How to Prepare the Child for a Vacation and What to Expect?

Summer is the season of the long dreamed for vacations Whether at the beach, or in the cool mountain, a lot of people are looking for a place for relaxation and a change of scenery. The same goes for a vacation with kids, except that every day is a 24-hour working day… This article talks about the most common problems parents face, when they want to spend some time at a different location. We will also provide practical advice what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do, if your family ends up in one of these situations.

How to prepare for a vacation at the beach?

1. Sun protection

Regardless of the child’s age, first and foremost in your luggage are the sun protection products, which should be with no less than SPF 50. Whatever the brand, always carefully read the instructions how to use the product. I would recommend applying a good amount of the product on all areas exposed to the sun, and reapply at least every hour.

What should you do in case of sunburn?

Typically, such burns are superficial, but serious consequences are also possible, such as oedema or blisters on the affected area.

• If during sun exposure you notice redness in a certain area or on the whole body of the child, I recommend you moving it to a shady spot or reduce the contact of the sun rays with its skin in some way, for example by one layer of clothes for protection.
• Try to cool the red areas by carefully sprinkling them with cool (not cold) water. I do not recommend getting into the water without the protection of a clothing, for example, because the skin irritation may get worse.
• If you notice oedema or blisters at the site where the skin is more intensively burnt, immediately seek medical attention. Never pop the blisters and never apply warming products. It is important to keep these areas cool.
• Ask a medical specialist for balms to treat the impacted areas.
• Reduce the contact of the impacted skin with sunlight for a few days.

A hat – an irreplaceable item in your luggage, not only at the seaside, but in the mountain, and basically wherever you go during the hot months of the year.

How to recognise overheating and what to do?

Overheating is a condition that may occur when the child is exposed to high temperature for a prolonged period of time. The thermoregulating abilities of the child’s organism are more limited, and temperatures that we, adults, can bear might be dangerous for the little ones.

Symptoms of overheating:

• fatigue
• nausea
• vertigo
• sweating or, in more severe cases, no sweating
• fever

What to do if it happens to your child?

• immediately move it to a cool place
• leave it naked
• give it small amounts of cooling (not cold) liquids at short, regular intervals
• if you notice that the condition is getting worse – the child does not want to communicate, looks confused, throws up a few times, or the high body temperature cannot be controlled – immediately seek medical assistance.

First aid kit – I am not a big supporter of self-administered treatment, however, not all conditions require medical assistance. When going to the beach, always bring with you:

• antipyretics (reduce fever) – my advice is to bring at least two different types; most of them work as painkillers as well, so they are really important to have in your luggage
• drops that relieve ear pain – otitis is a common condition that often occur during such trips. Such drops are suitable for mild cases of ear inflammation. If fever appears and the pain becomes stronger, seek medical assistance

How to prepare for a vacation in the mountains?

All of the aforementioned advice applies here too, with just a few additions.

• Repellents – indisputably necessary when out in the nature, especially if you visit places with abundant flora and water bodies – the home to myriad of insects.
• Allergy relieving medicines – before buying any such medication, it is best to consult your paediatrician, who will give you instructions what to pick, in what form, and what dose to consider.
• If your child has a proven allergy to insects with severe reactions, always have on you Methylprednisolone or Adrenalin in a suitable dosage and form according to your doctor’s prescription, so you can use it quickly should the need arise.
• First aid kit with basic products for treating wounds – bruises, cuts, etc. happen not only in the mountain. I recommend having in your kit gauzes, hydrogen peroxide, Jodacept unguent, and adhesive plaster. Of the injury is serious, always seek medical assistance. If you suspect a fracture, try to immobilize the impacted area before seeking additional medical assistance.

Family trips are a great memory to every child. They allow children and parents to escape the monotonous everyday life and spend some quality time together, and this is very important to parents and children alike. This article aims to provide guidance what to do in unexpected situations that may sour you great family experience.