adult activities. Keep them busy as much as possible. Idle time can lead to risk. Keep toys, books, card games, and movies handy to occupy any downtime, layovers, or long travel times. ALWAYS have a plan B.

Illness and Injury Prevention –

Diarrhea is Common When Traveling
Here are some family travel tips for preventing common travel illnesses and injuries. Diarrhea can be a common illness when traveling outside of the States. Prevention includes washing hands with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available. Eat food that is fully cooked and served hot. Only drink beverages from sealed containers. If water is not available from a sealed container then it needs to be treated or boiled first. This includes water for preparing infant formula. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that you can peel or wash with clean water.

Be Sure to Childproof When You Arrive –
Don’t forget to check for childproof when you get to your destination. Whether you are staying with family, friends, or hotel, walk through and look for any potential hazards. This includes the obvious outlets, cords, and stairs, but also look for any objects or pills that a previous occupant may have dropped on the floor.

Pack Sunscreen and Insect Repellant –
Depending on your travel destination, don’t forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellant. [latest_posts category="Travel" count="5" display="excerpt"]