The first time you travel with your kids in tow you’ll realize it’s not just fun but also a huge amount of worry and strain. There’ll be special demands on your time and tolerance, especially infants and toddlers. Here are 15 tips to help you deal with various situations while keeping your kids safe.
1. Do Your Homework
Take everything you need to keep your child safe and entertained while traveling. First aid supplies, safe toys, extra diapers, clothes, whatever your kid might need must be thought out and packed in advance.
2. Don’t Rely On Airlines
If you need child carriers, special food or any other special provision, make a mention of it while booking your tickets. Don’t blindly depend on airlines.
3. Use Child Restraints
If your child weighs less than 40 pounds (that’s 18.1 kilograms) and is over two years old, use a weight-appropriate child restraint system.
4. Pay Attention To In-Flight Safety Instructions
Don’t ignore the standard preflight emergency briefing. You need to understand emergency procedures that apply to your child. Find out if the flight has life preservers for small children beforehand.
5. Put Your Child In The Middle Or Window Seat
Kids love to reach out, explore and touch everything next to them. An aisle seat is therefore not a good idea for a small child. Use restraints so that the child doesn’t wander off while you’re sleeping.
6. Make Sure Your Child Is Securely Belted
Air turbulence can knock a small child off the chair and cause injuries. Allow the child to move around now and then when it’s safe but keep him or her belted down the rest of the time.
7. Teach Your Child Basic Security Steps
If your child is at least 5 years old or older, let the child understand that it’s dangerous to wander away on his or her own. Teach the child to repeat his or her name, your name, your phone number and area of residence. Teach children to approach security officers or a group with kids for help. Make sure your kids don’t chatter with other passengers or tourists and share personal information.
8. Don’t Allow Children To Visit The Loo Alone
This rule applies to all kids till the age of 12 or so. Always accompany your kid to restrooms and wait till they’re done with their business. If the child insists on going alone, position yourself close to the restroom entrance so you know they’re safe.
9. Come Up With A Separation Plan
10. Be Prepared
Always carry copies of your child’s recent picture with your contact information at the back. Before entering any crowded place, decide a pre-designated spot where your kid will meet you in case of separation. Even a child of two can be taught where to meet; just make them stand in front of the spot and keep repeating ‘meet mommy here’. Pin a copy of your child’s identification papers along with your contact information to your child’s undershirt.
11. Fly A Direct Route
Having too many flight transfers in your itinerary can cause confusions especially when traveling with kids. It’s better to fly a non-stop direct route to avoid potential separation issues.
12. Be Early
Always be early to the airport, bus terminal or train station before departure. This gives you time to get your luggage checked in and your kids in proper order well before your transport is due to leave. This will not only give you peace of mind but will eliminate any tension of losing a child.
13. Get One Parent Permission
If you are a single parent, get written permission from the other parent before taking the kids abroad. If your kids go missing, the authorities will need to rule out one parent abduction. This is very important especially if you’re crossing borders.
14. Dress Them In Bright Colors
Dress your kids in bright clothing with logos or cartoons that can be seen from a distance and easily recognized. Always commit what they’re wearing to memory.
15. Get Kids Oriented To Travel Destinations
Before leaving for your destination, brief your kids about where you’re going, what to watch out for, what is safe and what not to do. This includes information about poisonous snakes, certain areas of the region and kinds of activities they should refrain from.
Guest blogger Teena works for Adrenalin.com.au, an Australian experience gifts site with 2000+ adventures. Find gifts for your man at Adrenalin in time for Valentine’s.