Summer has arrived, and your family is ready for a much-needed vacation. You’ve packed, changed your tires, and even hired someone to water your plants. The one thing you didn’t plan for? Your kids getting sick.

With weather changes and long car rides, it’s inevitable that one of your children starts to feel unwell. Here are our tips on how to care for your child when they’re sick on vacation.

Pack Medicine

Your pharmaceutical bag is one the few pieces of luggage you hope not to use. However, it’s still important to have. Here’s what we recommend bringing:

  • Headache medicine
  • Nausea medicine
  • Diarrhea medicine
  • Cough medicine
  • Allergy medicine
  • Menstrual cramp medicine
  • Laxatives
  • Nasal spray
  • Cough drops

Your pharmaceutical bag should be as unique as your child’s needs. If your child susceptible to sore throats, for instance, it may be smart to bring some sore throat spray.

Encourage Rest

Don’t wait to apply this advice until after your child becomes ill. It’s common for children to becoming excited on trips and desire to sleep late. As much as you don’t want to, reinforce bed times even on vacations. A rested child is often a healthy child.

Avoid Germs

This can be challenging on trips to amusements parks where your child is surrounded by other kids. Teach your child to avoid touching objects and then touching their face and mouth. Try to keep hand sanitizer on you, and make sure your children washes their hands before eating.

Keep Your Child Relaxed

Your child is probably even more frustrated than you are that they’re sick on vacation. The last thing that will help is blaming your kid. Unless it’s life-threatening, don’t let something like a cold ruin a family vacation.

Need a check up before your family hits the road? Contact Pediatrix to request an appointment with a pediatrician.