Traveling with a baby or toddler can be a very challenging experience, and in this article, we’ll give you some practical tips about first aid supplies and some advice to make the journey smooth and pleasant for everyone.
Flying with a child
Going through the flight is the first challenge that you need to tackle. Air pressure might bother the little ones, so make sure to have some Calpol with you (or something similar). To relieve ear pressure you can also give them something to chew on, to sip some water or suck on a dummy.
Also, make sure to have some toys or books to keep them busy during a long flight and a blanket to allow them to sleep. In case they don’t like the food in the plane, have some of their favorite snacks prepared (as long as they are allowed).
Adjust the air conditioning so it doesn’t blow right in their head, and have some extra clothes at hand in case they get cold. If possible, get the seats at the front that have more space. Some planes even have bassinets available for children up to 2 years and the option of pre-ordering baby food or drinking formulas.
Dress accordingly
Get informed about the weather in the country you are traveling to, and take proper clothes, both for you and the little one.
Wounds
If your vacation will include hiking through the woods or mountains, running and playing on the beach or other outdoor activities, wounds are inevitable. Make sure to have a first aid kit with all the essentials, but we’ll discuss this more in a bit.
Rabies
If you are going to a dangerous area, it is recommended that all of you get anti-rabies vaccines upfront. If that’s not the case, but the child gets bitten by an animal, then a vaccine is needed as soon as possible. Even with a vaccine, you would still need medical care, but it highly increases your chances of survival. Rabies is a deadly disease and should be treated very seriously.
Heat Exhaustion, Dehydration
If you’re traveling to a hot area, then hydration is absolutely essential, and so are these aspects:
- Always wear a hat (both you and the baby)
- Always wear sunglasses
- Always use sun cream
Avoid the midday sun and constantly hydrate yourself and the kids. When swimming or sailing apply sun cream regularly, as the reflections from the water increase the power of the sun. As you may already know by now, sunburns are not pleasant at all.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Pale skin
- Intense sweating
- Confusion
Right from the first signs, drink plenty of water and go to a chill and shady place as soon as possible. Take a cool shower or sponge bath, apply ice towels, use fans and seek medical attention if the symptoms do not go away soon.
Also get informed in advance about the possible dangers in the area you are traveling to, about certain diseases that can be transmitted through stings, bites, food or water. Use a child-friendly insect repellent and wear long clothes at dusk in order to avoid getting bitten.
Be Prepared with first aid supplies
Besides the specific items needed in the country you are going to, always have toilet rolls, tissues, hand sanitizers and a small first aid kit in your bag. Accidents and injuries can happen anytime, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Travel Kit Essentials:
- Basic medication: this includes pills for pain relief, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, allergies and more.
- Triangular bandages – they can be used for multiple purposes, for head wounds, elbows, knees and more, but also to make a supportive bandage or a sling
- An instant ice pack – used for bumps and bruises to reduce swelling
- Non-adherent dressings for grazes
- Bandages of various sizes
- Burn gel – used for burns, including from the sun
- A pair of scissors
- A pair of tweezers - to remove splinters or spines
- Sterile pads - to clean wounds
- Antiseptic cleansing wipes
- Safety pins
Instead of buying all of these items separately, you can get one of the Protect Life first aid kits, that include all of them and much more!
Other aspects
Attending a first aid course is more than useful in various situations, including traveling. You will learn how to treat certain wounds, how to perform CPR and much more.
Also, make sure to check and save the number for emergency services in the country you are going to. Don’t forget to get your fully equipped first aid kit here, and enjoy your holiday!
