Holiday Guide for Families with Children

In these days when the pandemic continues, it is possible to have a pleasant holiday without risking your child's health.

Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Child Health and Diseases Specialist listed some points to be considered during your holiday with your children.

During the pandemic process, which has been going on for a year and a half, holiday plans have started to be made with normalization. However, while experts warned to strictly follow the mask-distance and hygiene rules and not to go on vacation without vaccination, the Child Health and Diseases /Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Specialist made recommendations for families with children.

If You Have Complaints, Have a Pre-Travel Test

With the spread of vaccines and treatment options in the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic, we considered going on summer vacation this year. Nevertheless, it is very important for both their own and public health that those who are suitable for their age should have their vaccinations before going on vacation, and those who have Covid-19 disease or similar complaints in the last days before the holiday should have tests if necessary and confirm that they are not sick.

Prefer Uncrowded Places

This year, one of the most important issues that we should pay attention to during the holiday is complying with the mask-distance and hygiene rules. It is more convenient to go to the destination by private vehicle, if possible, instead of public transportation vehicles. Thus, the risk of contracting the virus as a family is reduced. It is useful to prefer quiet places where there may be fewer people instead of crowded places for vacation.

If you are going to spend your holiday in a business, do not forget to ask if the place you will stay is baby/child friendly before booking.

Do Not Forget Your Medications

After deciding on the hotel to go to for the holiday, if there are any medications that the baby/child uses routinely before leaving, they should be taken. The food used for the baby (in case of breakage, spillage, or loss) should be taken a little more than necessary. If children have allergies during holidays with children, it is good to have some medicines available. Again, it would be good to take a cream/ointment against insect fly bites or a fever-reducing syrup/suppository for a situation such as possible fever. It is appropriate to make supplies such as bandages for possible minor accidents.

Beware of Open Buffets

In the summer months, there is an increase in diarrhea. Hence, children need to pay attention to the water they drink, the food they eat, and hand cleaning. Uncooked or undercooked foods and well-washed fruits and vegetables are among the most dangerous foods for diarrhea.

Protect Yourself From the Sun

Protecting your baby and child from the sun's harmful rays is very important because of its long-term side effects. For this, it is necessary to use high-factor sunscreen prepared for babies and children. Sunscreen is recommended for children older than 6 months. It is appropriate to use 30 factors and above as a factor. It is appropriate to apply the sunscreen 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and repeat every 2 hours.

It is appropriate to take precautions such as hats and long-sleeved sea clothes when babies and children play by the sea. It is important for the health of children not to be exposed to the sun directly between 10:00 and 16:00 when the sun rays are steep. It should also be kept in mind that frequent drinking of water will cause serious fluid losses due to staying in the sea and sun for a long time.