Summer can take a toll on kids during vacations. Plan well!
With the summer holidays approaching, the excitement is high and so is the temperature.
Planning and travelling with children can be challenging but fun too. The most important thing to care about is the health of your child while you travel.
Many things pose a threat to your child’s well-being during your travel.
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Change in weather conditions
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The difference in food type
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Change in sleep patterns
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Travelling stress
While your child is trying to cope with these threats, you must take all the precautions against common health issues that your child may suffer due to travelling.
Some of the common health issues children face during travel are:
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Ear pain while flying
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Dehydration and Diarrhoea
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Food Poisoning
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Flu infection
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Travelling related infections
Dr. Sonal Mhatre, BHMS with 17 years of Clinical experience suggests precautions that you may take to address health related issues in children while travelling.
Ear pain in children while flying.
The airplane’s air pressure change can hurt children’s ears, especially during take-off and landing. This ear pain can be eased by swallowing something but at the right time.
Give your child something to eat during take-off and landing; it can be their favorite mango puree or candies.
Ear drops that numb the eardrum can also ease the pain. However, you must consult a pediatrician before giving such drops. Better still, stay prepared. Keep a Pediatrician consultation plan with you.
Precautions to be taken in case of dehydration in children.
Mandate water breaks. Kids are often so busy playing that they forget to rehydrate. Make sure kids drink a full glass of water before play or physical activity begins. Ensure your child is taking water breaks at 30–60-minutes intervals.
Foods rich in water content should be consumed: Tender coconut water is a super healthy beverage that can keep children hydrated. Include watermelon, strawberries, oranges, peaches, pineapple, grapes, tomatoes, and cucumbers in the child’s diet.
Kokum is a summer fruit, and homemade kokum sherbet is one of the best drinks children can have in summer to prevent dehydration and the chances of a heat stroke. Children can also take homemade lemon juice.
Children should strictly avoid drinking tap water, and parents should not order drinks with ice. Also, parents should ensure that children drink only purified water.
Precautions to be taken in case of food poisoning in children
According to Dr. Sonal Mhatre, parents should take below precautionary measures in case of food poisoning in children:
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Parents must ensure that children wash hands before and after eating food. Children should eat fresh food and food that has been properly cooked and heated. Fresh food should be preferred.
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Ensure that you wash raw fruits and vegetables with clean water before giving it to your children.
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Avoid food from unclean places, and avoid delicious street food while travelling. Avoid cut fruits and salads as such food may be infectious.
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Check the expiry date on packaged foods before your children consume it.
Precautions to be taken in case of flu infections in children and other travelling-related infections.
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According to Dr. Sonal, hand hygiene is important and parents must ensure that good hand hygiene with soap and water or hand sanitizer is maintained by children when out door.
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Parents must advise their children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth as germs spread this way.
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Parents must that their children are hydrated during travel. A strong immune system is a great defence against any illness, including the flu.
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To give your child’s immunity a boost, parents should ensure that their children are sleeping well (usually between eight and 10 hours), eating a well-rounded diet full of fruits and vegetables, and being physically activity each day.
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Dr. Sonal also recommends taking flu vaccine every year.
Things to remember:
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Carry travel-friendly hand wash and ensure your child washes hands before eating.
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Ensure your child rests well before and after a local trip.
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Keep your child well hydrated.
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Carry a medical kit containing band-aids, thermometer, baby paracetamol, anti-itching lotion, and ORS sachets.
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Stick to food rich in fiber.
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Pack lots of homemade snacks that your child loves eating.
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Remember to scan and save previous prescriptions of your child; this may be handy in case of emergency.
Travelling with children is challenging. It is better to take precautions than panic if children fall sick. Parents should take a precautionary prescription and take a Paediatrician consultation plan. This can be useful in case your children fall ill during the holidays.
A little pre-hand precaution can help you prevent the discomfort your child may go through otherwise, and allow you to enjoy holidays with your children without worrying.
