Ask the VEC: Traveling With Children

The Vaccine Education Center recently released a new Q&A sheet related to travel called, "Infectious Diseases and Travel" [PDF, 674B]. So, in keeping with this month's travel-related theme, we thought we'd highlight a question from the new sheet that parents may have while traveling with their children:

Q. Are there special considerations for traveling with infants and children?

A. Parents traveling with infants and children should take the following precautions:

Breastfeeding infants — Moms can continue breastfeeding throughout travel because breastfeeding is the best way to reduce an infant’s risk of being infected with foodborne or waterborne illnesses.

Snacks for children — Parents traveling with children are encouraged to bring a supply of snacks to ensure their children always have access to clean food.

Car seats — Because age-appropriate car seats are not always available in other countries, parents should bring their child’s car seat.

Vaccines — Depending on the destination and the age of the child, some vaccines may be necessary prior to departure. Infants and children should be up to date on routine vaccines prior to departure; however, if traveling internationally, some vaccines may be recommended at an earlier age.

Bottles and pacifiers — Because some infectious diseases are transmitted by contaminated water, parents should wash pacifiers and bottles with clean, disinfected water.