Healthy Holiday Guide
It's exciting taking your little one on holiday for the first time, and also a little nerve-racking. But with a bit of careful planning and preparation you can look forward to a fun and relaxing time.
Before you go
Your travel company should be able to tell you in advance what medical facilities there are near your hotel or apartment. Once you're there, your local rep can help you find a doctor if your little one needs one. If you're travelling independently, do check that there's a hospital or doctor's surgery near your accommodation.
It's a good idea to bring your little one's Red Book with you, as it contains important medical information, such as what immunisations he's had. Ensure you have sufficient supplies of any medication your child is taking. Make sure you all have travel insurance and, if you're travelling to Europe, European Health Insurance Cards.
On the journey
For a safe, healthy trip:
- Pack any medicines in your hand luggage (but remember that there may be a limit on the volume of liquid you can take through security).
- Take plenty of drinks for your little one (buy them in the departure lounge if necessary) and handy snacks, such as rice cakes, fruit and sandwiches.
- If your little one gets travel sick, give him a suitable travel sickness remedy before you travel.
- Give babies a feed on take off and landing – and older children something to suck or chew on – to ease painful pressure in their ears.
Holiday first aid kit
It may feel as though you've already packed everything but the kitchen sink, but it's a good idea to squeeze this basic first aid kit into your luggage as well.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen suspension to lower fever and ease pain (individual sachets, such as CALPOL® Infant Suspension Sachets, are handy on holiday).
- Thermometer
- Tweezers for removing splinters
- Re-hydration sachets for vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Plasters
- Antiseptic ointment or spray
- Insect repellent (choose one suitable for children)
- Calamine lotion.
Sun protection
Children are more vulnerable to the sun's harmful effects so be extra cautious when you're out and about with your little one. Babies under six months shouldn't go out in the sun at all, and it's best to keep older children out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when it's at its hottest.
Also:
- Put a sun hat on your little one and make sure her shoulders are covered by a sunsuit or teeshirt.
- Apply a high-factor sunscreen to exposed skin 20 minutes before going out, and reapply frequently.
- Use a pop-up sun tent on the beach.
- Remember to keep them hydrated. If they have started eating solid food, offer plenty of cool drinks – especially water.
- Make sure you use window shades when travelling by car.
Please note this is for background information only. If you are at all concerned or in any doubt contact your GP.
Find out more:
For further information visit the NHS website