While the families of children in your care plan their holidays, says Emma Haughton, you can make them aware of possible hazards and help them to travel safely
Couples with young children tend to have bigger incomes than they used to. They will probably have delayed having a family until their late twenties or early thirties and they may both work. At the same time the cost of holidays, particularly abroad, has fallen over the past 30 years. Result? More young children are being taken to exotic locations by their parents.
But travelling with young children is never easy, so much so that you may ask, is it really worth the hassle? Absolutely, says developmental psychologist and author Joan Freeman. 'Going on holiday means that young children get to share in an adventure with their parents, which is extremely bonding. And in the case of working parents, it means they get to spend more time with them.'
A trip to a new place, either in the UK or abroad, can help young children grasp the fact that there is a wider world beyond their home, and that different people have different languages, lifestyles and customs.
But while more parents are taking small children to far-flung destinations, many aren't aware of some of the pitfalls, says Carolyn Driver, an independent specialist nurse and chair of the British Travel Health Association. 'We've seen a big increase in people going to exotic locations such as the Gambia and Kenya, but these places involve a lot of vaccinations and malaria precautions. Larium is the only malaria drug suitable for young children, for example, and there are health issues associated with it. You also need vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A and typhoid. Rabies is a problem in places like India, and it's often young children who are more curious and at a dog's level who tend to get bitten.'
Ms Driver is also concerned about the rise in last-minute bookings over recent years. 'These have become increasingly common with tropical destinations, but often leave parents no time to take the necessary medical precautions. Young children are being taken away totally unprotected.'
Although illness, over-exposure to the sun and food poisoning can mar many holidays, one of the biggest risks is from accidents. Road accidents or simple falls are far more likely to cause problems than an exotic disease. With building regulations not always as stringent abroad, incidents such as young children falling from hotel balconies or slipping by the side of swimming pools that lack proper surfaces are a constant risk.
Ms Driver adds, 'Parents often become more blase on holiday. It's only natural. They tend to relax more when they're away, perhaps drink a bit more than usual and switch off some of their normal safety mechanisms. They may not bother with a child seat in a hire car, for instance, or watch children so carefully on the beach.'
But with reasonable caution and careful planning, a good holiday can become a happy memory for a child. 'We went to Corsica last year and it was so good,' says five-year-old Zachary. 'I really liked the beaches and swimming in the sea and everything.
I really want to go back again.'
A parent's guide to travelling abroad
What medical precautions should I take?
If you're travelling outside western Europe, you must attend a travel clinic well beforehand to get all the appropriate vaccinations and medications. You should also be aware of countries with a significant rabies risk (if your child is bitten, seek medical advice immediately, as post exposure treatment is most effective when administered early). You should always make sure you have good comprehensive medical insurance, or at the very least an E111 form, which will allow you to reclaim most of the costs of medical care incurred in European Community countries.
How should I prepare for the journey?
Young children get bored very easily, especially if they are cooped up for hours in a car, train or plane. Planning ahead pays dividends. Pack a bag with some new toys, colouring pencils, little books, games, anything you think will keep them amused. You could also include some drinks and snacks so they won't have to keep asking you for them. As far as possible, try to stick to their normal routine, and travel at times when they are likely to sleep. Explain to a young child before you leave that you are going away, and what the journey will involve - young children can find a sudden change in environment and climate distressing if they don't know what to expect.
What precautions should we take with food and water?
Stick to bottled water, especially outside western Europe, but bear in mind that even within Europe a change in water can cause an upset tummy for a few days until your child's system adjusts. Avoid ice cubes wherever possible, as they can be contaminated by bacteria introduced by careless handling. Eat freshly cooked food because heat destroys bacteria, but avoid seafood. Avoid salads, make sure any fruit your child consumes is peeled, and stay away from locally made ice-creams that may not use pasteurised milk - stick to well-known brands.
How can we keep children safe in the sun?
Young children should be exposed to the sun as little as possible, even in the UK. Avoid the strong midday sun and make sure children wear T-shirts and sun hats at all times. Strong rays can penetrate fine materials, so apply sunscreen of factor 35 or above. If your child refuses to wear a hat, rub sunscreen into their scalp and keep them in a shady place to play.
You also need to make sure children drink lots of extra fluids in the heat. If they develop diarrhoea from an upset tummy, increase drinks to one an hour, and include those with some sugar in them, as this will help keep up the child's blood sugar levels and help them stay well hydrated.
What if we need to seek foreign medical treatment?
If a young child has diarrhoea for more than a day, for instance, you should seek advice from a doctor. Most hotels will have the phone number of a local GP, and some bigger resorts may have their own doctor on call. Your travel rep should also be able to help you find a good doctor.
Bear in mind, however, that a doctor may not speak English, in which case you will need a phrasebook or someone who can translate to accompany you. Try to establish what you would do in an emergency as soon as you arrive, as young children are often taken ill in the night, when it may be more difficult to find out what to do.
How can I ensure my child will be safe?
Check out the credentials of staff in any creches or baby-sitting services you plan to use. Make sure that they are trained and that there is a suitable ratio of staff to children. Remember to stay vigilant. If you want to relax and drink, take turns with a partner or friend, so there is always one adult alert and able to watch the children.
