Keeping your child safe and well on holiday Holidays are meant to be a fun time for all. However, a holiday can turn into a horrible nightmare if something bad should happen to your child such as getting lost or sustaining an injury. Travelling. It is important to ensure that your child travels in safety. They should always wear suitable seatbelts and be seated in a chair or booster cushion where necessary. Protection Against Sunburn and Bites. Remember that your child’s skin is likely to be a lot more sensitive than your own and, as such, may burn much more easily. If you are holidaying somewhere warm, or even in the UK summer, remember to apply a good quality sun-block to your children. A high PF should always be used and remember to reapply it on a regular basis if your child is swimming. A t-shirt and hat may be required for young children, or those with particularly sensitive skin. Also make sure that your child has applied insect repellent in countries where bites are prevalent. It is always worth taking a first aid kit with you just in case. Supervision. Holidays are often a time of high spirits and your children are likely to be more active than usual. It is vital to ensure that you know where they are at all times and that young children, in particular are supervised. This is especially important around swimming pools where there is no lifeguard or at beaches where your child may wish to play in the sea. Make sure that you have read and understood all bathing notices as dangerous currents and winds can soon sweep anyone, even strong swimmers, out to sea. You should also ensure, without being a killjoy, to ensure that your children are playing safely and, again, this is particularly important where water is involved. Make sure, if they are running around barefoot, that the ground is clear of broken glass or any other sharp objects. Most importantly, you should also not allow your children to wander off unsupervised, particularly in busy places. In unfamiliar surroundings, it will be easy for your child to become disoriented and lost. Of course, as you will have taught them at home, remind them that they are not to go anywhere with strangers. Kid’s Clubs. If you have booked into a resort with a childrens’ club, it is worth doing some investigation beforehand to ensure that it is, indeed, properly supervised and run in a responsible manner. Medication and Allergies. If your child is taking any medication, or suffers from any allergies or intolerances, make sure that you have enough supplies for the duration of the holiday. You may also wish to check that the facilities of your intended location are suitable for providing the any dietary needs and that medical care is available should it be required in an emergency. Travel Insurance. It is vitally important to ensure that you are properly insured for medical care and legal fees before proceeding abroad. Healthcare to foreigners is rarely free abroad and hugely expensive bills can be run up in a short space of time for even the most simple of injuries. Always use a reputable Insurance Provider and always check the small print if you are not sure. In Conclusion. Holidays are not a time for worry, but an incident involving your child will cause much heartache and, potentially, great expense. By following the tips above, you should be able to relax in the knowledge that the whole family will be having an enjoyable and SAFE holiday. |
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