Travelling with Children
Travelling with Children
Travelling with children can be a very rewarding experience. To maximize the adventure of international travel, be informed of vulnerabilities, be vigilant for potential risks, and be safety conscious.
Vulnerabilities and Preventive Measures
Diarrhoea
Children are more susceptible to diarrhoea and vomiting, and may exhibit more severe symptoms.
- Keep a supply of oral rehydration solution packets and antibiotics on hand (for more information on treating diarrhoea, see article Traveller’s Diarrhoea)
Seek medical attention if you child develops
- Signs of moderate to severe dehydration
- Bloody diarrhoea
- Fever higher than 38.5OC (101.5OF)
- Persistent vomiting
Animals
Children are attracted to animals and are at higher risk for bites and rabies:
- Train children to avoid contact with strange animals.
Insect Bites
Most insect repellents, including DEET-based formulas, are safe for children > 2 months of age.
Sun Safety
A blistering sunburn during childhood is a strong risk factor for malignant melanoma later in life. Be sure to follow appropriate sun safety guidance. Visit our sun safety article for more information
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF30 and UVA and UVB protection (“broad-spectrum”) 30 minutes before exposure. Re-apply every 2 hours.
General Advice
- Have a medical kit on hand at all times
- Pack snacks from home for when children are hungry and safe food is not available.
- Have portable games for entertainment on long flights
- Use an appropriate car/booster seat for children < 36 kg.
- Always buckle-up.
- Always supervise children around water.
- When going out, place identifying and contact information in the child’s pocket just in case they become separated from family members.
- Air travel is safe for healthy infants and children.
- To minimize ear pain, infants should nurse or suck on a bottle, and older children can chew sugar-free gum.
- Most experts do not recommend sedation.
For more information:
Government of Canada (Page 16)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization (Page 5)
