Travel Tips for Families with Children | Expert Advice from Ankura Hospital

Traveling with children can be rewarding but also challenging. Families travel to different places with their children. The immunity of children is low; therefore, they need safe food and water as well as lower exposure to diseases.

Before delving into travel advisories, there is a general need to understand the immune system and how to keep it strong and healthy.

The term “immune system” refers to a group of cells, chemicals, and processes that, in relation to one another, protect the stomach, skin, airways, and other parts from invading organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, cancer cells, and toxins. In a nutshell, the immune system protects the body from invaders and keeps it healthy.
Due to their smaller bodies and developing immune systems, children under the age of five have unique travel health needs. 

Healthy eating: The foundation of good health is a balanced diet, which helps people acquire all the nutrients they need to boost their immune systems and enhance their overall health.

Ensure sufficient sleep: Sleep is necessary at any age for health, but it is very important for growing children since it supports their physical and mental development.

Promote physical activity: Regular exercise offers a wide range of benefits, from building strength and managing weight to enhancing energy levels and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, making it essential for individuals of all ages.

Visit a pediatrician: Before you travel, check your child’s immunization schedule to make sure all of their regular vaccinations are up to date. 

Be cautious with food, water, and insect exposure: Avoid giving children uncooked food, and in developing countries, only offer fruits and vegetables that you peel yourself. Children are more susceptible to traveler’s diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disturbances. Purified water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing ice, and preparing infant formula or food. There should also be an added precaution in pacifiers, teething rings, and toys where cleansing is concerned not to contaminate them.

Protect against insects and animals: It is advised to protect children from animals and insects to lower their risk of contracting an illness.

Plan meals and snacks: To make sure your child is getting enough nutrition, prepare special meals in advance and include some of their favourite foods or familiar snacks. In the event of a delay, always have extra baby food and formula on hand for at least 24 hours.

Be prepared in first aid care:  Before traveling, carry a basic first aid kit with you to ensure you are well-prepared for any situation. 

Handling Motion Sickness: Compared to adults, children seem to be more susceptible to motion sickness. Age-restricted use of antihistamines can help prevent or alleviate motion sickness. Talk to the pediatrician of your child about motion sickness before you go and find out what medication could help your child.

Flying with Children: Flying can be exciting, fearful, and uncomfortable for young children, especially when the airplane takes off and lands. This is because children are easily predisposed to ear “popping,” which hurts them. The discomfort results from an air pocket in the middle ear, which is sensitive to changes in air pressure. As the plane ascends or descends, these pressure changes can cause ear pain, especially in small children whose eustachian tubes are narrower than those of adults, making it harder to equalize pressure.

Encouraging swallowing or yawning can help relieve this discomfort by “popping” the ears. For infants, offering a bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing can be effective, and it’s a good idea to keep them awake during the plane’s descent. Older children can chew gum or sip on a drink like juice to ease the pressure.