Health and Safety Tips
• Practice "Kid Lockdown." This means limiting play dates and trips to germ-laden places like the park, slathering on the germ juice, and generally becoming a complete germaphobe for the week or two leading up to your big trip!
• Pack every medicine and ointment you think you or your little one may need while away, especially if going to a foreign country.
• In developing countries, avoid tap water and icy drinks as well as fruits and veggies that can’t be peeled.
• Bring anti-diarrheal medication in your day pack in case a rogue ice cube sneaks by unnoticed (for grown-ups).
• Avoid dehydration while away! Stock up on bottled waters, juices and electrolyte beverages, like Pedialyte and Gatorade. Don’t forget to drink them during tours, shopping, beach trips and the like. This is especially true in warmer climates and for destinations where tap water is not safe.
• Bring an over-the-counter digestion aid, like Miralax or Benefiber, to help ease your child’s traveler’s constipation, if your pediatrician okays it.
• Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for health information and vaccinations needed and U.S. Department of State for any Travel Warnings for foreign destinations.
• You may want to use a safety harness to help keep your toddler from disappearing in a crowd or running in front of traffic. Choose one shaped like your child's favorite animal or character for a snuggly solution your child just might love.
• Consider booking a seat for babies under age two. This is not only more convenient for Travel Mamas and Travel Daddies; it is the safest way to go!
• Avoid the nausea caused by movement in a boat, car, airplane or other vehicle. Read about nine remedies in Children's Motion Sickness No More.
For more information on this topic see:
• Do You Care about Keeping Your Child Safe when Flying?
• Health & Safety Resources
• How to Stay Healthy & Fit while Traveling
