Newsletter

As summer travel season kicks off, many families are getting ready to hit the road with kids in tow. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, an international vacation, or anything in between, traveling with children brings its own set of joys and challenges. From unpredictable nap schedules to new environments and long flights, keeping little ones healthy, rested, and content can feel like a full-time job on top of your travel itinerary.

To help families feel more confident heading into summer travel, we sat down with Dr. Ashley Blonder of our Mt. Kisco office to talk through some of the most common questions about traveling with kids. From keeping up with routines on the road, managing sleep in new places, handling motion sickness, packing health essentials, and more, we hope this conversation makes it a little easier to enjoy your adventures while keeping your child healthy, comfortable, and supported along the way!

How important is it to keep a routine when traveling with kids — and how realistic is that, really? Should parents try to stick to normal sleep and meal times?
Sticking to a routine while traveling can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for children, however parents should maintain realistic expectations. If possible, offer meals and sleep at the same times as usual, but also, have a backup plan. Bringing food that is easy on-the-go and having comfort objects close by, will allow your child to have a sense of security, even if you aren’t in the most comfortable surroundings. Keeping the same basic structure to your day can also help ease transitions and allow you more stability and control. However, at the end of the day it’s all about finding balance.

What’s your advice for gently easing kids into a new time zone — especially for longer trips? Do you recommend shifting the schedule ahead of time, or adjusting once you arrive?
If you are only traveling for a few days, I recommend trying to stay on your home time, or close to it if possible. For longer trips, you can begin gradually adjusting your child’s schedule a few days before departure, shifting it by 15-30 minutes each day to align with the time zone of your destination.

If you are able to arrive at your destination during the day, this may help keep everyone awake and busy until bedtime, which will reset their internal clocks. Having a lot of exposure to natural light once you arrive can also help regulate melatonin and adjust circadian rhythms. Encourage lots of physical activity while awake to build up sleep drive. Lastly, try to stick to a familiar bedtime routine to help signal to your kids that it is time to sleep.

Any strategies for helping kids sleep well in unfamiliar places, like hotels, rental homes, or even on the plane? Does bringing a favorite blanket or sound machine help?
When staying in a new place it helps to try to bring the comforts of home with you to replicate a familiar environment. I recommend bringing a favorite stuffy, or pillow or blanket if possible for older children. If they’re used to a night light or white noise at home, I suggest bringing those items with you. Again, sticking with a familiar bedtime routine (whatever that looks like for your family) can help provide comfort and consistency in an unusual environment and this will likely ease anxiety.

At the end of the day, it is important to provide extra reassurance and realize that it may take longer to settle in than usual. It can also be helpful to be flexible with naps and allow children extra rest when needed, particularly if they are not sleeping well at night.

What are some common travel-related health issues you see in kids over the summer?
Some of the most common travel-related health issues are due to the environment, and are usually preventable. Most commonly we see sunburns, insect bites, dehydration, heat exhaustion, skin rashes, allergies, motion sickness, and infections like traveler’s diarrhea.

Let’s talk motion sickness; what’s your go-to advice for preventing or managing it on long car rides or flights?
The first thing to consider would be seating placement. If your child is old enough to sit in the front seat of the car, this can be helpful. If not, the middle seat in the back of the car is the most stable and is best for minimizing swaying. On an airplane, the seats near the wings are the best to avoid motion sickness.

Next would be minimizing overstimulation and screen time, which can make motion sickness worse. If possible, encourage your child to look out towards the horizon. Playing games such as “I spy,” or listening to an engaging audiobook or podcast can also be useful distraction techniques. When traveling by car it may be helpful to take breaks to stretch and get fresh air. This can help reduce or reset nausea or stomach upset. It is also important to stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals right before hitting the road.

Are there any travel-friendly remedies or medications that are safe for young children prone to nausea or tummy issues?
A great natural remedy for nausea and motion sickness is ginger, which comes in the form of sucking candy or lollipop (when age appropriate), and tea or biscuits. Ginger can be offered either before travel, or at the start of symptoms. Acupressure wrist bands may be a good option as they are non-invasive and safe for children.

