Traveling with kids during for church-related event can be a challenge. Here’s what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has to say when it comes to keeping them safe, whether on the road or in the air. Consider keeping these tips in a handy place for pre-trip planning.
When Traveling by Car
Always use a car safety seat for infants and children under 40 pounds. A rear-facing car seat should be used until your child has reached 1 year of age AND weighs at least 20 pounds. Once your child is at least 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds, he can ride in a forward-facing car seat, but it is better to keep him rear-facing to the highest weight and/or height allowed by his car safety seat.
A child who has outgrown her car safety seat with a harness (she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat) should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4′ 9″ in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age).
All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has an airbag.
Set a good example by always wearing a seat belt. Children can easily become restless or irritable when on a long road trip. Try to keep them occupied by pointing out interesting sights along the way and by bringing soft, lightweight toys and favorite CDs for sing-alongs. Plan to stop driving and give children a break about every two hours.
Never leave children alone in a car, even for a minute. Temperatures inside the car can reach deadly levels in minutes, and the child can die of heat stroke. In addition to a travelers’ health kit, carry child-safe water and snacks, child-safe hand wipes, diaper rash ointment, and a water- and insect-proof ground sheet for safe play outside.
When Traveling by Airplane
Allow extra time to get through security, especially when traveling with younger children. Talk to children before coming to the airport about the security screening process. Let them know that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out the other end and be returned to them.
Discuss the fact that it’s against the law to make threats such as; “I have a bomb in my bag.” Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can result in delays and could result in fines.
Similar to travel in motor vehicles, a child is best protected on an airplane when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for the age, weight, and height of the child, meeting standards for aircraft until the child weighs more than 40 lbs. and can use the aircraft seat belt. Belt-positioning booster seats cannot be used on airplanes, but they can be checked as luggage so you have them for use in rental cars and taxis.
Although the FAA allows children under age 2 to be held on an adult’s lap, the AAP recommends that families explore options to ensure that each child has his own seat. Discounted fares are often available. If it is not feasible for you to purchase a ticket for a small child, try to select a flight that is likely to have empty seats. Pack toys and snacks to keep children occupied during the flight.
When Traveling Internationally
If traveling internationally, make sure children are up to date on vaccinations and check with their doctors to see if they need additional vaccines.
Conditions at hotels and other lodging may not be as safe as those in the U.S. Carefully inspect for exposed wiring, pest poisons, paint chips, or inadequate stairway or balcony railings.
Courtesy of The American Academy of Pediatrics, June 2006
