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Forms and Instructions
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Summer is just around the corner and that means many of us will travel with our families. Traveling with infants and children can be both enjoyable and stressful at times, so it is important to try and prevent, as well as prepare for medical illnesses if they occur on your trip, particularly if you are traveling to another country.
Many of us plan summer road trips for our families. Not only is this a more affordable way to travel, but it also gives us the opportunity to see much of our great country. Motion or carsickness is common in children. To prevent this, try to avoid traveling on an empty stomach but do not give large meals before or during travel. You can also offer cool water, fruit juice or other clear liquids. Encourage your child to look out the window. Playing hand held video games, reading, coloring, or any activity that keeps their head down may increase motion sickness symptoms. For more severe symptoms, giving medication such as Benadryl or Dramamine at least 30 minutes before you leave may be helpful (but you should check with your child’s doctor for proper dosing and safety.) Finally, make certain that your car has good ventilation and is cool to prevent everyone from overheating.
If you travel by airplane, it is a good idea for your child to have their own seat even if they are under two years of age. This is an added cost but is much safer in the event of an airplane emergency. It also allows more room and comfort for your infant and the familiarity of their car seat may help to lessen crying. Babies under two weeks of age should not travel by plane due to the risks to their immature lungs. The CDC, in fact, recommends that infants wait until six weeks of age before travel by plane.
Ear pain is a common problem and may be relieved by having your child suck or swallow as the plane changes altitude either upward or downward. Chewing gum, blowing up a balloon, or holding their nose and blowing may help the older child. Having a younger infant feed or suck on a pacifier may be helpful. Do not give your child too much to eat as this may also cause vomiting. Giving small amounts of fluid frequently may be helpful.
It is a good idea for your child to carry some form of identification in case of separation. Some quick and easy methods include wearing a “dog tag” around their neck or taping information inside their shirts.
You can make your child feel more comfortable in new places by packing security objects or some favorite toys, books or games. It also helps to include your child in the planning process: have them look at books on where you are going, let them help plan activities or pick out restaurants.
It is a good idea to bring along some emergency medicines in case of illness. This should include all prescription medications. You should carry these with you in the labeled bottles if traveling by plane and do not put them in your checked luggage. It is important to write down the generic names as many medicines have different brand names in other countries. Bring along acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever; antihistamines and anti-itch medications (diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone) in case of allergic reactions; and sunscreen with a least an SPF of 30 or higher. If you are traveling to a tropical area or countries with malaria, make sure to take along insect repellant with DEET (15 to 30%). Applying Permethrin to children’s clothing can ward off mosquitoes and ticks and should last several weeks even with washings. Other first aid essentials that may come in handy include bandages and elastic ACE wrap for cuts and sprains, as well as skin/wound cleansers, a thermometer, scissors, and tweezers.
Traveler’s diarrhea, which is more common when going out of the country, can be prevented. Only drink from closed bottled containers. Do not use tap water when brushing teeth, rinse with bottled water. Eat only cooked foods. Eat only fresh fruits that have skin that you can peel, such as bananas, melons, mangos, pineapples and oranges. Avoid swimming in fresh water lakes so you don’t accidentally swallow the water. If your child does get diarrhea, giving an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte may prevent dehydration. Rarely are antibiotics necessary for travelers’ diarrhea unless of high fever, bloody diarrhea or severe symptoms. If you are staying in tourist resorts for one to two weeks, antibiotics are probably not necessary but would be recommended for longer trips or if traveling to more remote areas.
Traveling with kids is a great family experience, which will give you great memories and hopefully fun stories. Some simple preparation ahead of time can make your trip more enjoyable.
Dr. Mark Schane is a board certified pediatrician at Longmont Clinic and is planning some fun excursions with his family this summer. He can be reached at 720.494.3133.
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