Tips for travelling with children

These are some things you can do to make travelling with children safe and enjoyable:

• Discuss your children's well being and safety on your trip with your paediatrician.
  
  
• Book early to ensure that you always get seats together while travelling.
  
  
• Always arrive at the railway stations, airports, early so that you have some extra time on hand before boarding.
  
  
• Train your children beforehand on what to do in case they get separated. Rehearse the plan at home.
  
  
• Always carry a medical kit with common paediatric medicines and first aid.
  
  
• Have small bags which your children can carry. You can pack their goodies inside and it will make them feel grown-up and responsible.
  
  
• Always keep a strict eye on your children when in busy streets, shops, train stations, airports, beaches, etc.
  
  
• Never let your child play alone in water, even if he is a good swimmer.
  
  
• Ensure that the food and drink your children consume are hygienic and safe.
  
  
• Beware of food allergies your child may have, before trying out new dishes.
  
  
• Anticipate digestive troubles with new foods, even if they are generally safe.
  
  
• Ensure that the children drink adequate water to avoid dehydration.
  
  
• Encourage your children to confide in you if they are not feeling well.
  
  
• Vacations may at times be stressful for you. However, take care to remain cheerful so that you do not end up spoiling your children's fun.

• If your children are new to air travel, accustom them to the idea of security screening in advance.
  
  
• If possible, arrange for pre-boarding passes to allow you to board the plane first.
  
  
• Determine the duration of a non-stop flight to your destination. Breaking a long journey will make it less stressful for children, but will involve the added hassle of switching flights.
  
  
• Try booking bulkhead seats that will allow your children more room to play on the floor.

• Book seats at the either end of the compartment. This will allow for more privacy and extra room for your children.
  
  
• Keep your children under strict supervision on the platforms.
  
  
• Always accompany your child to the restroom.
  
  
• Allow your children to alight, accompanied by you, during long stops on the journey.
  
  
• Ensure that your children do not toy with door handles, window stoppers, and the emergency brake chain.

• If your children are young, ensure that you use car seats.
  
  
• Use sunshades to protect your children from direct sunlight.
• Try to maintain normal time schedules for eating, napping, etc. that your children are used to at home.
  
  
• Schedule halts for when your children awaken from their nap. This way they spend more travelling time sleeping.
  
  
• Play with your children during halts. This will keep them in good spirits and the exertion may cause them to nap while in the car again.
  
  
• Play music that your children enjoy.