Keep Kids Safe During Holiday Travels

When you travel during the holidays, you know you will need to contend with crowds, traffic and unfamiliar surroundings. But children’s safety should always come first. Use these tips to keep your kids safe this season.

Before you go: Plan ahead

Adults often complain about the stress of holiday travel, but it’s important to remember that children are not immune to anxiety. Plan ahead to try and stick to your family’s normal routines and sleep schedules as much as possible. Doing so can help minimize children’s stress and maximize their fun during the holiday season.

On the road: Buckle up

When taking a train or airplane, it may seem inconvenient to have to worry about child safety seats. But parents should make sure their children ride in an age-appropriate car seat or booster seat.

• If it’s cold outside, children should avoid wearing bulky snowsuits or coats in their car seats. Instead, opt for a thinner coat and cover their lap with a blanket once they are buckled in.
• Older children who no longer require car seats should always wear a seat belt. Adults should set a good example and wear a safety belt on every ride too.
• Drivers should never get behind the wheel if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

At your destination: Stay alert

Once you get your family to where you’re going, don’t assume the homes of friends or relatives are childproofed. Be aware of potential risks – such as cleaning products or medications – that may be hidden behind unlocked cabinets or in unattended purses, but will be easily accessible to your curious child.

Other potential household dangers that you should be aware of:

• Laundry rooms – where cleaning products or detergent pods may be out in the open
• Stairways – that may not be blocked with a gate
• Electrical outlets – could expose your child to a shock hazard
• Hot radiators – may pose a burn risk especially if your child is unfamiliar with them
• Candles – need to be out of reach, particularly if lit, but also if they are in glass holders which can shatter if dropped

Visit LVHN.org/children to learn more about caring for children and to find a doctor.