What Safety Issues Should Be Considered for Parent-Child Travel Abroad?

What Safety Issues Should Be Considered for Parent-Child Travel Abroad?

Traveling abroad is a dream for many people, and a safe journey is what everyone hopes for. International travel is different from domestic travel; the long journey, jet lag, temperature differences, language barriers, unfamiliar customs and traditions of foreign lands, all pose inconveniences for safe travel. In this context, the author presents a "Safety Alert Checklist for Parent-Child Travel Abroad" as a guide for parents traveling with children. Please read it before departure and keep it handy during the trip.

At what age can a baby take a flight?

Air China specifies that infants who are healthy and over 14 days old can take a flight. Newborns within 7 days of birth should not take a flight as their lungs have not fully expanded, and their capillaries are fragile. Their bodies are less tolerant to changes in air pressure, gravity, and other factors. It is better to wait until the baby is 4 to 6 weeks old before taking them on a flight, primarily considering the recycled air on airplanes, which may not be beneficial for the baby. During the first month, a baby's resistance to the environment is still very weak, making them susceptible to infection by germs. If they are exposed to the same circulated air as a large group of strangers in a confined environment, they are more likely to be infected by some circulating germs.

Which children are not suitable for flying, or require precautions?

Children with asthma should carry sufficient medication when flying. The changes in air pressure, temperature, humidity, and air ions during a flight can trigger asthma attacks. Under the guidance of a doctor, they can take some anti-allergic substances, such as sodium cromoglicate or montelukast, to prevent attacks. Additionally, they should carry some medications for immediate control of acute asthma attacks, such as salbutamol, aminophylline, or budesonide. It is best to have salbutamol inhalers at hand since they are convenient to use and act quickly.

Children with irregular heartbeats should avoid flying. During a flight, the physiological condition of the human body is affected to a certain extent by factors such as changes in air pressure and gravity. During take-off, landing, and when the aircraft encounters severe turbulence, the human body experiences overweight or weightlessness, causing disturbances in blood flow to the upper or lower parts of the body, hindering blood oxygen levels, and making children with irregular heartbeats more susceptible to accidents.

In addition, children with sinusitis may experience pressure injuries due to changes in external air pressure, leading to an imbalance between the pressure inside the sinus cavity and the external environment. Children with dental problems should also avoid flying during a dental episode. During high-altitude flights, there are significant changes in air pressure that the body may not adapt to in time. The blood vessels in dental pulp dilate, leading to increased inflammatory exudate, which intensifies tooth pain. It is better to wait until dental problems are resolved before traveling by air.

Before Departure: Are You Ready?

Check the weather forecast and understand the climate at your travel destination, including temperature, wind force, sunshine, cloudiness, and rainfall. Prepare appropriate clothing and rain gear for your child to avoid them falling ill due to changes in the weather. Try to avoid traveling abroad during stormy or snowy weather.

Understand the water and food supply at your travel destination. Prepare some locally scarce food according to your child's taste and dietary habits, especially items like formula and convenient food for young children.

Familiarize yourself with the medical conditions in the area. Find out if there are major hospitals or emergency stations near your accommodation. This information can be obtained from travel agencies, international travel healthcare institutions, the embassy of the destination country in your country, or the internet.

Special Vaccinations: Before traveling abroad, depending on the epidemiological situation at the travel destination, parents and children may need to selectively receive certain vaccines to prevent infection with local epidemics during the trip.

After Departure: What Should You Pay Attention To?

Prevent accidental injuries: Whether traveling by plane or car, ensure that your child uses a seatbelt. When swimming at the seaside, take strict precautions to prevent drowning and injuries caused by seashells or jellyfish stings. Avoid letting children come into contact with animals at places with animals, to prevent being bitten or scratched.

Prevent children from getting lost: Parents are often unconsciously attracted by the beautiful and unique scenic environments or the activities themselves, neglecting the safety of their children, and children are prone to getting lost during play. To prevent children from getting lost during the trip, put a note in the child's pocket with the child's name, the name of the hotel they are staying at, and the parent's phone number written on it, in case the child gets lost and needs help. Parents should not let children wander alone during the trip.