With the holiday season in full swing, people are making plans to visit friends and family. Holiday travel can be tiring on small children, and you don’t want to have to find time to squeeze in an extra visit to the pediatrician for the sniffles or a stomach bug. Utilize the following tips to help your children stay healthy during holiday travels.

How to Avoid Getting Sick When Traveling With Children

1. Ensure Vaccinations Are Up to Date

Whether it’s a yearly shot or a seasonal one like the flu vaccine, staying up to date on immunizations helps children avoid picking up illnesses while on trips. Because the holidays fall in the middle of the flu season, have your child visit the pediatrician at least two weeks prior to travel for this vaccination if they haven’t received it already.

2. Don’t Forget to Hydrate 

If you’re traveling by plane or car, make sure you have plenty of drinks on hand to give to your child. The body’s immune system relies on hydration to function optimally, and it can be easy to forget about your child’s daily water intake when you’re on the go. Don’t forget to pack some electrolyte-rich drinks in case your child starts to feel worn down during the trip as well.

3. Practice Proper Hygiene

Remind your child to wash their hands after they go to the restroom or touch any surface in a public place. Children are prone to putting their hands in their mouth or touching their face, which makes it easy to transmit germs. Keep hand sanitizer with you in case there isn’t a sink nearby.

4. Stick to a Sleep Schedule

It can be tempting to let your little ones stay up late, but this disruption to their sleep schedule can impact their body’s ability to rest and recharge. While an extra half hour won’t cause problems, try to stick to your child’s sleep schedule as closely you can. This will keep them well-rested and healthy during your holiday gatherings.

If you’re looking for a pediatrician to care for your child’s well-being, talk with the team at Pediatrics PC in Lincoln, NE. For the last 50 years, the staff at this practice has provided the services you need to help your child grow – from wellness visits to vaccinations. To learn more about how you can keep your child healthy during your holiday travel, visit them online or call (402) 489-0800.