shutterstock_2110449074.jpegTraveling with children is a joyful and exciting experience, but it also takes extra planning to keep everyone safe and healthy. From managing long car rides to navigating busy airports, every journey comes with unique challenges, especially when little ones are involved. Fortunately, with a few simple precautions, families can travel confidently knowing their child’s health and well-being are protected every step of the way.

At Capital Area Pediatrics, we’re here to support your family before, during, and after your travels. Whether you’re preparing for an overseas trip, a weekend road trip, or anything in between, our pediatricians offer personalized guidance and trusted care to help your child stay healthy on the go.

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Read on for practical, pediatrician-approved travel safety tips, so you can focus on making unforgettable memories without worry.

Before You Go: Prep & Prevention

The key to safe travel with children is preparation. A little planning ahead of time can prevent illness, avoid stress, and help your trip run more smoothly from start to finish.

Here’s how to set your family up for safe travels:

  • Schedule a travel consultation with your pediatrician. If you’re heading out of the country, a travel health appointment can help ensure your child is protected against region-specific illnesses. Your pediatrician will review your child’s medical history, check immunization status, and recommend additional vaccines, medications, or precautions based on your destination.
  • Pack the essentials. A well-stocked travel bag makes a big difference. Include any daily medications, a basic first aid kit, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfort items like snacks or a favorite toy.
  • Plan for chronic conditions or motion sickness. If your child has asthma, allergies, diabetes, or another ongoing condition, be sure to pack all necessary supplies—and bring extra, just in case. Talk to your pediatrician about managing symptoms during travel or preventing motion sickness on planes, boats, or long drives.

The more you plan ahead, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the experience together.

Travel Safety Tips For Being in the Car

Road trips are a popular choice for family vacations, but when you’re spending hours in the car, a little preparation goes a long way. Long drives can be tough on kids, especially when it comes to comfort, safety, and staying entertained.

Here’s how to make sure your next car-based adventure is smooth and safe:

  • Use the right car seat or booster seat. Make sure your child is in a car seat, booster, or seatbelt that’s appropriate for their age, height, and weight. Even for short drives, proper restraint is essential.
  • Plan regular rest stops. Schedule breaks every two to three hours so your child can stretch, move around, use the bathroom, and get some fresh air. These stops can help reduce fussiness and motion-related discomfort.
  • Never leave a child alone in a vehicle. Temperatures inside a car can rise dangerously fast, even on mild days. Children should never be left unattended, even for a minute.
  • Keep essentials within reach. Have snacks, water, baby wipes, and a few small toys or books packed in a way that’s easy to access during the drive. This helps reduce unnecessary stops (and backseat meltdowns).
  • Secure loose items. In the event of a sudden stop, anything not strapped down can become a safety hazard. Store heavy bags and gear in the trunk, and keep the seating area clutter-free.

A little extra planning can make a long drive feel a lot shorter and keep everyone safe and comfortable along the way.

Staying Healthy While Traveling

Travel often means new environments, unfamiliar foods, and changes in routine, all of which can affect your child’s health and behavior. Whether you’re exploring somewhere new within the country or heading abroad, it’s important to stay mindful of illness prevention and daily wellness on the go.

Here are a few ways to help your child stay healthy while you’re away from home:

  • Practice good hand hygiene. Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before meals and after using public restrooms. Keep hand sanitizer handy for moments when a sink isn’t available.
  • Be mindful of food and water safety. In some areas, tap water and raw or undercooked foods may increase the risk of illness. Stick with bottled water, thoroughly cooked meals, and packaged snacks when needed, especially in certain international destinations.
  • Protect against sun exposure and insect bites. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply it regularly, especially if your child is swimming or sweating. Insect repellent is also essential in areas where mosquitoes may carry disease.
  • Keep your child hydrated and well-rested. Travel often disrupts normal routines. Try to keep your child’s sleep schedule as consistent as possible, and encourage regular water intake, especially in hot or dry climates.
  • Watch for signs of illness. Fevers, rashes, vomiting, or ongoing fatigue may indicate a travel-related illness. If your child shows any concerning symptoms, don’t wait—contact your pediatrician or seek local medical care.

