If a baby has just arrived in the family, you can still go in holiday: children have no problem traveling. The Del Paesena Society of Neonatology, however, provides some advice for aface trips and holidays in maximum safety.
In this article
- When
- Where
- In your suitcase
- How
- At destination
1. After the first ten days it is better
Babies can cope any kind of trip, as long as their well-being is guaranteed. However, if possible, it is better to wait at least ten days after birth before traveling. In fact, in this very early period, some conditions, such as a possible weight loss or the appearance of jaundice, may require monitoring by the pediatrician. And at home it is easier to keep the situation under control.
They are also critical days for a correct initiation of breastfeeding and the inconvenience of the journey could create some interference.
2. Travel and vaccines
When planning your holidays, consider the times for mandatory vaccinations, so that meet deadlines provided, or in any case not to out-of-phase them too much.
3. Many possible destinations
There are no limitations about the destination: both sea and mountains are good, even if the countryside is probably the ideal destination.
4. Watch out for insects in the countryside
The newborn, who still sleeps most of the time, needs to calm and regular rhythms, which are probably easier to find in the countryside, where there is usually a temperate weather. However, it is better to avoid areas near ponds and stables, where insects such as mosquitoes, gadflies or sand flies, annoying and potential carriers of disease, could concentrate.
5. At the seaside: beware of excessive heat
The main risk, for the newborn on holiday by the sea, is exposure to too high temperatures, to which it is still very vulnerable, with the consequent risk of dehydration. To avoid this, however, it is enough to guarantee the child the right climatic conditions: prefer airy environments and avoid going out in the central hours of the day.
6. The signs of dehydration
Some signs allow us to understand that the baby is dehydrating: poor emission of urine (the diaper is often dry), dry mucous membranes, depression of the anterior fontanel, irritability or drowsiness, sometimes alterations in body temperature.
The SIN recalls that to meet the fluid needs of a newborn milk is enough and there is no need to administer other liquids, including water.
7. Choose safe environments
The temptation to go to a quiet beach can be strong, but it's better avoid too isolated places (as well as those too crowded) and far from the possibility of easily reaching a rescue in case of need. The ideal is to choose "child-friendly" beaches.
8. In the mountains, but in moderation
The mountain climate is typically perfect for a few weeks old baby, but it is better to avoid too high altitudes (above 2000-2500 meters), or stays that are too short, which do not allow the physiological adaptations required by the change in altitude.
Once on vacation, too long and demanding trips and walks are not recommended, also because the newborn does not have a bone and muscle structure suitable for being carried "on the shoulder".
Read also: Altitude and babiesIN SUITCASE
9. Clothing, here is the minimum baggage
If your destination is warm and sunny, you don't need much: light and light clothing, of natural fibers, which leave arms and legs uncovered, a light-colored hat with a wide brim to protect the little one from possible conjunctivitis from sun exposure and a sweater in yarn against the humidity of the evening hours.
10. For the trip
Very useful are the soaked wipes and bibs, antiseptic detergents for any objects that could come into contact with the baby, a reserve of diapers and a blanket to protect him from the air conditioning.
11. Wellness products and any medications
In addition to the classics ointments against redness of the skin and to the physiological solution for nasal washes, it may be helpful to bring a antipyretic (as paracetamol in drops), although before administering it it is necessary to consult with the pediatrician. On the contrary: it might be worth consulting with the doctor even before departure, for any specific advice on managing the baby.
prevent sunburn the best strategy is a reduced exposure to the sun. However, from time to time you can use creams with a physical filter, that is, containing minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium that reflect the sun's rays, preventing their penetration. Better to choose products that are not too greasy, to avoid clogging of the pores.
Against insect bites finally, stoves and repellents to be sprayed on the skin are not recommended (the most effective ones, which contain Deet, are contraindicated up to 12 years). If there are insects, it is advisable to equip yourself with classic mosquito nets, to put on cots, prams and possibly also on the windows.
HOW
12. In the car, check the temperatures
No problem for car journeys, as long as you ensure favorable climatic conditions inside the passenger compartment. And therefore: it is better to travel in the most temperate hours, during stops, place the car in the shade and do not abuse the air conditioning (the temperature should never drop below 22-23 ° C). Never leave the baby alone (the inside of the car could get too hot, causing it to dehydrate) and provide for a stop every two hours, and every time it needs to be powered.
13. Egg in order
For a trip in absolute safety it is very important to respect the rules laid down by the Highway Code: the baby must be housed in its "egg", compliant with European legislation. The most recent devices are marked with the abbreviation ECE R44-03 and by law they are the only ones that can be sold in stores.
The car seat must be fixed to the seat in compliance with the installation rules: for example, up to the child's weight of 9 kilos, the seat must be placed in the opposite direction to that of travel. The safest place is the rear center seat, more repaired in the event of a frontal or side impact: it is forbidden to place it on the front seat, if the airbag is present.
14. No problem with the train
The train is certainly a comfortable solution, because there is space to move, to walk and to place the stroller or the egg in case of need. In addition, the little one can travel on his mother's lap.
15. Plane: it can be done, but it is better to postpone it
If it is really necessary, the newborn can safely travel by plane, first contacting the company for all the information. In this case, it's fine make him suck it often, to reduce the risk of ear pain, especially during take-off and landing.
If possible, however, it is better to postpone the baptism of the flight, because in the plane the child is subjected to stress due to any sudden changes in temperature, pressure and the presence of lights and noises that can disturb him. It also increases the chance of contracting respiratory infections.
AT DESTINATION
16. Doctors and pharmacies: just in case, prepare in advance
With a very young child it is always better to be prepared for any eventuality, so it is a good idea to inquire in advance about the presence of pediatricians, pharmacies, medical services and everything you might need suddenly, even for small inconveniences.
17. On site, a child-friendly environment
Hotel, B&B, apartment: whatever the type of stay, it is important that the environment chosen for the holidays is equipped and suitable for children, therefore first of all well cleaned and not too hot nor too cold.
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In this regard, here are a few advice on using the air conditioner: temperatures should not be below 22-23 degrees and the vents should be directed upwards and not towards the baby. Pay attention to the dehumidification of the environment, because it could lead to excessive dryness of the mucous membranes. Finally, remember to ventilate the premises several times a day, to avoid the accumulation of pollutants.
Source for this article: Press release from the Del Paesena Society of Neonatology (SIN), by the pediatrician Marcello Lanari, SIN councilor
TAG:
- first year
- newborn 0-3 months
- family vacations
