For many families, late fall and early winter means hitting the road (or the skies!) to visit loved ones for the holidays. While these trips create wonderful memories, they also bring unique challenges for keeping your children healthy and safe.
Here at Tier Pediatrics, we want your family’s holiday travels to be joyful, not stressful. So, before you pack those bags, let’s talk about how to boost your child’s immunity and ensure their safety on the journey.
1. Fortifying Their Immune System: Your First Line of Defense
Travel often exposes children to new environments and more germs. Giving their immune system a boost before and during the trip is key.
- Prioritize Sleep: This is perhaps the most crucial immune booster. Ensure your child gets adequate rest in the days leading up to travel. A well-rested child is better equipped to fight off potential infections and cope with routine changes.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can weaken the immune system and exacerbate fatigue. Encourage plenty of water intake, especially on airplanes where the air is dry. Pack refillable water bottles.
- Nutrient-Rich Foods: While holiday treats are fun, try to maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc are all important for immune function. Consider a children’s multivitamin if you’re concerned about dietary gaps.
- Hand Hygiene is Paramount: This can’t be stressed enough! Teach and reinforce frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water aren’t available, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is your best friend—especially after touching shared surfaces (airport benches, airplane tray tables, gas pump handles) and before eating.
2. Safe Travels: On the Road and In the Air
Whether by car or plane, travel introduces specific safety considerations.
For Car Travel:
- Car Seat Safety Check (Even for a Short Trip!): Before you leave, double-check that your child’s car seat is properly installed and that the harness straps are snug. Remember the “pinch test”—you shouldn’t be able to pinch any slack in the strap at your child’s shoulder.
- Avoid Bulky Coats: Thick winter coats can create slack in car seat harnesses, making them less effective in a crash. Instead, buckle your child in their seat without the coat, then place the coat over them like a blanket, or use thin layers and warm blankets.
- Planned Breaks: Long drives can be tiring for everyone. Plan regular stops every few hours for stretching, bathroom breaks, and fresh air. This reduces driver fatigue and gives kids a chance to burn off some energy safely.
- Emergency Kit: Have a basic first-aid kit, non-perishable snacks, water, and any necessary medications readily accessible.
For Air Travel:
- Ear Pressure Relief: For infants, offer a bottle, breastfeed, or pacifier during ascent and descent. For older children, chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, or yawning can help equalize ear pressure.
- Cabin Germs: While planes are cleaned, shared surfaces can still harbor germs. Use sanitizing wipes for tray tables, armrests, and seatbelt buckles as soon as you sit down.
- Pack Smart: Have a small bag with entertainment (books, small toys, tablets), snacks, and a change of clothes (for unexpected spills or accidents) easily accessible under the seat.
- Stay Buckled: Remind children to keep their seatbelts buckled whenever seated, even when the “fasten seatbelt” sign is off, as unexpected turbulence can occur.
3. Navigating New Routines and Time Changes
Holiday travel often disrupts established schedules, but with a little planning, you can minimize the impact.
- Manage Time Zone Shifts Gradually: If you’re crossing multiple time zones, try to adjust your child’s sleep schedule by 30-60 minutes each day in the days leading up to your trip. Upon arrival, expose them to natural light during the day and keep bedtime consistent with the new local time.
- Familiar Comforts: Pack your child’s favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow. These familiar items can provide comfort and help signal bedtime in unfamiliar environments.
- Respect Sleep Needs: Even if the festivities are going strong, try to maintain your child’s core sleep schedule as much as possible. An overtired child is often a cranky child, making the holiday less enjoyable for everyone. Don’t be afraid to take a quiet break for a nap or an early bedtime.
Travel during the holidays can be a wonderful opportunity for family bonding. By taking a few proactive steps regarding immunity and safety, you can help ensure those memories are filled with joy, not sniffles or stress.
From all of us at Tier Pediatrics, we wish you safe and healthy travels this holiday season!
