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| Vol. 24, No. 21 |
| November 15, 2002 |
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Traveling with Tots During the Holidays? By JENNIFER HART Texas Children's Hospital As the holiday season approaches, many parents are making plans for family travel. Whether going by vehicle or plane, Texas Children’s Hospital specialists have tips to make trips with tots less stressful and more fun. “It’s essential to plan ahead for stress-free holiday travel,” said Brian Talbot, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician in the Pearland office of Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates. “Be sure to take along plenty of healthy snacks and drinks for children, as well as age-appropriate books and games.” Talbot recommends that parents carry the phone number for their child’s pediatrician, all current prescription medications and the location of a pharmacy near their destination. “If your child has a chronic illness, be sure you have all medicine and equipment, such as inhalers for asthma patients,” Talbot said. “It’s easy to forget these things during the busy holiday travel season. You don’t want your child to have an asthma attack with no medication in a strange town.” Talbot recommends that parents pack a basic first-aid kit with Tylenol for pain, Benadryl for allergy, hydrocortisone cream for rash and bug bites, antibacterial ointment for cuts, syrup of ipecac for accidental poisoning, bandages, insect repellent and sunscreen. When traveling by vehicle, children need appropriate car seats or boosters. Child restraint laws vary from state to state. In addition, most rental car companies offer car seats. “It’s a good idea to take a break every three hours to let everyone stretch and get out of the car for awhile,” Talbot said. “Be sure to have appropriate clothing for your travel destination.” When traveling by plane, parents should follow the same basic guidelines. “For children under age one, breastfeed or give a bottle or pacifier on takeoff and landing to equalize ear pressure,” Talbot said. “For children over 6 months old, your pediatrician may suggest Benadryl to soothe and calm. Older children can chew gum or suck on candy.”
©2006 Texas Medical Center E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/11_15_02/page_15.html |