Traveling With Children

Traveling with children requires additional planning and preparation in order to keep your children safe and ensure an enjoyable trip is had by all.

• Confirm that children are up to date on their routine immunizations
• Administer travel vaccinations as needed
• Travel with a car seat
  • It is not always possible to ensure a safe car seat will be available at your destination
  • It is safest for children to sit in their car seats while on the plane
  • Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in developing countries (more so than infectious disease)
• Malaria prophylaxis is necessary for children traveling to endemic areas
  • Malaria is a serious disease for anyone and can be even more serious in children
  • Multiple drugs are available for prophylaxis depending on destination
  • Preventative measures against mosquitoes including wearing long sleeves and pants, staying indoors between dusk and dawn and using mosquito netting should be undertaken
  • Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET (30-50%) to all exposed skin, avoiding eyes, lips and open cuts (wash off with soap and water once indoors)
• Children are more susceptible to diarrhea and can become dehydrated rapidly
  • Signs of dehydration include decreased urine output, dark urine, dry mouth/lips, sunken eyes, or lack of tears when crying
  • Rehydrate with an appropriate oral rehydration solution mixed with safe water
  • Diarrhea can also be treated with antibiotics and other medications – consult with your travel medicine provider to discuss your available options