What Medicines To Pack When Travelling With Kids?
Covid feels like a thing of the past. However, it’s only recently that New Zealanders started travelling again. Many haven’t travelled further than Australia during Covid, and some didn’t leave New Zealand shores at all. So, unfortunately, when we travel overseas for the first time in a few years, we get exposed to foreign bacteria and bugs, which our immune system may not know how to deal with.
We wanted to share a medical list you should pack when travelling overseas with kids. This will not only help you save time trying to find something locally but will also offer peace of mind that you are ready to deal with any illness that might come your way during the holidays.
Paracetamol
This is a no-brainer and number one when it comes to travelling with kids. Whether it’s a headache or a higher-than-usual temperature, you can give this to your little ones. You can pack the liquid Pamol for younger kids as well.
Multivitamins
We suggest starting your kids on multivitamins before travelling so that they can get their immune systems ready and continue during the holidays. This is insurance for any nutritional gaps your child might experience eating other country’s food (or not eating as much if they are a picky eater).
Probiotics
We suggest starting your kids on this vitamin before you leave for a holiday. This will ensure your child gets enough good bacteria before exposure to foreign food and fight any potential tummy bugs.
Anti-diarrhoea and anti-nausea medication
While taking good bacteria can help boost gut health, we still recommend packing anti-diarrhoea and anti-nausea medication if your child gets a tummy bug, especially if you’re travelling to Asia.
Electrolytes
This is a must if your child gets diarrhoea. Electrolytes help replenish the body’s fluids and can be total life savers!
Allergy medicine
If your child is prone to seasonal hay fever, make sure to pack antihistamines in case their allergy flares up or they get an unusual rash (or some other allergic reaction).
First Defense & Echinacea
These can be given at the first signs of illness to help support your child’s body’s healthy immune response naturally. However, we also suggest packing medicine like a throat guggle and ibuprofen to support your child’s recovery and help with pain further.
Consult your GP
Make a visit to your GP before going on a holiday. Especially if your child has special health conditions or medicine, they may need while being away.