Traveling Without Your Child (continued)

• library cards
• membership cards for community centers, pools, museums, and other local attractions
• a calendar of local events
• cash for food and any emergencies
• a full tank of gas in your car (also check the oil and tires)
• a well-stocked food pantry and refrigerator
• favorite toys, videotapes, and books in plain view
• a new book or toy to help distract or comfort your child

Stocking the Medicine Cabinet

A well-stocked medicine cabinet should have:

• acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• adhesive bandages
• antiseptic
• calamine lotion
• cool-mist vaporizer
• cotton balls/swabs
• insect repellent
• nail clippers
• sterile gauze pads and surgical tape
• sunscreen
• thermometer
• tweezers

If your child takes medication regularly, make sure there's a sufficient supply and that your caregiver knows how to administer it.

Leaving a Paper Trail

Besides your itinerary, leave a folder with your child's medical information and these phone numbers:

• your child's doctor and your local hospital
• police, fire, and ambulance
• your pharmacy
• your dentist
• gas/electric emergency number
• health insurance company
• nearest relative and neighbor
• poison control center
• school/child-care center

Important medical information in the folder should include:

• health insurance cards
• your child's medical record (listing allergies, current medications, height, weight, age, and vaccination history)
• emergency medical consent forms (from your local hospital), which will let the caregiver seek medical care for your child while you're away

While You're Away

Check in with the caregiver regularly, if possible. Think carefully about how much contact will comfort your child while you're away. Some kids might need postcards or a daily phone call or email message, whereas others might get more upset when they hear a parent's voice.

Review basic details about your travel plans with your kids before you leave. You can mark your travel dates on a calendar to help them understand how long you'll be gone or instruct the caregiver to cross off each day at bedtime.

Be prepared for your child's behavior when you return. Young kids sometimes feel angry at their parents for leaving and act out or ignore them when they return.

If this happens, provide your child with the same sort of reassurance and discipline that you would in any other situation. Certainly, you should try to hug or kiss your child when you return but don't push it if your child is still angry.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: September 2008