For many families holiday time means travel time! Whether it’s by plane or by car, it’s wonderful to gather with family and create special memories for our children. But travel with children can be stressful. Here are some tips to decrease the stress and enjoy the ride!

• If traveling by car, plan enough time for frequent stops.
• If flying, visit www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm for tips on getting through airline security with children.
• Pack snacks and special toys or games–especially if going by car.
• Try to keep your child’s schedule as close to normal as possible—i.e. sleep/nap times, meal schedules, etc.
• Do not force your children give hugs or kisses to people they rarely see or don’t know.
• If leaving children home, make sure to leave a list of emergency phone numbers, medications, dosing amounts and times, food and medicine allergies, and a medical release for the caretaker so they can seek help in an emergency.
• Take familiar sleep items with you such as your baby’s Pack and Play, special blankets, pillows or stuffed animals.
• If your child has special diet needs, take those food items with you, or plan in advance where you might purchase them at your destination.
• Take all your child’s medications—prescription and OTC. Keep them in your carry-on luggage if you fly, as checked baggage can get lost.
• Take any asthma medications or nebulizers with you, even if your child is currently doing fine. Again, if you fly, carry these items on, do not check them.
• Pack and plan for the weather at your destination. Will you need sunscreen and insect repellent or hats and gloves?
• Have an “If I get lost” plan and review it with your children in case you get separated.
• Put contact numbers in children’s pockets or pin them to their clothes in case of separation.
• Put an “In case of emergency” number in all cell phones. In kid’s cell phones list mom and dad’s numbers separately.

Once you arrive at your destination, do an immediate safety scan. The homes you visit will not be childproofed unless the people you are visiting also have young children (and even then their standards may not be the same as yours). Most grandparents have been out of the habit of keeping their homes safe for young children, and do not realize the dangers that lurk in simple things around their house. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your host prior to your arrival so they understand what you need to ensure the safety of your children.

Here’s a brief safety checklist:

• Are there any guns in the house? If yes, find out if they are they loaded or unloaded and where they are kept. When children and guns are in the same house, the guns should be kept out of reach in a locked safe or cabinet.
• Is there a swimming pool, koi pond or hot tub? Are they fenced? How easy is it to get to the pool or pond from the house?
• Are stairs gated off?
• Is there a balcony? Can the door out to the balcony be safely locked?
• Are there open fireplaces?
• Are cabinets equipped with child safety locks?
• Is the house decorated with lots of breakables or little knick-knacks?
• Are there small spaces that a crawling baby could get behind?
• Are there bowls of hard candy or mints within reach of little hands?
• Are electric sockets covered?
• Are there hanging cords to things that a child might pull down on top of him or her?
• If there are pets, is your child is allergic to them or frightened of them? Is the pet child-friendly? If the pet is not child-friendly can it be caged, kenneled, or restricted?
• Is there cigarette smoke in the house? Are the smokers willing to smoke outside during your visit?
• Is alcohol commonly used in the house? If the adults you are visiting frequently indulge in alcohol or other substances (including prescription drugs that may cause drowsiness or impaired judgment), make sure they are not driving or caretaking your child.
• Where are your host’s medicines kept? Most adults do not have medicine in childproof bottles. Make sure medicines are stored out of the reach of children.
• If your host uses hearing aids, where are they placed when not in use? Where are the hearing aid batteries kept? Hearing aid batteries are hazardous if swallowed.
• After holiday parties, dinners and gatherings clean up right away– especially tables that toddlers can reach. Remove choking hazards such as small mints, foods and bones. Be especially aware of leftover drinks in beer cans and glasses. A small amount of alcohol can drop a toddler’s blood sugar and be intoxicating.
• Do not forget to childproof hotel rooms. And do not use the drop side cribs some hotels offer. (See earlier blog on drop side cribs.)
• Purses and handbags should be kept closed and out of reach of curious toddlers as they often contain medications, makeup, coins and other poisoning and choking hazards.

Remember, close observation is the best form of childproofing! Even if the gathering is at a childproofed home, children need to be watched.

Travel safe and have a wonderful holiday!