Poor parental planning spoils more family vacations than lousy food, miserable weather, no-star accommodations – or cranky children. While a family vacation will rarely be all fun and games, savvy planning can keep the inevitable misadventures down to a manageable few. 1. Successful family vacations are primarily kids’ vacations. This means getting away from daily routines and regimentation, declaring a moratorium […]
Mom, I think I am going to vomit. Motion sickness/Children/Prevention/Treatment – An Update
January 18, 2018 by
If no one in your family has ever been motion-sick, it’s only because they haven’t yet encountered the right (or is it the wrong?) ride. It may be a storm at sea, an “amusement” park roller coaster that spins in three dimensions simultaneously while riders are strapped in upside down, a ride atop a camel […]
Hotel bathroom décor ranges from child-unfriendly to child-hostile
October 1, 2017 by
“I’ve got to go to the bathroom, very badly!” These are often the first words you hear from your young child as you check into a hotel after many hours on the road. However, no matter how urgent their pleas and how much they jump up and down, check the bathroom first to see if […]
Is air travel safe for infants/young children? Answers to your questions
September 9, 2017 by
(Folklore says that infants traveled by air centuries ago and the flights were healthier than those today. Storks “delivered” infants. Storks had the wisdom to skim rooftops, eliminating concerns of high altitude and the accompanying ear issues, dehydration, and excessive stomach air. Each newborn was a sole passenger enjoying fresh rather than recirculated air, with […]
Are cruise ships healthy for young children?
April 23, 2017 by
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 […]
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/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 […]
Children/Travel/Immunizations
November 4, 2016 by
When planning family vacations, check that everyone is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Adults included. Travel increases the risk of catching a host of preventable diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis and whooping cough (pertussis), to name just a few. And you need not visit Equatorial Africa to become infected. Anyone not fully vaccinated can become infected […]
