Although the logistics of traveling with children can be a challenge, it’s a wonderful way to broaden their horizons and create lifelong memories.
“We love to travel and take several family trips per year,” said Dr. Yamileth Cazorla-Lancaster, a pediatrician and author of “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How To Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy.” “Traveling is great for kids and families, and I think it is fabulous for children to experience.”
Still, it’s not uncommon for children to pick up some germs or sustain an injury over the course of a family adventure. To help parents keep these concerns at bay, we asked doctors to share how they keep their own children safe and healthy on a trip.
“There are definitely measures you can take to stay healthy while traveling,” Cazorla-Lancaster said. “You will get better over time as you gain experience. Have fun!”
1. Handwashing
“During our trips, I am vigilant about making sure we wash our hands and use hand sanitizer frequently to limit picking up germs along the way,” said pediatrician Dr. Candice Jones.
Sinks are not always easily accessible while traveling, so it’s helpful to carry hand sanitizer. Dr. Krupa Playforth, founder of The Pediatrician Mom, said her family travels with sanitizing wipes, which they find easier to transport than the liquid stuff.
“As much as I wish I had exciting secret tips, the real trick to prevent your kids or yourself from getting sick is not a fancy one at all: Wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and ― for my toddler especially ― after long periods waiting during transit, because inevitably his little hands will end up all over every surface imaginable,” she said. “Use soap and water and wash well for 20 seconds at a time.”
2. Minimizing Floor Time
On busy travel days, little kids can get restless and end up playing or rolling around on the floor of the airport, train station, plane, etc.
“A tip I try to use is one that minimizes how much time your child spends crawling around the floor in transit,” Playforth said. “For older children, this means I totally lean into screen time, and for younger kids, I embrace having a snack pack of finger foods ― think: Goldfish, Cheerios, Cocoa Bunnies ― in a pillbox and using busy-boards, water-wow pads and other easily transportable toys.”
3. Researching The Destination
Dr. Rebecca Pellett Madan, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Hassenfeld…
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