Occasionally medication is needed with severe or recurrent motion sickness. Over the counter medications such as Dramamine or Diphenhydramine can be useful, and are typically taken 30 – 60 minutes prior to travel for maximum effectiveness. It is important to be aware however that these medications can cause drowsiness and it is best to consult with your physician before giving them.

What should parents know about travel immunizations — when should they plan ahead, and how do they know what’s needed?
When traveling to certain locations it may be recommended to take additional vaccinations that are not part of the standard series recommended in the US for children. This information can be found on the CDC traveler’s health website, by consulting with a specialized travel clinic, or by contacting your physician who can consult you on the best recommendations. Most travel immunizations are recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure to ensure they have enough time to take maximum efficacy. In certain cases there are also medications that may be needed prior to and throughout the duration of the trip so this is another reason to consult with your physician before travel.

Do you recommend any general precautions when traveling internationally with children — especially to places with different climates or food/water safety standards?
Since children may be more vulnerable to food and water borne illnesses it is important to stay up to date on the safety standards of your destination. Drinking bottled water that is sealed and avoiding ice in drinks that may be made with tap water is one way to avoid water-borne illness. When possible, it is advised to brush teeth and clean faces and hands with bottled water or clean wipes. It is also generally advised to avoid raw or undercooked items, as well as foods that may have been washed with contaminated water. Traveling to different climates also means that you should have proper clothing and be mindful of adequate hydration and environmental protections.

What are your must-pack health essentials for a family travel first aid kit? Any underrated items you always suggest?
I always recommend families be prepared for everything from minor cuts and scrapes to more significant illness such as fevers or allergic reactions. I would typically include the following:
• Basic first aid supplies: Band-aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes or spray, antibiotic ointment and tweezers for removing foreign bodies or ticks
• Fever and pain relief: A reliable thermometer, Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen and portable ice packs
• Cold symptom management: Nasal saline spray, a suction device for nasal congestion in younger children, cough drops for older children and any OTC cold medication you may utilize at home
• Allergies and Skin Care: Antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, anti-itch gel, sunscreen and insect repellent
• Digestive Health: Oral rehydration solution or powder (highly recommended in the event of diarrhea/vomiting to prevent dehydration) and antacids (ie – Tums or pepto-bismol for children)
• Ear-care: Ear plugs and ear drops for children who are sensitive to water in their ears
• Motion-sickness: Medication or natural remedies for children who have a history or if there is a plan for activities that may induce this condition (ie – boat trips)
• Any prescription medication your child takes on a regular or as needed basis including epi-pens or asthma inhalers/nebulizer machines.

Any special considerations or tips for traveling with babies, especially for first-time parents?
Traveling with a baby for the first time can feel overwhelming, but if you prepare properly it can make your experience smoother and less stressful. Try to be flexible with schedules and allow extra time for travel, particularly through airports. Having your baby essentials accessible makes the trip easier to manage. This could include extra diapers and wipes, a portable changing mat, extra pacifiers if your baby uses one (if one gets dirty or lost), extra sets of clothing for both baby and parents (in the event of a spit up or a poorly timed blow-out), toys/teethers or comfort items and enough milk or age appropriate food to last through the duration of travel.

For air travel, I suggest choosing a flight time that aligns with your child’s normal schedule, which may allow them to sleep during the flight. For longer flights, you may be able to request a bassinet but it is best to call ahead to confirm. It can be useful to utilize a carrier for your baby while traveling through the airport so that you are hands-free and can navigate crowded spaces more efficiently. Lastly, feeding your baby or utilizing a pacifier can be helpful during take off and landing to neutralize pressure in the ears.

What’s one reassuring thing you’d tell parents feeling anxious about the health side of traveling with kids?
It’s natural to feel anxious about your children’s health while traveling but if you prepare properly you will have the resources you need to handle most situations that come your way. Having a well-stocked first aid kit, staying up to date on your travel recommendations, knowing where your local health services are located and keeping calm in stressful situations will get you through most of the ups and downs of traveling. Plus, children are often much more resilient and adaptable than we give them credit for!