The holiday season often means family gatherings, festive celebrations, and—inevitably—travel. While holiday travel creates cherished memories, it can also bring challenges when it comes to staying healthy, especially for children. Here’s a guide to help families navigate holiday travel with health and wellness in mind.
Preventing Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is a common issue for children during travel by car, plane, or boat. Here’s how to minimize its impact:
- Strategic Seating: Encourage your child to sit where motion is least felt—near the front of a car, over the wing of a plane, or in the middle of a boat.
- Gaze Forward: Have them focus on the horizon or a fixed point outside the vehicle, avoiding books or screens.
- Light Snacks: Offer a light snack before travel; an empty or overly full stomach can worsen nausea.
- Medication: Speak with your pediatrician about safe options like antihistamines to prevent motion sickness.
Combating Jet Lag
Crossing time zones can disrupt your child’s sleep schedule. To reduce the effects of jet lag:
- Gradual Adjustments: Shift bedtime slightly closer to the destination’s time zone a few days before travel.
- Exposure to Daylight: Spend time outdoors during the day at your destination to help reset their internal clock.
- Sleep Aids: For older children, consult a pediatrician about melatonin as a temporary sleep aid.
Preventing Exposure to Illnesses
Travel often means encountering crowds and close quarters, which increases the risk of illness. Protect your family with these strategies:
- Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Ensure your child’s routine vaccinations, including the flu shot, are current.
- Hand Hygiene: Pack hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use it frequently, especially after touching shared surfaces.
- Wipe It Down: Use disinfecting wipes to clean airplane tray tables, armrests, and hotel surfaces.
- Hydrate and Rest: Encourage water consumption and prioritize downtime to maintain a strong immune system.
Packing Health Essentials
To handle health concerns on the go, create a travel health kit tailored for your family. Include:
- Prescription medications your child takes regularly
- Over-the-counter remedies for fever, pain, and motion sickness
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- Sunscreen and lip balm, even in winter months
- Band-aids and antibiotic ointment for minor cuts
- Thermometer for monitoring fevers
- A list of your child’s medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contact information
Bonus Tips for Holiday Travel Health
- Dress for Comfort: Layer clothing to adapt to changing temperatures.
- Snacks and Hydration: Bring healthy, non-perishable snacks and refillable water bottles.
- Entertainment: Pack quiet activities like books, puzzles, or coloring supplies to reduce stress during travel.
- Know Local Care: Research urgent care options near your destination in case of emergencies.
A Healthier, Happier Holiday
By taking a few precautions, you can help ensure that holiday travel is memorable for all the right reasons. With proper planning and health essentials on hand, your family will be ready to celebrate the season in good health and high spirits.
Happy holidays and safe travels!
For personalized advice or to schedule a pre-travel consultation for your child, contact Sandy Springs Pediatrics today at 404-252-4611 or submit an appointment request via our ‘Contact Us’ form on our homepage..