Safety Tips

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Traveling by Airplane

* Allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children.

* Talk to your children before coming to the airport about the security screening process. Let them know that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out the other end and be returned to them.

* Discuss the fact that it's against the law to make threats such as; "I have a bomb in my bag." Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can result in the entire family being delayed and could result in fines.

* Similar to travel in motor vehicles, a child is best protected on an airplane when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for the age, weight and height of the child, meeting standards for aircraft until the child weighs more than 40 lb and can use the aircraft seat belt.

* Children under age 2 to be held on an adult's lap, the AAP recommends that families explore options to ensure that each child has his own seat. Discounted fares may be available. If it is not feasible for you to purchase a ticket for a small child, try to select a flight that is likely to have empty seats.

* Pack a bag of toys and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.

* In order to decrease ear pain during descent, encourage your infant to nurse or suck on a bottle. Older children can try chewing gum, filling up a glass of water and blowing bubbles through a straw (4 years of age or older), or blowing up balloons (8 years of age or older).

* Consult your pediatrician before flying with a newborn or infant who has chronic heart or lung problems or with upper or lower respiratory symptoms.

* Consult your pediatrician if flying within 2 weeks of an episode of an ear infection or ear surgery.

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Child safety tips

* If traveling internationally, make sure your child is up to date on her vaccinations and check with your doctor to see if she might need additional vaccines.

* In order to avoid jet lag, adjust your child's sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure. After arrival, children should be encouraged to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours to promote adjustment.

* Conditions at hotels and other lodging may not be as safe. Carefully inspect for exposed wiring, pest poisons, paint chips, or inadequate stairway or balcony railings.

* When traveling, be aware that cribs or play yards provided by hotels may not meet all current safety standards. If you have any doubt about the safety of the crib or play yard, ask for a replacement or consider other options.

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Traveling by Car

* Set a good example by always wearing a seat belt. Always use a car safety seat for infants and young children. A rear-facing car seat should be used until your child has reached one year of age AND weighs at least 10 kg.

* All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles.

* Children can easily become restless or irritable when on a long road trip. Try to keep them occupied by pointing out interesting sights along the way and by bringing soft, lightweight toys and favorite CDs for a sing-along.

* Plan to stop driving and give yourself and your child a break about every two hours.

* Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute. Temperatures inside the car can reach deadly levels in minutes, and the child can die of heat stroke.

* In addition to a travelers' health kit, parents should carry safe water and snacks, child-safe hand wipes, diaper rash ointment, and a water-and insect-proof ground sheet for safe play outside.

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• Keep your travel plans, including accommodation details, to yourself.
• Try not to travel at night.
• Avoid 'seedier' areas of the cities you visit, especially at night.
• Ask your hotel manager for advice on 'safe' versus 'unsafe' local areas.
• As a general rule, city streets that include children and women suggest the area is safe for families.
• Carry with you at all times the contact details.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and all other important documents in a safe place.
• Use ATMs during the day, when there are people around.
• Try to rely more on credit cards and travellers cheques than cash.
• If you are mugged, don't fight back. It is better to lose a few dollars and a wristwatch than get injured.
• Avoid incidents such as fights, riots or civil disturbances at all times.

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• If possible, choose accommodation that has unmarked 'swipe cards' rather than numbered keys for each room. If you lose your swipe card or if it is stolen, the thief won't know which room to rob.
• Take note of emergency exits, stairwells, fire escapes and emergency plans, just in case.
• Always lock your hotel door when retiring for the night. If there is a chain included, use it.
• When arranging to meet people you've never met before (such as business associates), wait for them in the lobby. Don't ask them to come up to your room.

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• Even if you're not sure where you're going, walk like you've got a purpose.
• Match your dress style to that of the locals. Don't wear an obvious 'tourist' outfit like a loud shirt with a camera slung around your neck.
• Notice the people around you. Be wary if someone seems to be taking more than a passing interest.

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• Don't wear expensive jewellery on obvious display.
• Wear valuables (such as traveller's cheques and credit cards) on a belt worn under the clothes and next to the skin.
• If feeling particularly vulnerable, wear your money belt somewhere other than around your waist. Thieves know all about money belts too.
• Consider carrying a 'dummy' wallet holding a small amount of cash. If you are directly confronted by a mugger, you can hand over the dummy wallet and avoid further distress.