The busy holiday travel season is upon us! It\u2019s an exciting time, but after the past few years of pandemic-related restrictions, traveling with little ones can feel daunting. I can\u2019t wait to get together with family, but I\u2019m feeling a bit nervous because this year my husband and I will be officially outnumbered on the plane now that we have three kids! The good news is that with a little preparation, families of young children can travel more smoothly.<\/p>\n
What medica<\/strong>tions<\/strong> should we bring?<\/strong><\/p>\n Families often ask me for tips about which medications to pack. My most important tip is that you remember to pack prescription medications in their original packaging \u2013 including those that could be needed urgently, such as inhalers, epinephrine autoinjectors, and migraine, or eczema therapies. Check expiration dates and plan to request any necessary refills at least a week before you travel.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re going to be far away from a drugstore, it\u2019s also wise to pack some basic over-the-counter products. If your child is old enough, choose chewable tablet versions of oral medications to save on space and spills. I would include:<\/p>\n Check out travel first-aid kits online, or create your own with a thermometer, motion sickness tablets, bandages, tweezers, ice packs, rapid COVID tests, and masks.<\/p>\n Should we give our child Benadryl before travel?<\/strong><\/p>\n Wondering about giving Benadryl or melatonin to help kids sleep during long trips or travel across time zones? I don\u2019t typically recommend it. Benadryl can have unpredictable side effects in young children, including making them super hyperactive \u2013 not the response most parents are hoping for!<\/p>\n Instead, we generally recommend natural remedies like:<\/p>\n How do I keep my family well when travelling?<\/strong><\/p>\n It can be hard to keep kids from being exposed to germs when you\u2019re travelling. As every parent knows, kids tend to touch every surface they see. I once flew behind a toddler who thought he\u2019d try licking the aircraft window a few times just to test it out. Teach your kids to wash their hands often \u2013 and not lick the windows!<\/p>\n Keep your family as safe from illness as possible by protecting them with all the recommended immunizations, including the flu and COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and up. Travelers aged 5+ may also be eligible for the COVID-19 booster.<\/a> Whenever possible, plan to get recommended vaccines at least 2 weeks ahead of departure, allowing the body time to achieve the maximum immunity benefit.<\/p>\n Any tips for flying with babies and toddlers?<\/strong> Review your airline\u2019s website for more specific policies and rules.<\/p>\n Check your airport\u2019s webpage to review typical security transit times (and allow extra time to get your family through) and scope out the location of lactation\/nursing rooms or \u2018pods\u2019. I have made good use of these \u2018Mother\u2019s Rooms\u2019 during layovers in the past, and they\u2019re much more comfortable than nursing at the gate!<\/p>\n If you\u2019re flying internationally, 1-2 months prior to departure:<\/p>\n What should we carry on?<\/strong><\/p>\n Plenty of books, toys, and games. I usually bring a couple of my child\u2019s favorites, a comfort item, and something new to hold my kids\u2019 attention \u2013 the excitement of a brand-new Lightning McQueen race car once got me through a lengthy delay on the tarmac tantrum-free!<\/p>\n Wishing you and your family safe and healthy travels this holiday season!<\/p>\n KP Thriving Families\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Traveling With Children? Pack Your Sense of Humor!<\/a><\/p>\n American Academy of Pediatrics\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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\nFamilies who haven\u2019t flown in a while, or are flying for the first time with a baby or toddler, can plan ahead by researching current recommendations for several important topics:<\/p>\n\n
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Resources for Parents:<\/strong><\/h3>\n