Pediatrician of the highest category Elena Guryeva told what you should pay attention to when going abroad with a baby.
If the baby is breastfed, then it is better to refuse to travel by plane. Pediatricians do not recommend flying with a baby under three years old. But, alas, not all parents listen to the advice of doctors. If we do choose an airplane, make sure that the child is easier to move the road. Take with you new books, toys and food that your baby is used to. Make sure that the child’s nose is not blocked, you can use drops before takeoff and landing (consult your doctor). If the child is sick, give him candy.
1. Hardening
You need to prepare for summer holidays in advance. Hardening, strengthening the immune system will help the child spend the summer without colds and other troubles. Many parents include their baby in the immunization process from a very early age, but it is never too late to start hardening. The procedures must be carried out daily, preferably in the morning and afternoon. Air baths, compulsory gymnastics, sunbathing, washing to the waist with cool water, walking on pebbles – these and many other activities should be introduced with caution and under the supervision of a doctor. Keep in mind that the child should like all procedures; if they cause negative emotions, try to change that. Three to four weeks before departure, be sure to consult with a pediatrician, you can start taking multivitamins, immunostimulating drugs, so that the restructuring to the new climate is easier.
2. Vaccinations
When planning a summer vacation with a child, it is important to make sure that the trip is not harmful to your health. Many parents do not stop at the usual vaccination schedule and try to protect their baby from possible infections, taking into account the list of recommended vaccinations for a trip to a specific country. Not only in tropical, but also in European countries, there is a risk of contracting, for example, viral hepatitis A, intestinal infections, salmonellosis and other infections through water, food. However, some parents consider the issue of additional vaccination controversial, and the choice, of course, always remains with them. At the same time, it will not always be possible to cross the borders of a number of countries without a certificate of carrying out the necessary vaccination.
3. Acclimatization
On vacation with your baby, it is better to go to a country with a climate similar to that of Samara. A good option is Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Hungary. So it will be easier for the child to endure the change of the time zone, the usual routine of life. If you arrive at the sea, you shouldn’t go swimming for the whole day right away. Try to stay in an air-conditioned room as little as possible and do not give your child soft drinks from the refrigerator. When traveling to hot countries on vacation with a child, be very careful.
4. Necessary medicines for the trip
If the child is shown any medications, take them with a reserve so that you do not have to look for them in a pharmacy abroad. Find out in advance whether the import of these drugs into the country you want to visit is allowed. Be sure to take your doctor’s prescription with you. Despite the availability of medical insurance, it is necessary to take medicines on the road. At a minimum: antipyretics, enzymes (for example, “Mezim”), enterosorbents (“Smecta” or “Polysorb”), antiviral (“Arbidol” or “Viferon”), a remedy for the treatment of microtraumas, drops in the nose, ears, cream “Panthenol “, Bactericidal adhesive plaster, sterile bandage, antidiarrheal, antihistamines. Be prepared for the most unpredictable situations. And don’t forget about hygiene items, stock up on wet wipes and paper handkerchiefs
5. Swimming and sunbathing
In order for a vacation at sea to be beneficial, and not turn into a cold or pneumonia, it is important to remember the danger of temperature extremes. Start your swim in the pool, not in the sea.
Exposure to the sun should be dosed. The child should sunbathe early in the morning or before sunset and under diffused light, under the “fungus”, in the shade of a rock or tree. Baby’s clothes should be comfortable, made of cotton, light colors. You can use sun protection products – a cream with a high coefficient for children. Hats should be wide-brimmed. If the baby is overheated or burned, place it under a cool shower. If the temperature rises, give your baby an age-appropriate dose of antipyretic. And for two to three days, do not take your child out into the open sun.
6. Hygiene rules
Do not forget about the basic rules: wash your hands before eating, wash fruits, vegetables, dishes. Moreover, use bottled water for drinking, and boiled water for washing. Try to feed your baby only the food he is used to. Be very careful when choosing dishes from the national cuisine of exotic countries.
After returning from a trip, you should not send your baby to kindergarten the next day. After changing climate and time zones, the child is at risk of infectious diseases. It is better to refrain from visiting preschool and crowded places for at least a week.