Travelling with Children
Travelling with children can be exciting
and carry wonderful memories for years to come -- or it can end
up with parents needing a break as soon as they return home. While
most parents will agree that is impossible to have a totally stress
free holiday with young children - being organised can help alleviate
some of the stress…
Planning Ahead
Plan all necessary travel vaccinations for the trip
well in advance to avoid stress, making sure that all childhood
vaccinations are up to date prior to leaving.
Try to avoid taking young children to malarious
areas while they are very young as some malaria medication is unsuitable
for young children. Discuss this with your doctor if your trip is
unavoidable.
The Journey
Plan ahead -- think through your child's normal
schedule and try to keep to it if possible while you are travelling.
This means feeding at their normal time, naps and other activities.
Get your child into a daily routine AFTER arriving at your chosen
destination - not during the trip.
Plan for travel sickness -- bags, medication from
your pharmacist or Doctor and a change of clothing. Some medications
for children contain sedative properties - a good idea for a very
long journey.
Keep everything your child needs for the trip in
your hand luggage -- no special toys in the suitcase!
During the trip give children activities at
sensible intervals -- not all the toys at once. Spread the entertainment
out so you don't run out of ideas after the first hour! Carry plenty
of food and drink for the journey - sensible light snack food is
good - hungry children don't travel well.
Arriving at your Destination
Think ahead of your child to prevent accidents -
many countries do not have the same health and safety regulations
you have at home.
Take medication with you if you are unfamiliar with
local medicines - child paracetamol, rehydration fluid, travel sickness
medicine etc.
Also take a copy of your repeat prescription if
your child is on any medication, should you need more medication
while away. Play safe and get enough from you Doctor before you
leave.
When travelling across time zones, try to get your
child adjusted as quickly as possible to the time with plenty of
fresh air and meals at local times on arrival.
Lower your expectations - remember this is
a holiday and you need to have fun too!
