Travelling with Toddlers.

Dedicated to my good friend, GPS. Safe travels!

Winter is almost here, which means two things. Everyone is shopping for flights and quick getaways to warmer pastures. Also, your child and all their classmates/daycare buddies are, or, are about to get sick. Three cheers for influenza and RSV!

In the pediatric clinic, parents often ask “What should I pack for my babies when travelling? Which medicines should I bring with me?”

Here’s my answer, along with a few other tips I learned from my travels with my little guys.

Non-negotiables

These are the must-bring medicines, especially if you’re travelling with an infant.

For fever, aches and just in case your toddler catches a cold while you navigate the bustling germ-infested zoo, also known as Pearson International Airport (YYZ)…

• Acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (brand name: Advil or Motrin)
• Both are available over the counter (OTC).

For nausea and upset stomach, which inevitably occurs after your toddler ingests too much pool water… which may induce an episode or two of projectile vomit…

• Rx – Ondansetron oral dissolvable tablets or oral film – simply the best medicine to help with nausea and vomiting. Will require a prescription so plan ahead!
• Ginger chews or candies. A good alternative, in case you can’t get a prescription for Ondansetron. Also a great snack on the plane! I prefer the Chimes brand.

For traveller’s diarrhea (colloquially referred to as runny ass syndrome, amongst hood pharmacists), for when your toddler, who’s typically averse to fruits and veggies, decides to go all in and become a local produce aficionado…

• Oral Rehydration Salts to counter dehydration.
• Probiotics. My go-to brands are Florastor Kids and Biogaia. No refrigeration is required, making both options easy to travel with.

Just In Case

Depending on where you’re travelling and how much space you have in the medicine pack. Some of these items you can bring, but in worse-case scenarios you can always find a workaround or a local alternative.

For any skin-related issues, minor cuts, sunburns or eczema…

• Fucidin 2% or Polysporin cream. In case any bug bites or nasty infections develop.
• Hydrocortisone 1% cream. To help relieve any eczema or sun rash.
• Aloe vera and sunscreen. Obvious. I like the Thinkbaby brand for the kids.
• Benadryl Children’s Liquid. Bring in case your child has a history of allergies or is prone to eczema. Pro tip, if your flight doesn’t align with your kid’s naptime, a dose of Benadryl is a great sleeping pill. Doesn’t hurt to have a dose on hand.

Flying with Toddlers

I love the skies.

30,000 feet in the air, I’m at peace. After all, there are many ways to get high.

Every time I fly, I try and make sure we secure the coveted window seat. It’s the closest I get to the heavens, for what’s beyond the tiny window is infinite.

I’ve been fortunate enough to take my sons on a few trips. Children, especially in the tender toddler ages, are drawn to wonder. And nothing is more wonderful than flying.

Most adult travellers have hubris and a tendency to overlook the wonder around them. We mainly see flying as a nuisance. It’s merely something we have to power through or survive before we reach paradise and begin our vacation.

However, flying is what every child dreams of. So next time you’re headed to your destination, put away the iPad and open up the window cover. I guarantee your toddler won’t be able to look away. And maybe, neither will you. The view from 30,000 feet is special; it’s an easy way to rekindle your own curiosity about the world, and your tiny place in it.

Here are a few other strategies that might make your time in the skies more enjoyable.

• Bring snacks. Reserve your kid’s favourite snacks for the plane ride. You can always bribe your kids to sit still for a half hour while snacking on their favourite munchies.
• Walk the aisle. Especially if you’re on a 747 or multi-aisle plane. Chances are you’ll have empty seats (or empty rows if you’re lucky). Let the kids walk and say hello to fellow passengers or greet the flight attendants. Chances are, you’ll find at least one person or couple, who will engage your cute toddler. Most people like babies.
• Bring a new book or colouring pad and bring it out during the flight. Reading and colouring are great activities that will keep your toddler in their seat and allow you to kill some time.
• Nap time. Travel days are long days. Nobody sleeps well the night before flying; you’re either packing last minute or high on the anticipation (your kids feed off that energy as well). On the day of, it’s a mission to get to the airport, check in and get through customs. Do everything you can to delay your kid’s nap, don’t let them fall asleep until you’re on the plane. Protip, pack a feed (formula or milk) and give it while taking off. It’s worked for me every time. By the time the seatbelt sign is off, both kids are usually out.

All in all, just do your best to stay calm and have fun, your kids will follow your lead. The flight is so short-lived. Three hours go by in a blink, and before you know it, your trip will too. Of course, we all know the cliche, travelling is never about the destination, it’s about the journey. So just enjoy every minute of your time spent with your loved ones.

Safe travels. Thanks for reading.

Much love. SG.

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“PediatRx” is written by Dr. Shawn Gill, PharmD – a pharmacist and Father of two boys. During the day he works as a clinical pharmacist in family medicine and pediatrics, with a focus on deprescribing and helping his patients reduce their medication needs. At night, he writes this newsletter. “PediatRx” is a collection of personal anecdotes and contemplative musings, crafted into a practical prescription for parents. The goal is to share insights, foster hope and inspire fellow parents to raise and nurture resilient children in a post-pandemic world. To support this effort, subscribe below. Many thanks.