Safety When Traveling with Children

Family vacations create lifelong happy memories for kids and parents. They provide a good opportunity for fun, bonding and relaxation. As enjoyable and carefree vacations can be, they also pose risks for children’s physical safety and children are more likely to get lost or go missing. These risks are preventable so as parents make travel arrangements for spring break and summer vacation it is critical to be aware of travel safety and plan ahead accordingly.

Driving
Although many parents drive children on a regular basis it is critical to take extra precautions when riding in the car for a long time period and making stops at unfamiliar locations along the way. Of course, when driving with children always use the appropriate car seats, child restraints and seatbelts for the child’s size and age. Recheck car seat’s weight restrictions regularly, especially before long trips. Use sunscreens or window protectors to block sun. Make sure necessities are within the drivers reach so they can give snacks or toys to children without compromising their driving ability.

Make frequent stops to use the restroom and stretch. While it’s important to encourage children to stretch and move around, don’t allow them to run off or get distracted by anything.  such as a stranger’s puppy. Keep children close by and make sure they know to not talk to strangers. Children can easily get distracted by something such as a stranger’s puppy or another child but even seemingly innocent situations can be dangerous.

If there is more than one adult, designate partners for stops so adults know which children they will be responsible for. If necessary, make arrangements and explain to children about using the restroom, for example if a little boy will have to go to the ladies room with mom. When available, use family restrooms when available.

Stranger safety is even more important when traveling by bus or train. If available, use seatbelts, car seats or child restraining device at all times. Do not allow children to walk around freely around bus or train aisles. Keep children within reach at all times particularly in bus or train stations.

Flying
Flying can be a scary and exciting experience for children. Parents need to be prepared to deal with checkpoints, crowded airport terminals and in-flight safety.

At checkpoints, parents need to remember that everyone, regardless of age has to be screened. Officers are specially trained and they will not ask parents to do anything that will separate them from their children. If a child can walk on their own, they should go through the x-ray machine alone. If a child cannot walk, parents may carry the child through but send all blankets, pacifiers and toys through the machine. During this process, parents should not attempt to hand their children to anyone else, even a security officer.

Parents should check children’s carry-on bags before going into the airport and make sure they didn’t sneak in any last-minute unapproved items or liquids, which may cause hang-ups while going through security. Children often get afraid and don’t want to put their belongings through the machine. This is something that parents can practice with children at home before leaving.

Safety is critical in the airport terminal because it’s often crowded, making it an easy place for children to get lost. Guardians need to avoid getting distracted and watch children at all time, taking steps such as arriving at the airport early and having IDs and tickets handy will help.

Parents should talk to children prior to traveling about what to do in the event they get lost or separated. For older children, it may be beneficial to point out security officers or introduce them to an officer so they can recognize their uniform in an emergency. Parents can also give older children an airport map and mark where the gate is, as well as restrooms or other important landmarks.

On the plane, the safest place for child during turbulence or an emergency is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device. Children that weigh less than 40lbs need to be in an approved child restraint system (CRS). Make sure children over 40lbs keep safety belt buckled at all times.
 FAA strongly encourages (but doesn’t require) the use of a car seat, less than 16” wide or an FAA child approved harness restraint (as seen in image). Make sure the car seat is government approved and says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft“. The harness restraints are easier to travel with than a hard-backed car seat and accommodate children over 20lbs. The harness should say "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only".  Children should not sit in the aisle seat because they could get hurt if they put their arms or legs in the aisle.

At Destination
Parents need to continue to be aware of child safety once at the final destination. Parents should toddler-proof the accommodations if necessary as they would their own home. They also need to check hotel provided cribs for loose parts or hardware and make sure the bedding is soft and doesn’t pose a risk of suffocation.

There are a lot of hazards to be aware of at the beach, everyone knows to be prepared with first aid, sunscreen and life jackets. Parents also need to be aware of where children are at all times, especially if it’s crowded. Groups can determine a system of who is watching which children. This ensures everyone knows who is in the water and that nobody wanders off. It’s easy for a child to go missing if everyone is spread out or adults assume someone else is watching a certain child.

At amusement parks, museums or other crowded attractions, children should be dressed in bright-colored clothing so that they are easier to spot. Consider using a child safety leash or harness to keep children nearby. New child locator devices, such as Nanonavi Nanomatic available in our Child Safety Store help locate children if they get separated.  The InstantAmber Finder is a small device that fits into a child’s pocket or backpack. The device uses state-of-the-art location technology including aGPS/GSM and is the best means for locating a child if they get separated.

Parents may want to establish different rules for older kids and teenagers. Oftentimes older kids want to go off on their own on vacation but age doesn’t equate to safety. If they have cell phones, use the nanonavi mobile application to keep up with family member’s locations. Parents can also give kids maps of the resort or amusement park, make sure they wearing correctly set watches (note time zone changes) and determine regular “check in” meeting places and times.

InstantAmber and Safe Travels
The most important thing to pack when traveling with children is InstantAmber. Update your children’s data and images before you leave home and take peace of mind on your trip.

Don’t leave home without InstantAmber. Parents can upload and securely store data and photos vital to law enforcement's recovery efforts in the event that their child goes missing. Law enforcement can access critical data and photos in seconds, not minutes or hours, dramatically increasing the odds of successfully recovering a missing child. There is nothing to carry, forget or lose. The information and photos are accessible worldwide, 24/7. Parents get the peace of mind that they have taken every precaution and are as prepared as possible in the event that their child goes missing.

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