How soon can you travel with a baby? There are a lot of factors that go into planning a trip, let alone traveling with children. As parents, we must consider the logistics, such as kid-friendly activities, packing snacks, safety precautions, nap time, etc. Traveling with children can sometimes be discouraging for some individuals because they might not see it as a true break, given the extensive planning involved behind the scenes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 2.4 million children from the United States travel internationally each year. This goes to show that it is possible. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to traveling with children. The following are a few things to keep in mind when planning your next trip.
- Consult with your child’s pediatrician. It is recommended that a newborn baby get vaccinated prior to travel due to their compromised immune system. The pediatrician can also assist with obtaining specific vaccines, medicine, and/or information depending on your destination.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov) to stay up to date on health risks in the region you are traveling to. This is important to ensure the health and safety of your family when traveling. On the website, you will find recommendations and alerts to guide you in making informed decisions about your trip.
- Visit the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory website (travel.state.gov) for any travel advisories, and alerts and to obtain safety and security information about your destination.
- Create a packing checklist. This is an inventory of everything that you need to pack for your trip. Creating a list will help you stay organized, so you will not have to rely on your memory and risk forgetting something. Preparation is key!
- Remember to have fun! Family travel should be an adventure, and an opportunity to create lasting memories with your children.
Enjoy Your Travels!
Hillary Aponte-Chimelis, LPC, PMH-C, R-PLC
Emotional Compass
4641 Pottsville Pike, suite 101B
Reading, PA 19605
Phone: 484-509-1038
