It is often a question asked whether traveling with a toddler is safe. Regardless of whether you are traveling by airplane, train, or car, there are important things you should know. Here are some tips to help you make your travels more pleasant and safer for your little one.
Preparation for air travel
When preparing for air travel with a toddler, there are many factors to consider. You need to make sure your child is equipped with the right gear, and you need to know how to prepare him or her for the trip. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you.
The TSA has special rules about what you can and cannot bring onto the plane. You can check this out online. You may also need to check with your doctor about vaccines.
Aside from that, it’s important to find out whether the airline you’re flying with will allow you to take a stroller on board. If it does, you can bring it for free.
You can get more information about the various types of equipment you can bring on board by visiting the TSA website. You can also look for airports that offer special facilities for kids. Some airports will even rent you a stroller. If you’re traveling with your baby, you’ll also want to bring an extra change of clothes and a nursing cover.
You’ll probably want to pack a healthy lunch for your kid. This will keep them from having tantrums during the flight.
You should also consider bringing a book or an iPad. These items will help your child pass the time, and are also a good distraction. A good idea is to dress your child in layers, and avoid laces and buttons.
If you are traveling with your vaccinated child, you’ll need to consider any side effects. This could include ear pain. A small bottle of eardrops may be enough to alleviate the problem. You should also think about packing a bottle of baby oil to keep your little one’s ears lubricated.
Finally, remember that you’ll need to prepare yourself for the inevitable bumps and bruises. If you’re taking a stroller with you, make sure it has a durable plastic frame. If your child is still a babe in arms, you should also consider a baby carrier. You may also want to consider a car seat, as well.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to get ready for your first air trip with a toddler.
Medication
It’s not always easy to travel with children. Some illnesses, such as diarrhea, can be a major hassle. Fortunately, a bit of pre-travel planning can help you avoid the trip-ending pitfalls. And if your child does catch an illness while you’re away, your health care provider should be able to provide you with the medicines you need.
One of the best ways to ensure your kids get the medicine they need is to take a few minutes to make a list. The more complete your list is, the easier it is to keep track of your medication when you’re on the go.
If your child takes insulin, make sure to arrive at the airport early. Also, don’t forget to inform the TSA officer at the start of your inspection.
For other common illnesses, such as a cold or the flu, you can help your little one feel better by using the aforementioned Biogesic Syrup to ease the symptoms. Likewise, you can give him or her a Popsicle or frozen fruit to nibble on while you’re out and about.
You may even want to bring along a few of the kid-friendly products that your pharmacist can recommend. For instance, you might be able to find an FDA-approved child-flavoring product to disguise the unpleasant taste of the medicine you’re giving your kid.
You can also check out the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website for more information on travel-ready medications. You’ll also find a comprehensive list of recommended medications for foreign countries. In addition to providing helpful tips, the site offers a comprehensive list of over-the-counter and prescription-only medications that are legal in a foreign country.
The Australian Government recommends parents do their homework before making any decision about the best medication for their child. Taking a minute to read about the medicine you plan to give your child will help you feel more confident about the trip, and help you avoid a major inconvenience in the event of an unexpected visit to the doctor.
It’s also important to remember that medications aren’t always safe for babies, especially if they’ve been given a prescription for something else. You should also be careful to follow directions for the best way to use the medication you’re giving your child.
Preventing drowning
Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths among children. Drowning can happen in just an inch of water. There are several factors that can determine your child’s swimming readiness. They include developmental limitations, emotional maturity, and interest in swimming.
Your child should always wear a United States Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Make sure it fits properly. Your child should always be supervised when in the water. Flotation devices can be very useful in rescuing your child, but they are not substitutes for adult supervision.
If your child is under the age of 12, it is important to take him or her to swim lessons each year. A certified instructor should group kids according to their abilities.
It is also recommended that you take your child to the emergency room if he or she becomes unconscious after a drowning scare. If you are not able to do CPR, you should call for help immediately.
Never leave a child in a bathroom or bathtub alone. There are hidden risks in these areas, such as a toilet lock or a bucket of water. It is very easy for your child to become submerged in these areas.
It is also extremely important to have a cell phone nearby. Your child should know how to call 911 in case of an emergency. You should also be familiar with CPR.
In addition to preventing drowning, there are a number of other tips for you to consider. In most cases, the first response is to get your child out of the water as quickly as possible.
If your child is still conscious, check for any signs of hypothermia. Cold water can cause hypothermia. You should also monitor your child for the next couple of hours.
If your child is scared of the water, he or she will be less likely to respond to a water emergency. If your child panics, she may lose skills she learned in the water.
You should also make sure to teach your child how to call for help if she gets into trouble in the water. You should also learn CPR so that you can save her life if necessary.
Books to keep toddler entertained
When you’re traveling with your toddler, books are the perfect way to keep him or her entertained. There are a wide range of books available that will keep your little one busy and happy for hours.
There are also a variety of travel-worthy activity books. If you’re looking for a quiet activity to keep your child occupied, try a Montessori quiet book. This book features all the buttons and shapes that your little one can handle, and is soft so he or she won’t get hurt.
If you’re taking your toddler on a long trip, consider picking up a Busy Book. This book will keep your little one occupied for a long time, and is made from high-quality materials.
Crayola Color Wonder books are another great option. These books are especially helpful for toddlers who love to color, and are mess-free. If your child likes to stick stickers on the pages, you’ll want to look for an activity book that includes extra large stickers. This will help him or her to build fine motor skills, and will provide hours of entertainment.
If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll want to pick up a book that features a city or town you’re visiting. For instance, Wherever You Go features cities around the world. This board book is packed with colorful illustrations and fun facts about each country.
Lastly, you can buy a set of magnetic travel tins to keep your toddler busy during a flight. These tins are filled with colorful magnetic shapes and can be easily stored in a purse or diaper bag. The magnetic shapes are easy for young children to manipulate, and they can be used to create pictures on the tin.
If you’re heading out on a road trip, you can take a look at the Hello, World! series. These 9 books feature different countries, and teach kids about their times, days, shapes, and opposites. This book is a fun way to introduce your child to cities, as well as to a new language.
You can also purchase a set of Larry Loves board books, which will have your little one exploring various destinations. They’re great for ages 1-2, and are a great choice for read-aloud sessions.
