Keeping Kids Safe

Looking after the little people!

Of course you look after the kids but it's always handy to have some reminders when you are taking them on holiday in the UK or abroad. Most things are precautions you would take for yourself so it's easy to repeat the care for all the family.

One of the most common downsides to travelling is upset stomachs and diarrhoea caused by contaminated food or drink, higher stress factors and general excitement in children.

It can be caused by something as simple as drinking the water which is perfectly safe for locals but may upset your stomach because of minerals in the supply that your system isn't used to. In serious cases where the water or food is contaminated you could be facing Cholera, Typhoid or Hepatitis A. DON'T PANIC!! Avoid getting ill by boiling or sterilising suspect water, or using sealed bottled water. If buying bottled water abroad make sure the seal hasn't been broken before you buy.

Remember ice cubes are made from water so if you are worried about the local supply avoid having ice in drinks.

GENERAL SAFETY FOR CHILDREN:

• If you have a balcony or terrace make sure it is child-proof with nothing to climb on to get over walls or railings and any gaps between railings are not wide enough for them to squeeze through before letting them use the area. To make sure you should never leave kids alone on a balcony.
• Make sure kids are never left alone or allowed to wander off especially in crowded areas where it will be easy for them to get lost.
• Give them their own identification with a contact number for if they get lost (preferably in English and the local language) and arrange some way for them to keep it safe.
• Escort them across all roads - remember however carefully you have taught them road sense at home roads abroad can seem faster and have layouts children won't understand.
• Don't let them use a lift or escalators without someone older being with them.
• If travelling by car or hiring a car abroad make sure they have properly fitted child seats where needed.

FUN IN THE SUN

It's great watching your kids playing in the sun but temperatures abroad can be deceptive, the sun can be stronger and the dangers for sensitive young skins are even greater than the risks you may take yourself to get that holiday tan.

Babies and very young children should always be kept out of direct sunlight

Make sure they always have a supply of water handy so they don't become dehydrated and if the weather is really hot use a small battery operated fan to keep them cool (when you book your holiday check to see if your accommodation has air conditioning so you can keep children in doors in the event of a heat wave)

Older children (and you!) should stay out of the midday sun and other times should wear a hat, sun glasses and t-shirts.

Exposed skin should be protected with Natural SPF25 Sun Cream which includes Natural Insect Repellent.  Reapply at least every hour that you and the kids are in the sun.

After being in the sun, shower or wash off remaining cream, sand etc and apply great smelling Natural Aftersun which includes twice as much Natural Insect Repellent, this will soothe any burning and re hydrate the skin, and protect you because biting insects love to feast at night!

BITING BUGS

At least 6 weeks before you travel you should have had any vaccinations your doctor advises for the area you are travelling to.

The last thing you need on holiday is the misery of insect bites, children will find them especially irritating and painful, in worst case scenarios mosquitoes can carry malaria and dengue fever so you should avoid insect bites as much as possible by making sure your children have suitable clothing to wear in the evenings and when sleeping. Set up mosquito nets especially for cots.

For further advice on planning a healthy trip, and emergency treatment abroad try the Department of Health website www.doh.gov.uk

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