When someone hears the word ‘travel” they may think of exotic locations, exciting adventures, or restful time on the beach. In reality, travel is hard work. For parents it is extremely hard work.
In healthy children.org there is a recent update on travel tips for stress-free family travel. Most families travel by car and the first rule is always use a car seat even in rental cars or taxis. The same car seat rules apply. All infants and toddlers should be in a rear facing car seat, children under 13 should ride in the rear seat, and parents should also wear their seat belts. Find updated car seat information under healthychildren.org car seat guide.
One of the main difficulties is keeping children from becoming restless or irritable on long road trips. Point out interesting sights, bring soft, light weight toys, or favorite music. Plan to stop every two hours to give both the parent and the child a break. Changes in routine disturbs nap time, bedtimes, mealtimes and can be disruptive. If possible, try to maintain the family routines.
NEVER leave your child alone in a car. In minutes the temperature can become deadly. A traveler’s health kit can be helpful plus adequate water and snacks, child-safe hand wipes, diaper rash ointment and a water-insect proof ground sheet for safe play outside. Check for beach blankets where you shop.
Traveling by plane certainly reduces the time of travel but has its’ own hurdles. Allow extra time to get through security. Children should wear shoes and outer layers of clothing that are easy to take off. (Children younger than 12 are not require to remove shoes in routine screening.) Children should understand the process and know that their backpacks will go through the x-ray machine and come out the other end.
Arrange to have a car seat. Airlines will typically allow families to bring a child’s safety seat as an extra luggage item with no additional expense. Check with the airline’s website ahead of time. When traveling on an airplane a child is best protected when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for the age, weight and height of the child. Children who weigh more than 40 pounds can use the aircraft seat belt. The FAA allows children under age 2 to be held in an adult’s lap but the Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, if possible, each child has their own seat.
Parents should consider bringing a bag of toys and snacks to keep their child occupied during the flight. To decrease ear pain during decent nursing or sucking on a bottle may help. Older children can try chewing gum or drinking liquids with a straw.
Parents should talk to their doctor about infants with heart/lung problems or recent ear infections For international travel ask if there is need of additional vaccines or preventative medications. Jet lag occurs in children also. After arrival children should be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours.
Safe travels.
Sally Robinson, MD
Professor, UTMB Dept. of Pediatrics
Keeping Kids Healthy 7/2024