Must-Have Medical Items When Traveling with Children

When traveling with children you need to bring more than their favorite stuffed animal and a portable DVD player. Nothing is worse than trying to locate baby Tylenol at 1 in the morning or a band-aid right before your hike. Pack the essential medical items in an on-the-go medical kit prior to leaving. You can buy fully-stocked kits at major retailers like Target or you can easily create your own. Fill an empty baby wipes container with the following items to prepared for any medical situation.

Medications

Make sure you pack any prescription drugs your child is currently taking. It is also a good idea to pack a fever and pain reducer such as acetaminophen for those unexpected fevers and pains. Consider bringing an antihistamine for those children that are prone to allergies.

Thermometer

This item is often overlooked, but crucial when packing take-along medical items for young children. Sometimes after a long day of sightseeing it is hard to tell whether your child is just hot and cranky or indeed sick with a fever.

Baby Orajel

Are you traveling with an infant that has not teethed yet? Do not leave home without your baby orajel. Nothing is worse than being on vacation and having nothing to relieve the pain of your teething baby.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers are a great option for the entire family. Being on the go sometimes it is hard to always find soap and running water when needed. Spritz a little hand sanitizer in your hands, rub together, and you should be 99% germ free!

Band-Aids

Children are prone to getting boo-boos. Distract them from their cuts with band-aids that display their favorite character or glow in the dark. Antibacterial creams help keep their boo-boos from getting infected.

Sun Block and Insect Repellent

Remember sunblock is needed for more than just beach vacations. Sunblock should be applied everyday before you set out. You never know when you are going to run into pesky mosquitoes and other bugs so be sure to pack the insect repellent. If you do get bug bites, a hydrocortisone cream, is nice to relieve the itch.

Formula Packets and Pedialyte Pops

It is always a good idea to bring an emergency supply of formula for the little ones that are still using it. You never know if you will find yourself in a situation where you cannot run to the store right away and buy more. It is important to have an extra supply because you cannot substitute other foods for your infant. For the child that comes down with upset stomach or is dehydrated it is a good idea to have a few pedialyte pops on hand.

Traveling with children can be stressful. Take some of the stress away by planning ahead. A medical emergency is something that we do not plan for, but should most certainly prepare for. Before traveling locate the closest hospital or urgent care center in the area you will be staying. Make sure to have your insurance cards on hand.