Going on a cruise with children?

Definitely yes, a cruise travel is one of the most fun you can do with children because they offer advantages that thousands of them listed below:

• Only we must go back and undo to make our luggage once, to embark and disembark at once.
• The site is enclosed so it's easier to have children "controlled".
• To visit several cities do not have to move in any other form of transport.
• The scheduled activities that cruise provide us the opportunity to take our kids entertained much of the time with appropriate activities for each age.
• The cruise companies organize special programs for all ages. They offer specialized monitors, sports of all kinds, special menus ...

Practical advice for a cruise:

• Check the number of extra beds and cots that fit into the cabin. In some boats there are booths 5 people in some other booths can communicate, and may also have a special discount for a cabin attached to teenage children of passengers.
• Controlling medical services are available on the boat. Eye if you're pregnant, some cruises do not accept pregnant after the second trimester of gestation.
• Consult the documentation required for minors to lower port visit to one or both parents (there are destinations that allow only a minor with either parents or a legal authority in case of going with only one of them).
• When we make a reservation, verify that it reflected the number and ages of the minors as well as all the family's needs.
• Beware the drinks in some boats are not included in the price.
• Refer to the policy of each cruise company with regard to cancellations. We will never know whether a chickenpox can ruin a trip 24 hours before departure. For these cases, insurance cancellation of trips is essential.
• See if the tips are included in the price of the cruise, if not we will have to report the amount of the same.

Medical advice for traveling with children

It is increasingly common for families traveling together around the world, enriching experience for children and parents, but we must be careful because the immune systems of children is less developed than for older, and that they must take same precautions as with adults and also take into account their immune related to water, food, etc..

Information on immunization for children:

This type of information we provide the pediatrician for children, before departure, it is necessary to assess whether any vaccine or put forward any additional vaccine depending on where you are going to travel.  

Take precautions with food, water and insects:

Particular caution should be exercised with the different food and water that children consume. Children should not eat any food that is without cooking, and should avoid fruits and vegetables in developing countries because children are particularly susceptible to traveler's diarrhea and other gastrointestinal infections. Take extra precautions when mixing powdered milk for her baby with water.

Keep children away from insects and animals is also important in preventing disease transmission. Although it is advisable to use insect repellents in many areas, consult your doctor before using them, since many of insect repellents for adults are too strong for young children.

  

Precautions in the sun.

Under 2 years does not expose directly to the sun, use sunscreens for maximum protection; with older, use a protection factor appropriate to the child's skin type.

What to do in case of sunburn

If it’s only redness, frequent use of moisturizer is recommended. If the burn occurs in infants, hurts them, or have very large blisters, leave immediately and consult a doctor.

What to do in case of gastroenteritis

Use of oral rehydration solutions for children and start an astringent diet (rice, yoghurt, cooked chicken, fish cooked ...). Without force, it is normal to be unpleasant for them.

What to do in case of insect bite

Local ice and / or after-bite in the area of the bite. There are repellents on the market that help us to avoid insect bites.  

MINIMUM KIT FOR THE TRIP

it should include: thermometer, analgesics, bandages, serum or hydrogen peroxide, Betadine, scissors, tape, thin strips. If your children suffer from some chronic or recurrent disease, do not forget to take medications normally.

Control dizziness.

Children are more likely than adults to get dizzy. Antihistamines may help in preventing or relieving nausea, but can cause drowsiness (side effect sometimes liked to have a quiet trip). If your child suffers from dizziness, consulting the pediatrician that the drugs might be more appropriate for him.

Some tips to relieve motion sickness are:

- To eat a light meal or a snack before and during the trip.

- Sitting on the part of the vehicle that moves less. In an airplane, this area lies with the wings, on trains and buses, this area is up to the front of the vehicle and a cargo ship or boat, the deck is the part of the ship that has less movement. Although the front seat of a vehicle that has fewer moving the rear seat, is not safe, and children should always ride in the back seat of car safety seats or seat belts.

- Encourage children to sleep during the journey.

- Give your kids sunglasses to reduce visual stimulation.