For parents travelling with children, being prepared to manage minor health issues can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
Planning a family holiday with kids? While travelling is an exciting adventure, it’s always wise to be prepared for potential health concerns when exploring with young children. Packing the right medications and supplies can help you manage minor ailments and ensure a smoother journey. Here’s a helpful guide to getting ready for your child’s health needs before travelling from Singapore.
Essentials to pack in your travel medicine kit
When travelling with children, having a well-stocked travel kit ensures you’re prepared to handle common minor ailments. Here are the essentials:
a. Fever and pain relief
Children may develop fevers or feel discomfort due to changes in weather, new environments, or travel fatigue. Pack child-appropriate pain relievers and fever medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen in liquid or chewable form. Remember to check dosage instructions for your child’s age and weight.
Browse OTC essentials on DA Marketplace with free delivery, including:
- Panadol for Children Chewable Tablets
- Brufen Oral Suspension
- KoolFever Cooling Gel Sheets 4s – Babies (0-2 Years Old)
- Kool Fever Cooling Gel Sheets 6s – Children (2 to 12 years old)
b. Anti-nausea and motion sickness medication
For children who experience car sickness or nausea during flights, anti-nausea medications like dimenhydrinate may be helpful. Always check the label for age restrictions, and consult a pharmacist or GP to ensure it’s appropriate for your child, especially if they are very young.
Browse OTC essentials on DA Marketplace with free delivery, including:
c. Rehydration solutions and diarrhoea relief
Travelling exposes kids to new foods and environments, sometimes leading to upset stomachs. Pack oral rehydration salts (ORS) to prevent dehydration in case of diarrhoea or vomiting. For children over two years old, probiotics can support gut health. Avoid anti-diarrhoeal medications for children under two unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Browse OTC essentials on DA Marketplace with free delivery, including:
- Smecta Anti Diarrheals
- Lacteol Fort [Lactobacillus Acidophilus] 10 Billion Cells
- Ultracarbon Medicinal Charcoal Tablet
d. Allergy medication and anti-itch creams
New destinations often mean new plants, insects, and allergens. An age-appropriate antihistamine, like cetirizine or loratadine, can help manage mild allergic reactions. For bug bites or skin irritation, anti-itch creams with calamine or hydrocortisone can soothe discomfort.
Browse OTC essentials on DA Marketplace with free delivery, including:
- Physiogel Calming Relief AI Restoring Lipid Balm
- Suu Balm Kids Dual Rapid Itch Relieving and Restoring Ceramide Moisturiser
- Teleconsult for medical advice and treament of allergies
e. Cough and cold medications
For mild coughs or colds, pack a simple saline nasal spray to relieve nasal congestion. Be cautious with cold medications for children under six, as these may have limited effectiveness and potential side effects. Honey packets (for children over one year old) can also help soothe a sore throat naturally.
Browse OTC essentials on DA Marketplace with free delivery, including:
- Leftose Syrup for Kids
- Vitaherb Cold And Cough Kids Syrup
- DIFFLAM FOR CHILDREN Throat Spray
- Clarityn Non-Drowsy Cold & Allergy Relief 24H Tablets
f. Topical antibiotics and plasters
For minor cuts or scrapes, a basic first-aid kit with antiseptic wipes, adhesive bandages, and topical antibiotic cream is essential. Plasters in fun designs can help distract young children, making treatment less daunting.
Browse OTC essentials on DA Marketplace with free delivery, including:
- Sudocrem Antiseptic Cream
- Hansaplast Aqua Protect Strips 20’s Plaster
- Schulke Octenisept Antiseptic Spray
Medication storage tips for travel
Proper storage of medications is important to maintain their effectiveness. Here are some tips:
- Use Original Packaging: Keep medications in their original packaging for easy identification and to ensure dosage instructions are on hand.
- Prepare for Security Checks: Use a clear, zip-lock bag for easy inspection at customs.
- Temperature Control: Some medications, especially liquids, may need to be kept cool. For hot climates, consider a small insulated bag.
- Clear Labelling: Label all medications with the child’s name and specific dosing instructions for easy access during travel.
Consult your GP or paediatrician before you travel
Before heading off on your travels, especially if going abroad, consult your child’s GP or paediatrician to review their health needs and ensure you’re well-prepared. They can provide recommendations specific to your travel destination, such as advising on anti-malarial tablets for malaria-endemic areas if needed.
Important reminders for safe medication use
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- Follow Dosage Instructions Carefully: Always follow the dosage recommendations for your child’s age and weight.
- Check Expiry Dates: Confirm that all medications are within their expiration date before packing.
- Know Local Emergency Contacts: Save the emergency contact numbers and identify healthcare facilities near your travel destination. For travel within Singapore, the emergency hotline is 995. When travelling overseas, ensure you have key contact numbers for local emergency services at your destination for added peace of mind.
Packing a well-prepared travel medicine kit for your child can help you handle minor health concerns during your trip, so you can enjoy a smoother, stress-free holiday. Consider including essentials like fever medication, wound care supplies, and any necessary prescription medication. If you’re unsure what to pack, a consultation with a GP on the Doctor Anywhere app can provide tailored advice and tips to ensure you’re ready for your family’s specific travel needs.
