Traveling with children

Alternative names:

good nutrition when traveling with children

Recommendations:

Before Your Trip:
Children often have special medical concerns. Check with your physician before you leave. The doctor can also advise you about medicines you might need if your child becomes ill. Know the dosage of common medicines for colds, allergic reactions, or flu.

Planes, trains, buses: Bring snacks and familiar foods along. This helps when travel delays meals or when the meals available don't suit the child's needs. Small crackers, unsugared cereals, string cheese make good snacks. Some children can eat fruit without problems. Cookies and sugared cereals make for sticky children. Take premixed formula for babies; the flight attendants can help warm it. Small jars of baby food travel well. They have little waste and you can dispose of them easily. Unless you are certain you can clean utensils, opt for disposables.

Airline meals may not appeal to all children. Many airlines offer special meals (say fruit and cheese) if you request it at least one to two days early. Air travel tends to dehydrate people. Drink plenty of water. Women who are nursing need to consume more fluids. Children often have trouble with pressure changes at takeoff and landing. Offer bottles (for infants), beverages, pacifiers or something else to suck on to prevent ear pain.

Eating out:
Try to maintain your normal meal and sleep schedule. Ask that your child be served first (try a snack from the menu or bring something to munch on). If you call ahead, some restaurants may be able to prepare special kids meals.

• Encourage children to eat normally, but realize that a 'poor' diet won't hurt for a few days.
• Check food for safety. (See Traveler's Diarrhea for suggestions.)

Sources:
Many travel clubs and agencies offer suggestions for traveling with children. Check with them. Remember to ask airlines, train or bus companies and hotels for guidance and assistance.

For foreign travel, check with embassies or consulate offices. Many guide books list organizations that help travelers.