The child on the road requires specific precautions and attention, which is why it is very important to keep the child's health under control when planning a trip with children.
The reasons for which we move are the most varied; unfortunately you don't travel just for pleasure. The Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP) has drawn up a 10-point guide , which takes into account all the situations, even those in which it goes to developing countries, for example in the case of children born in Italy who go to vacation in their home countries.
Traveling with children, what to do before traveling and what to pack
The first recommendation of the SIP is to organize the trip in advance and contact the pediatrician, 4-6 weeks before departure, to assess some factors: the child's medical history, immunization status, any contraindications for the trip, need to administer vaccines or undertake a antibiotic prophylaxis, depending on the country where you want to go.
Of course, the advice is to pay particular attention in case of very adventurous and / or long-term trips and for newborns or children with chronic or immunocompromised pathologies.
The SIP handbook lists 12 drugs and items of common use that cannot be missing in the suitcase of the small traveler :
> disinfectant solution;
> hand sanitizer gel;
> analgesic and antipyretic;
> cortisonic ointment against insect bites;
> protections against motion sickness, to combat car sickness, sea sickness or aircraft;
> broad-spectrum antibiotic;
> oral rehydration solution (particularly indicated if you are traveling to countries where traveler's diarrhea is more frequent);
> mosquito repellent products;
> high protection sunscreens;
> any drugs normally used, at least in sufficient quantities for the duration of the trip;
> any health insurance certificate;
> antimalarials (if you go to countries at risk, where prophylaxis is indicated).
Travel with children, by car or plane
In the car the child must always sit in the special seat ; in the case of hired cars, make sure these devices are present and working. Maintain good ventilation of the vehicle and give children light meals to prevent nausea and vomiting.
In an airplane, pressure changes can cause barotraumas, with the appearance of ear pain and tinnitus, which can be reduced by swallowing . In younger children and infants the use of the ciuccetto is useful.
Seats in the middle of the cabin are advisable because the movements are less noticeable . Air travel is not recommended in the case of acute infectious diseases such as sinus infections and ear infections, recent surgical procedures and serious chronic diseases.
In the case of very long journeys, in countries with different time zones, pay attention to jet lag, trying to gradually get the child used up before departure, anticipating or postponing the bedtime, depending on whether you travel east or west .
In the case of long journeys, bring adequate material to distract the child, such as books and games, a small supply of food and drink and what is needed for the toilet .
Traveling with children in the mountains
Holidays in the mountains with children, in summer, are recommended due to the milder temperatures, but some precautions must be taken.
In particular, attention must be paid to acute mountain sickness, a frequent disorder in childhood, associated with the achievement, in a short time, of altitudes greater than 2500 meters.
Also be careful to adequately protect children from both the cold and the sun. In the case of newborns, it is preferable that the stay in the mountains is not too short to promote acclimatization . Furthermore, it is not advisable to exceed 2000 meters in height.
Travel with children, play in the water
At the sea, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the sun but also to the water. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in traveling children; it is therefore essential that there is always the supervision of an adult, in addition to the use of adequate safety devices. Avoid going offshore with the child because there is a danger of currents and tides. Bathing only in equipped facilities. It is also advisable for the little ones to wear adequate shoes to protect their feet.
If swimming in the sea does not generally involve the risk of contracting infectious diseases, fresh water can carry numerous infections and therefore should be avoided.
Children, when exposed to the sun, must always apply adequate protection , as well as wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Children under the age of 6 months should be kept in the shade and wear light clothing that protects most of the body surface.
Travel with children, beware of traveler's diarrhea
One of the most widespread diseases during international travel is the so-called traveler's diarrhea, which mainly affects some countries: Mexico, central and southern America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa. In children, the course is more severe and prolonged, with a greater risk of complications, first of all dehydration.
To prevent traveler's diarrhea, when traveling to risky countries, it is important to observe certain precautions:
> drink only water and beverages contained in sealed bottles ;
> do not use ice in drinks;
> consume only pasteurized or boiled milk ;
> avoid the consumption of raw meat, raw vegetables, unpeeled fruit;
> avoid washing your teeth with water that could be infected;
> avoid the consumption of uncooked eggs or handmade products, such as ice cream, puddings, fruit juices;
> always wash your hands well with water and soap (or use sterilizing wipes), before preparing meals.
The SIP handbook contains numerous other useful tips and tricks when traveling with children, especially in countries and / or in situations that present higher risks.
