Travelling With Children

On the whole children travel well and it is an informative and interesting experience for them. However, there are a number of issues to consider.

Before you go it is worth taking the time to find out as much as you can about the medical facilities that exist at your destination. Make sure that your children are covered by your travel insurance policy for medical emergencies and that this cover includes the cost of repatriation if necessary. Bear in mind also that, in many developing countries, it may be difficult to obtain certain medicines. You may wish to carry a small supply of over the counter treatments for minor ailments.

As a general rule, we do not recommend taking children abroad until they have completed their initial primary course of immunisations. These are usually completed by 4 months in the UK with the measles, mumps and rubella and Hib and Meningitis C immunisations given at approximately 12-13 months. Below the age of 12-18 months the child’s immune system is not fully developed and we do not usually recommend further travel immunisations although the yellow fever vaccine can be given from 9 months onwards. If you are travelling to a country where the risk of yellow fever is high and/or a yellow fever certificate is mandatory and your chid is below 9 months of age an exemption certificate may be obtained from your travel health adviser. In some circumstances babies under the age of 9 months may be given a yellow fever vaccine following specialist medical advice. If you are travelling to a country where a yellow fever certificate is mandatory and your child is below 9 months of age then an exemption certificate can be obtained from your travel health adviser. Over the age of 12 months the immunisations that would be recommended for your child will depend on your stay and the living conditions you are in as well as the age of the child. Most immunisations can be given at or above this age, but some will not be advised as the risk may be very low. For example, very young children are usually at a relatively low risk of the food and water borne diseases because their parents protect them from ingestion of contaminated food and water. The correct immunisations need to be discussed with your travel health adviser.

Malaria can be a very dangerous disease in young children and it is imperative that they are protected as much as possible. Most of the commonly used antimalarials can be given to children and they should be protected from birth. The correct dose should be discussed with your travel health adviser, as it will depend upon the weight or age of your child. It is very important to protect children from mosquito bites by the use of repellents and cot nets.

Air travel does not usually pose a problem with older children although it may be wise to ensure that they have a supply of games and books to alleviate boredom. Changes in cabin pressure can sometimes cause ear problems and discomfort to babies and young children. A bottle can help babies overcome this and young children can be encouraged to cry during ascent and descent which will clear their eustachian tubes and help relieve the discomfort. When you arrive at your destination remember to protect your children from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. A large brimmed hat and closely woven baggy clothing will help to protect them and any exposed skin should be covered with a sunscreen which protects against ultraviolet A and B rays.

Babies have an immature skin and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

If a child does develop diarrhoea they can lose water very quickly and rapidly become dehydrated. It is therefore very important to ensure that they are adequately hydrated. If there is any doubt or if the child has a high fever you should ensure that you seek immediate medical attention.