Planning a trip can be hectic, and adding children to the plans can make it a challenging endeavor. Here are some tips that may smooth out some of the bumps in the road as you travel. If you need specific information about a country you will be visiting, check out our Links page. There you will find links to various sites that provide information about travel safety and vaccinations for foreign places. Safe travels!

General Tips:

• Stick to your usual routine for meals and bedtimes, even in a new time zone - go by the new time
  
• Provide familiar foods
  
• Bring a favorite blanket or other security item
  
• Bring a basic first aid kit with bandages, antibacterial ointment, gauze, and antiseptic cleaner
  
• Know our telephone number
  
• Bring all prescription medications in their original containers
  
• Bring fever medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  
• Bring your child's EpiPen (if applicable)

Traveling by Car:

• Always keep infants and children in carseats and seatbelts that are appropriate for their age/weight/height
  
• Plan your trip to leave early in the morning and end earlier in the afternoon
  
• Allow extra time for frequent stops to nurse, or feed young infants and toddlers
  
• Allow extra time for a break for older kids to stretch their legs and infants to be cuddled and rocked
  
• Pack healthy snacks and water/juice for older children
  
• Take along activities that are age-appropriate and easy to do in a moving car
  
• Bring a favorite blanket, pillow or a cuddly toy that will encourage the usual nap routine

Traveling by Plane:

• You must buy a seat for children over 2 years old, but it is recommended to buy a seat for younger infants and toddlers
  
• Bring your carseat (not counted as a piece of carry-on by most airlines) and use it the same way you do in the car
  
• Pre-order a child's meal (ask your reservationist)
  
• Take advantage of the pre-boarding call
  
• Bring the stroller to the gate - it can be checked there and they will have it waiting for you as you deplane
  
• Some planes have diaper changing facilities (ask your reservationist or flight attendant)
  
• Nurse or give a bottle during takeoff and landing to help your infant's ears pop