Parents are often faced with the decision of whether or not to travel with their children. This decision is made more complicated by safety concerns, as traveling can be quite different from staying at home.
In this article, we will discuss some of the things parents need to think about before they decide to take a trip with their kids in tow. Before we go any further, every parent should highly consider getting a test with the latest safety features. Here are some of the safety tips you should consider.
Pack a First Aid Kit for Emergencies
The first thing to pack when you are traveling with children is a first aid kit. You don’t want your child’s worst day to be while far away from home, so having the necessary items can help alleviate stress and concern. However, if you start packing for every possibility possible, it will weigh down on you more than anything else during the trip. What you need to pack will depend on the age of your children and where you are going. For example, if it is a long car trip involving crossing into Canada or Mexico, consider adding some Advil liquid gels for pain relief as soon as they reach twelve years old.
In case of emergencies while abroad, make sure you have your child’s medical records with you, including their immunization records and any other important information. If they are taking regular medication, make sure to pack more than enough for the trip. Pack them in hand luggage so that if there is some kind of delay or issue at check-in, they will not be lost.
Ensure Your Children Are up to Date on Their Vaccinations
With the world still facing the Coronavirus pandemic, ensuring your children are up to date on their vaccinations will be important. If you plan on traveling outside of the United States, make sure that your child’s immunizations are within their recommended timeframe. The CDC recommends that all children receive booster shots before international travel at age 11 or 12 for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) varicella, and polio. Your children may not be allowed on-board their flight or into the destination country if you cannot provide proof of the necessary vaccinations to a foreign government agency.
The most important vaccine for international travel is one for yellow fever. In addition to ensuring your child has been vaccinated for all recommended diseases and illnesses, ensure they have enough supplies if you need to stay at a medical facility for treatment.
Keep Your Child Entertained
It will be best if you can keep your child entertained during the flight. This is not only for their comfort but also for yours. You do not want them to distract other passengers or disturb those around you with loud noises and crying fits. Bring snacks that they enjoy eating if there is a long wait at an airport before boarding, as well as books/magazines/toys. If your child is old enough to have a tablet or other electronic device, you can download age-appropriate movies and TV shows for them. You can also load educational apps on their electronic device, but remember that it is not recommended to let them play with these during takeoff or landing.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it’s important to remain aware of the novelty and excitement that a new environment can bring. Ensure your children are not overexerting themselves by keeping them well-fed and rested before going on long excursions. You should consider the information in the article when traveling with your kids.