Traveling with children can be quite a challenge, especially when they are in their younger-childhood years. Family vacations should be a chance for parents and their children to bond and grow closer. Adequate planning is necessary for the entire family to have the best traveling experience. Planning and preparing for potential difficulties you could have when traveling with your kids can make it more enjoyable instead of stressful. The following are some solid travel safety tips for parents on what should be done if you are traveling with children. Use it as a springboard to start your own unique family travel safety list and your travels will less stressful and more enjoyable.
10 Travel Safety Tips For Traveling with Kids
1. Bring enough snacks and drinks.
Children can easily get hungry and sometimes munching on something can take away the boredom of traveling too long, especially on road trips. The more nutritious the food, the better, since healthy food takes the stomach longer to digest compared to junk food. Avoiding too much sugar, caffeine and processed foods can also help improve moods and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
2. Car Seat Safety
If going on a road trip, take heed of car seat and seat belt laws in the area you’re heading to and passing through. Children should always be kept safe in the automobile throughout the trip. Requiring the kids to wear seat belts also prevents them from being wrestling rascals during the journey. See this post for more road trip tips.
3. Focus On The Road
If you are driving the vehicle and traveling with a toddler, pull over and stop before attending to him or her. Focusing on the road and the child is just not possible and can lead to car accidents. Check the child safety locks and window locks before going on your way since children can be curious and push various buttons which might result in injury.
4. Kids In Back
Children younger than twelve years old and under certain height/weight limitations should always sit in the back seat to avoid serious injuries or airbag injuries. If an accident happens, a child can get killed or be seriously injured because of the airbag. Safety should always be first when traveling with kids.
5. Share Contacts
Hand each child (who is old enough to read) a list of emergency numbers so each and every one is prepared for any casualties that may happen while out of town. Numbers like 911, your cell phone, and local emergency numbers are important. You never know what will happen, so it’s better to be ready at all times. The more prepared everyone is, the less stressful any incident will be.
6. First Aid
Bring a first aid kit with you since children are prone to get more cuts and scrapes. Tackling minor injuries are easily done once you have the right materials. A basic first aid kit consists of sterile gauze pads, eye pads, bandages, dressings, thermometer, gloves, antiseptic cream, various tablets and scissors.
7. Consider Travel Crib
If you’re staying in a hotel, ask if they have the appropriate bedding for young children. If you have a baby or a toddler, inquire if safe cribs are available. It is best to call before the trip and make arrangements to have items suitable for children inside the room when you get there.
8. Child-proofing your room is also a must.
Outlets should be covered and doors – especially leading to a balcony (if there is one) – should be locked. Children should not have access to items that are breakable or potentially poisonous.
9. Supervise Kids
The younger children should be supervised at all times. Keep your eye on your children when you’re in the gym, in the swimming pool and in other activity centers. If in case your child gets lost, prepare him or her in advance to go to the front desk or ask help from someone in uniform. Additionally, parents should review with their children how to break away or cry for help if grabbed or accosted by a stranger.
10. Air Safety
If you happen to be traveling by air, make sure the airline has proper restraints for young children. If not, check other airlines to be sure they have what you’re looking for. Another option you have is to shop for special child restraints that are specifically for aircraft travel. In any event, you will need to communicate with the airlines about the height, age and weight of each child in question to be assured they will travel safely on the particular aircraft.
The three main priorities when traveling with children are comfort, safety and activity. Keeping your kids entertained while traveling is also one key to a successful trip. Also, be sure to do your independent research using this list as well as other good lists to develop your own personal preparation and safety plan for your family that will result in less stress and more enjoyment.
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