Travelling with Children

Despite the added concerns, travelling with children is a richly rewarding experience. These trips require more preparation, flexibility and vigilance than if you are travelling solo. A considered preparation is vital.  Key considerations include the ages and particular needs of your children, as well as the availability of good health care while away.  Some trips may be worth postponing until your children are older. Ease of travel back to the home country may be a consideration when travelling with very young children. Always speak to a doctor with a special interest in travel medicine if you are travelling to low-income countries, particularly if your destination is isolated or includes multiple stopovers to reach a particular destination. 

• Research your destinations:
• Temperature ranges, climatic and geographical conditions
• Details of local illnesses and access to quality medical support
• Security
• Accommodation
• Available foods and supplies for children
• Local culture, customs, poverty
• Contact current or past travelling families or expatriates.

When planning your itinerary, consider the extra time needed for naps and playtime. Find activities that appeal to your children. Continue normal routines as much as possible. Think of some alternative plans in case you are unable to continue on your proposed route.

• Predicting potential physical danger
• Receiving education on common health problems in areas to be visited. It may be coughs and colds in Europe or identifying the symptoms of malaria in Africa.
• Access to a medical kit appropriate for the destination.
• Understanding the use of various medications and their generic names.
• Contingency plans in the event of a medical emergency; good medical insurance
• Point to point travel only, if travelling with very young children. Different modes of transport to isolated places can lead to much stress with a sick toddler.

Careful planning is very important if you want peace of mind at the outset.

Ensure your childrens’ immunization schedules are up to date and take their immunization records. Make sure that the immunisation status is in line with the Australian immunisations schedule.  

Travel immunisations are different. Recommendations vary according to the destination and length of stay. Some of the routine immunisations eg. measles might be considered at an earlier age if travelling. The same might apply for travel immunisations eg hepatitis A.

Carry a list of your childrens’ birth dates, weights, allergies, routine medications and doses. Always have medical insurance and organise a dental check before you leave.

The contents of a medical kit will be determined by the specific nature of your trip. The medicines must be in a locked container kept out of reach of your children. Always divide any important medications between your hand luggage and another travel bag, so that if one is stolen you still have enough supplies for a few days.  Carry a written list of the medications signed by your doctor.

Discuss your medical kit with your doctor. 

Take enough of your usual prescription medications away with you, or ensure you are able to buy them from a reputable drug company while away.

Consider the following but recommendations vary according to destination:

• Insect repellent containing DEET
• Oral rehydration solution (e.g. Gastrolyte). Carry a sturdy drink container.
• Water purification tablets or solution
• Antimalarials and treatment course where indicated
• Antibiotic creams and eye and ear drops
• Antibiotics - discuss these with your doctor
• Antifungal creams e.g. clotrimazole
• Anti-parasitic preparations - tinidazole or metronidazole
• Antihistamine tablets
• Stingose (for itchy spots) and Pine Tar wash for prickly heat.
• Hydrocortisone 1% cream
• Barrier cream (for sore bottoms and chafing)
• Cold’ preparations – throat lozenges etc.
• Cotton wool, buds and alcohol wipes
• Dressings - non-stick, steri-strips, bandaids and crepe bandages
• Tape
• Thermometer
• Nail clippers, tweezers, scissors

Having access to medical supplies at all times of the day and night is very important as is understanding how to use them.

Sensible dressing is important both for adults and children. Children may be exposed to intestinal worms if feet are not protected in tropical climates.

For Hot Weather Climates

• Wide-brimmed hat or a cap with a neck-flap
• Loose, long-sleeved 100% cotton tops with collars, and long pants (light colours are best as they will reflect some of the heat and mosquitoes tend to be attracted to darker colours)
• Cotton underwear
• Sturdy, closed walking shoes or boots, as these will help prevent insect bites, stubbed toes and infestation with hookworm larvae.
• Light, waterproof sandals or neoprene footwear for walking at the beach or on reefs
• Rain jacket
• Sleeping bag or enclosed sheet

For cold weather climates

• Woollen hat and gloves (children lose a large amount of heat through their head)
• Layers of woollen clothes. A ‘polartek’ jacket, or the like, is useful if trekking as it will keep your children warm, even if the garment is wet
• Thermal underwear
• Rain and wind-proof jacket
• Waterproofed walking boots

It is important to photocopy each of your childrens’ passports and visas, keeping one copy in a travel bag away from the originals, and one copy with family members at home.

Plan a few things ahead of time.  Try to prepare your children for what to expect en route.

If flying, book ahead to get the seats and bassinets you want.  Always have aisle access so as not to disturb other passengers.

Some people say that travelling at night is helpful as the children are more likely to sleep.  Think about the safety record of your mode of transport.  Sometimes the cheaper fare is not the best fare, as it may involve more delays and stopovers, and therefore add hours to your trip.

Things to take on the flight;

• Jumper and blanket
• Change of clothes (for your children and yourself)
• Face washer and wet wipes
• Familiar toys and story books
• New toys, puzzles and books (including airline kits)
• Foods and snacks (if necessary)
• Sucking sweets. To minimise ear pain on descent, see if your children will suck or teach them to yawn, swallow or perform the Valsalva manouvre. There are also pressure-change barrier earplugs that can reduce middle ear discomfort on landing.

If travelling by car allow time for play and naps.

Hypervigilance is the key. Children are more prone to infections, accidents, animal bites and problems related to temperature extremes. If they develop an illness, watch them closely. Children can compensate until they are suddenly extremely unwell.