Parenting Advice From Your Physicians at Kaiser Permanente

Travelling overseas with kids is an adventure! I’ve travelled with my son to Africa twice, and each trip presented its own rewards – and challenges. During the first trip, he stopped breastfeeding, and we were lucky to have packed plenty of formula. On the second trip he lost his appetite; it was stressful! Now that I have two children, I’m guessing those challenges might be even bigger, so I spent some time considering how to prepare for them.

Some countries might be very similar to what you’re used to here in terms of the services, food, and amenities available. Other places may be very different. If that’s the case, planning in advance can help you and your kids navigate a new environment more easily.

Whether you’ve made an international trek before or are planning your first trip abroad with your child, here’s a practical guide to help your journey take off, so to speak!

How to plan an international trip with kids from A to Z

• Print out the itinerary for each adult, along with copies of each family member’s passports, visas, and kids’ birth certificates.
• Plan the supplies you’ll need for your child while on the plane and during any layovers.
• If traveling with another adult, plan out roles and rest breaks, knowing that these will likely change along the way.

Check with your pediatrician about travel vaccines for kids

• Your pediatrician will provide advice on travel vaccines, safety while abroad, and prophylactic medications. They can also refer you to a local travel clinic if needed.
• Print out vaccine records for all family members.
• Sometimes travel vaccines are recommended earlier than the usual schedule and may need to be repeated later, which is okay.

Keeping kids healthy abroad

• If you’re traveling to an area with a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, consider treating your family’s clothes with permethrin spray, which you can purchase at a camping store. For complete information on insect repellents to use on the skin, please visit this website with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Identify the nearest qualified medical facilities where you’ll be traveling, especially if your child or family member has a serious or chronic medical condition.
• Pack all necessary medications and as-needed medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Check this CDC website for specific information about traveling with medications.

Tips for travelling with infants

• Contact your airline about special infant bassinets and seating locations they can provide.
• Pack your own car seat, rather than renting an unknown car seat from a car rental company.
• Your stroller and car seat can be checked for free either before you enter the security checkpoint or after you get to your gate. You’ll most likely want your stroller inside the gate area.
• See this website for more information about traveling through airports with formula, breastmilk, and baby food.
• If your infant takes formula, pack it in its original labeled container. Be sure to use safe formula preparation practices in the airport and abroad to avoid contamination.
• If your infant takes expressed breastmilk, be sure to contact the place where you’ll be staying to ensure they have access to refrigeration.

Tips for travelling with toddlers

• Pack a variety of entertainment and toys for your busy toddler. Fidget toys and compact books make good companions! Consider your travel neighbors and leave the noisy toys at home and bring kid-friendly headphones if you plan to share screens.
• Prepare your toddler’s favorite healthy snacks in individual baggies. Don’t expect them to enjoy airplane-provided food but rejoice if they do!
• Consider powdered milk, which can be mixed with bottled water and helps keep your toddler hydrated. You can do a taste test at home before traveling to see if this is a viable option.

Tips for travelling with school-aged children

• Include your child in trip planning, such as choosing family activities and which landmarks they’d like to see at the destination.
• Help them pack their own small carry-on backpack that they’ll be responsible for. Include their favorite reading and activity books.
• Talk to your child about what to do if they get lost in the airport or while abroad. Consider labeling the inside of their travel backpack or jacket with their full name, parents’ name and phone number, address, and medical conditions (if any).

Tips for travelling with teenagers

• Ensure that your teen has access to the itinerary and international cell phone data if you plan to let them do their own exploring.
• Encourage them to learn basic phrases in the language where the family will be traveling.

Planning ahead of your big trip can save you a lot of travel stress. Best of luck on your next adventure and remember to pack your patience!