Travelling with Baby this Winter? Here’s What to Do.

Compensation for this post was provided by hydraSense®. Always read and follow the label.

We first travelled with my sons when they were ages 2 and 4 – and since then, they’ve been on an airplane 38 times.

I think we have this “travelling with kids” thing down pat.

Of course, we’ve learned a few lessons along the way! Travelling with children requires a heightened level of planning and organization (if you think it could go wrong, it probably will) and when it comes to vacationing over the winter months, it’s even more important to be prepared.
If you’re planning family travel around the holidays or in the new year, here are a few of my tried and true tips for travelling with young ones!

1. Don’t ignore a runny nose (for too long). I know, we’re told not to run to the doctor for every little thing. But if you’re travelling with young ones, especially in flu season, it’s better to have them checked out at home (or even abroad) to properly diagnose and treat the ailment. In one instance, I ignored the onset of cold systems and decided to fly with the boys, only to have Ryder clutching his ears and howling with pain for the entire flight. We had him checked out when we landed – you guessed it, ear infection. Had I taken him to the doctor before we departed, I could have saved time, money and most importantly, protected him from a painful experience. If you think your child is sick, don’t take chances! 

2. Always travel with more medications than necessary. No, you don’t have to be a moving pharmacy. But 2am in the morning is not the time to discover you don’t have itch relief cream for those nasty bug bits or fever reducing medication for a low-grade illness. I always have the basics covered: over the counter meds to reduce pain and fever; anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea tablets; relief from allergic reactions or insect bites, and rehydration powder for tummy ailments. And, of course, *always* pack prescription medication in your carry on baggage.

3. Be prepared for a stuffy nose. As prepared as you can be, catching a virus over the winter months is sometimes inevitable – especially among children and babies. hydraSense® Ultra-Gentle Mist is 100 per cent natural source, sterile, undiluted seawater, which is clinically proven to reduce and relieve nasal cold symptoms to help baby breathe better. I trust hydraSense because it is free of any medications or preservatives, plus it is the number one nasal saline solution brand in Canada for children. Best of all, hydraSense Ultra-Gentle Mist can be used 4 to 6 times per day when baby’s nose is blocked due to colds or allergies.
Travelling with kids is never perfect, but the right preparation goes a long way to help ensure your time together is filled with great memories – and minimal trips to the walk-in clinic. And if you are getting away to the sun this winter, bon voyage! (Take me with you!)