Travelling with kids is never just about passports and packing lists.
It’s about wondering what to do if your child falls sick in the middle of the night, or how to help a restless baby sleep in a new time zone. It’s about juggling feeding times, nap schedules, and maybe even a missing pacifier at the airport.
If you’re feeling a little anxious about travelling with your child this holiday season, you’re not alone. The good news is that with a bit of planning, most trips can be smooth, enjoyable, and even memorable for the right reasons.
Here’s what every parent should know before taking off.
Before any overseas trip, it’s important to check that your child’s vaccinations are up to date. This helps protect against illnesses that may be more common in other parts of the world and reduces the risk of falling sick while travelling.
Some key areas to take note:
Make sure your child is up to date with Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule. This includes essential vaccines which are key to preventing serious infections.
Depending on your destination, your doctor may recommend additional protection such as influenza, typhoid or Hepatitis A.
Vaccines take time to become effective. Different vaccines have different minimum effective windows. Set aside enough buffer time before your travel for the vaccinations to kick in.
If you’re unsure, a quick pre-travel consultation with your paediatrician can help review your child’s records and ensure all is in order before you go.
No parent likes to imagine their child feeling unwell overseas, but it’s something worth preparing for. Children’s immune systems are still developing, and changes in temperature, environment, or food can sometimes trigger illness.
The reassuring part? Many common travel-related illnesses are mild and can usually be managed with proper care and attention, especially when you know what to look out for.
Here are some of the most common travel-related conditions and what to do:
| Condition | What to Look For | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
|
Viral infections (flu, cold, etc.) |
Runny nose, cough, low-grade fever |
Give fever medication if needed, encourage fluids, and let your child rest in the hotel. Seek medical care if fever ≥ 39°C, your child has difficulty breathing, refuses fluids, or symptoms worsen after two days. |
|
Vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite |
Offer oral rehydration and small, frequent sips of water. Seek medical care if vomiting persists, if there are signs of dehydration such as reduced urine output, or if your child becomes drowsy or refuses fluids. |
|
|
Heat-related illness |
Irritability, flushed skin, reduced urine |
Keep your child cool, hydrated, and dressed lightly. Avoid direct sunlight during midday. Seek help if there’s persistent tiredness, vomiting, or confusion. |
|
Insect bites or allergies |
Itchy rash, swelling |
Take oral anti-histamines or apply a gentle steroid cream as advised. Watch for facial swelling or breathing difficulties and seek urgent care if these occur. |
|
Fever |
Temperature ≥ 38°C |
Give paracetamol or ibuprofen, according to age as advised by your doctor. Always dose by weight. Seek medical help if fever ≥ 39°C, lasts beyond 48 hours or if your child has difficulty breathing or becomes lethargic. If your child is under 3 months old and is unwell, bring him or her to see a doctor urgently, regardless of temperature. |
You don’t need to bring an entire pharmacy, but having the right travel essentials can make a big difference when managing unexpected issues away from home.
Here’s what you could include in your family travel kit. Before travel, check with your paediatrician or pharmacist to confirm which medications are safe for your child’s age and weight.
| Medicine | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Paracetamol / Ibuprofen |
For fever and pain |
Paracetamol can be used for infants and children; ibuprofen is suitable for those ≥ 6 months. Check with your doctor for correct dosing. |
|
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) |
For vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration |
Safe for all ages when used correctly. Usually comes in the form of ready to drink preparations. Give small, frequent sips. |
|
Anti-diarrhoeal medication |
For diarrhoea |
Check with your doctor for age-specific medication and doses. |
|
Cetirizine |
For allergies, insect bites, or runny nose |
Usually for children ≥ 6 months. Check age-specific dosing with your doctor. |
|
Steroid cream |
For eczema or rashes |
Use as prescribed. Avoid applying it on broken skin or near the eyes. |
|
Antiseptic cream and plasters |
For minor cuts or scrapes |
Include tweezers and alcohol swabs for wound cleaning. |
|
Motion sickness and/or vomiting medication |
Only if prescribed by your doctor |
Only use if prescribed for your child, many are not suitable for young children. |
Always carry any regular medication your child needs, especially if they are known to have chronic conditions, along with a doctor’s letter if required for customs checks.
Pro tip: Always pack these in your carry-on, not your checked luggage!
Travelling with children means routines will be disrupted and that’s perfectly normal.
Sleep might go sideways. Appetites might change. Time zones will confuse everyone. But a few small adjustments can help your child feel more settled.
A smooth trip starts long before you arrive at the airport.
Ensuring your child’s vaccinations are up to date, packing the right medication, and knowing how to handle common illnesses can make a big difference, especially when you’re far from home. And seeing a paediatrician before travel is one of the best things you can do to prepare with confidence.
At SBCC Baby & Child Clinic, we support families with trusted advice, timely vaccinations, and personalised care to help every child travel safely and stay well.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Stephanie Hii
Consultant Paediatrician