Travelling with a young child

Going on a family holiday or a day out can be really exciting but you may also be worried about taking your child on a long journey; the following articles will offer tips on keeping your child entertained and ensuring they are safe and provide advice about what you need to think about before you set off.

Going abroad

If you’re going abroad, research the hotel and the local area before you go; see what kind of amenities are available, research the weather forecast and see what the local customs are; this will be useful information for the whole family and it will help you to decide what to pack. Try to book somewhere that is child-friendly so you won’t feel like you’re constantly worried about your child disturbing other guests or upsetting the management; it is also beneficial to choose a resort with facilities such as kid’s clubs, as this will give you a couple of hours to yourself every day and allow them to meet new friends and play with other children. If you are going somewhere exotic, you may need vaccinations so you should check this with your doctor well in advance.

If you are going on the plane, your child may feel scared because they are in an unfamiliar environment; some children love going on aeroplanes, while others hate it. Try to reassure your child by talking to them about what is going to happen, for example telling them about when the plane takes off and comforting them. Point out all the exciting things in the plane and try to distract them from the noises that may frighten them. Take plenty of books, quiet toys (so the people around you don’t get angry) and their favourite comforter with you (usually a teddy, doll or blanket); take plenty of snacks and drinks with you too, especially if you are going on a long flight and the drinks are not provided free of charge. Your child may well spend most of the journey sleeping but if they don’t try to talk to them about what you can see through the window, read them books and take them for walks up and down the aisles now and again so that they can stretch their legs.

If you are going somewhere where it is going to be hot, make sure you take a sunhat for your child and plenty of high factor sun cream; try to keep them in the shade or indoors during the hottest hours of the day and ensure they get plenty to drink. If your child is not a confident swimmer, make sure they have armbands on and keep an eye on them at all times; children can drown in shallow water, as well as deep water so you must be vigilant. Try to keep your child cool by giving them plenty of water to drink and making them sit in the shade.

Travelling with a Newborn Baby:

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• Travelling with a Newborn Baby
• Health and Safety
• What to Take
• Different travel and holiday options
• Out and about
• Transporting newborns

• Travelling with a young child
• Going on a long car journey
• Keeping your child entertained
• Packing checklist
• Tips for safe travel
• Dealing with travel sickness

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