July is UV Safety Month: Tips for Family Travel
July is UV Safety Month, which emphasizes the importance of keeping your family safe during summer travel. Before you plan any trips, research potential destinations to ensure they’re family-friendly and safe for children.
Planning for Safe Travel
- Overseas Travel: Check crime rates and vaccination requirements before you head out.
- General Safety: Consider additional measures to ensure your family’s safety while traveling.
Tips for Safe Car Travel
- Car Seats: Always use a car seat for infants and young children. Infants should be in a rear-facing seat until they outgrow its height or weight limits, then switch to a forward-facing seat.
- Rental Vehicles: If using a rental car, verify that the seat fits your child properly and is in good condition.
- Booster Seats: Once children outgrow their harness seats, they should use a booster seat until seat belts fit correctly (typically when they reach 4’9″ and are between ages 8 to 12).
- Back Seat Safety: Kids under 13 should always ride in the back seat. Never place rear-facing seats in front of an airbag.
Tips for Air Travel
- Extra Time: Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to accommodate younger travelers.
- Dress Comfortably: Layer kids in clothing that is easy to remove and opt for shoes that can be quickly removed during security checks.
- Strollers: Strollers can be taken through security; use them to ease navigation through the airport.
- Travel Education: Prepare children for the screening process, explaining that their bags will go through X-ray machines.
- Joking About Security: Remind children that joking about threats is unacceptable as it can cause serious delays.
- Proper Restraint: Use an FAA-approved car seat on the plane for children. For those over 40 pounds, seat belts may be used.
- Bring Comfort Items: Pack snacks, toys, and comfort items. Help alleviate ear pain during descent with bottles or gum.
Unique Challenges of International Travel
- Health Preparations: Consult your doctor to see if your child requires any vaccinations or preventive medications.
- Mosquito Protection: If traveling to areas prone to mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, ensure you have mosquito repellent on hand.
- Jet Lag: Adjust your child’s sleep schedule by 2-3 days before leaving. Encourage outdoor activities to reset their internal clocks once you arrive at your destination.
- Water Safety: Always stay close to children near water. Ensure life jackets are worn on boats.
Conclusion
Traveling during the summer can be enjoyable and safe with careful planning. By researching and following safety guidelines, you can create memorable family experiences.
For more travel safety tips, visit Healthy Children.
About the Author
Anne Erickson is an award-winning journalist with a passion for rock and metal music. She has worked on-air in various cities and enjoys making music with her band, Upon Wings, as well as supporting local sports teams.
