You’re considering taking your kids on a cruise but then you hear about yet another outbreak of intestinal disease aboard a large ship. Do you go? It’s your decision. Here are the facts. My recommendation is below. 1. About 14 million passengers, including 1.5 million children, sailed from American ports last year. And, as in […]
Is air travel safe for young children with bad colds and ear issues?
April 2, 2017 by
If a decade ago you’d asked your doctor if young children should fly with ear infections, nasal allergies or bad colds the likely answer was an emphatic no, that flying with these conditions could damage the ears. Today, if you asked, the likely answer is a conditional yes. 1. No studies exist to help make […]
Children/Cruises/Health and Safety
March 18, 2017 by
If you need to visit a ship’s infirmary while cruising with your family, chances are it will be (1) to obtain medications your child needs but you forgot at home or (2) to have your child seen for a minor illness, one you’d handle yourself when at home. Cruises are healthy and safe for children. […]
Children/Travel/Asthma and other respiratory allergies
March 4, 2017 by
The ideal vacation spots for children (and adults) with asthma and other respiratory allergies are the North and South Poles, ships anchored in mid-ocean, and atop the higher peaks of the Himalayas – destinations hardly realistic for families. These are the only places where air is still relatively free of industrial pollutants, mites, molds, trees, […]
Should parents take vacations with their children – or from their children?
February 15, 2017 by
You are not the only one who has asked yourself this question. Type it into Google and you’ll get a mind-boggling 39,900,000 responses — with the vast majority of the respondents giving the same answer. [Confession: I did not read all 39.9 million responses before writing this article. (I am a slow reader.) I randomly […]
Winter/Children/Staying Healthy
January 29, 2017 by
Hey parents, although it’s midwinter, pry your kids away from their TVs, electronic games and computers. Even the very young ones. Dress them for the cold and push them out the door. Literally, if need be. Ignore their yelling and sarcasm. If they threaten to report you to child welfare, tell them that being active […]
Kids/Winter/Sunglasses
January 15, 2017 by
Quiz: Look at the pictures. How could the adults and children improve their sun protection? Answers at the end of the article. If you live in snow country or are planning to take your kids on a visit there, outfit them with a pair of snow-appropriate sunglasses (“shades,” in teen talk). While the sun’s warming […]
Children/Airports/Safety
December 30, 2016 by
If a car seat containing an infant is placed “just for a moment” on a non-moving conveyor belt at an airport security machine the infant may pass through the machine. It has happened. How? Parent places car seat on the belt. Parent turns around to take off his/her shoes or to tend to another child. Belt […]
Children/Holiday Health and Safety
December 10, 2016 by
Season greetings! Tis the season to be jolly. However, the very events that make holiday seasons so special for kids – festive atmospheres, gifts, and visiting friends and family – also cause holiday-related illnesses and mishaps. Here are some tips to help you make the holidays healthier and safer. 1. Give your friends and relatives […]
Baby Carriers
November 27, 2016 by
Don’t be surprised when planning your baby’s first trip – whether across town or across the ocean – becomes a monumental undertaking, not unlike outfitting a cruise ship for a long voyage. For one, how do you carry your baby plus all the paraphernalia he or she requires? 1. “Wearing infants” is the most practical […]