A few extra precautions can help your whole family feel great and enjoy the adventure ahead.

Traveling with Infants & Toddlers

Traveling with babies and toddlers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating naps, feeding schedules, and diaper changes away from home. Here are some tips to keep your youngest travelers safe and comfortable:

  • Stick to routines when possible. Try to maintain a familiar sleep, feeding, and play schedule, even if it means building a little extra flexibility into your travel plans. Predictability helps little ones feel secure in unfamiliar environments.
  • Bring comfort items. A favorite blanket, pacifier, stuffed animal, or white noise machine can go a long way toward helping your child settle during naps, car rides, or hotel stays.
  • Use safe babywearing and strollers. Whether you're navigating a crowded airport or sightseeing on foot, make sure your child is secured in a well-fitting carrier or stroller with proper support and ventilation.
  • Change diapers safely on the go. Pack a travel changing mat and extra supplies, and try to find clean, designated family restrooms when possible. If you’re flying, change diapers before boarding and be prepared for limited changing space on the plane.
  • Protect against temperature extremes. Babies are more sensitive to heat and cold, so dress them in breathable layers and adjust as needed throughout the day. Don’t forget hats, sunscreen, and plenty of fluids if you're traveling in warm weather.

With the right gear and a bit of planning, traveling with young children can be less stressful (and more memorable) for the whole family.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

Even with careful planning, unexpected health concerns can come up during or after a trip. Knowing when to reach out to your pediatrician can help you act quickly and avoid unnecessary stress, especially when you're away from home.

Here are a few situations where it’s a good idea to call your pediatrician:

  • Before Travel: If your child has a chronic condition, takes daily medication, or has recently been ill, schedule a visit before your trip to discuss any special precautions. Your pediatrician can also provide documentation if needed for school, airlines, or border entry.
  • During Travel: Reach out if your child develops a high fever, unusual rash, vomiting, or diarrhea that lasts more than a day, signs of dehydration, or any other symptoms that concern you. While we cannot offer telemedicine across state lines or internationally (and generally cannot prescribe medications without an in-person visit), we can often provide advice on how to care for your child in the short term and refer you for emergency care if needed.
  • After Returning Home: If your child experiences lingering symptoms or seems “off” after a trip (especially if you visited an area with known illnesses or travel health alerts), schedule a follow-up visit to check for any travel-related infections or reactions.

At Capital Area Pediatrics, we’re here to support your family before, during, and after your travels.

Travel Confidently with Expert Pediatric Support

Whether you’re headed across the state or around the globe, a little planning can go a long way in protecting your child’s health while traveling. With the right precautions, your family can stay healthy, safe, and focused on making memories.

At Capital Area Pediatrics, we’re here to help you prepare for every step of your journey. With travel consultations, vaccinations, and our Family Travel Clinic at our Vienna location, our team is ready to support your entire family before, during, and after takeoff.

Ready to get travel-ready? Schedule your travel consultation today or visit our Family Travel Clinic in Vienna to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is safe for a child to travel?

While most healthy infants can travel as early as a few weeks old, it’s always best to talk with your pediatrician first. They can provide guidance based on your child’s individual health, development, and your specific travel plans, including the destination and mode of transportation.

Does my child need special vaccines before international travel?

It depends on your destination. Some countries require or recommend additional vaccines beyond the standard schedule, such as yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis A. A travel consultation with your pediatrician can help determine what’s needed based on your child’s age and itinerary.

Can adults be seen at the Family Travel Clinic?

Yes! Capital Area Pediatrics’ Family Travel Clinic at our Vienna location is open to current or former CAP patients, including adult children and parents/guardians of pediatric patients. It’s a convenient way to prepare the whole household for safe travel.