Road travel with a child can be challenging and travelling with a sick child can be difficult. This is especially true when your child has a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, diabetes or food allergies.
You may have a healthy child on board, however it will be helpful to be well prepared in the event your child develops a common ailment such as motion sickness, diarrhoea & skin conditions like rashes or insect bites. These do create some discomfort & irritability for you child.
Child Travel Preparation for chronic medical conditions may include:
1. a good supply of all of the medications that your child takes on a regular basis & any medical equipment that your child might need, such as a portable nebuliser if your child has asthma. These typically run on batteries or a car adapter.
2. a list of hospital contact details & addresses where you will be staying or on your travel route.
3. a child medical alert bracelet for food allergies, diabetes or seizures. This is particularly important in the event your child is sick & you are not there.
4. a medical certificate indicating your child’s chronic medical condition is under control. In other words, to be safe rather than sorry, seek advice from a pediatric specialist or medical practitioner prior to your road trip.
Your travel MediKit for Kids
Much like a first aid kit, a travelling medicine kit should include all of the things that your child might need if he/she gets sick on the road or while away from home. You might like to start with the following:
1. a pain and fever reducer, such as pamol with applicators (syringe, spoon) & a thermometer
2. an electrolyte solution such as Pedialyte is great for hydration & is perfect for diarrhoea. It may come in 2 flavours - bubblegum or fruit.
2. an antihistamine for allergic reactions
3. a cough and cold medicine for older children with tissues & travel wipes
4. A nasal aspirator for babies & infants (for nasal congestion)
5. an antibiotic ointment, burn relief cream or gel and baby balm
6. a child friendly regular first aid kit for unplanned injuries. See http://www.mypreciouskid.com/first-aid-kit.html for items applicable to children 6 months or older
As a Registered Nurse, these tips are a guide. Therefore, as added comforts use the same principles as you would at home & if necessary seek medical advice.
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