How to Fly With a Sick Child
Traveling on an airplane with a sick child can be an uncomfortable experience for you, the child and other passengers aboard the flight. The changing temperature and fluctuations in cabin pressure can even make your child's condition worse. It is recommended that you don't travel with a sick child, but in the event a trip is necessary, several things can be done to make your child as comfortable as possible.
Things You'll Need
- Doctor's contact information
- Child's immunization records
- First-aid kit
- Paper mask
- Juice
- Water
- Toys and games
- Blanket
- Thermometer
Instructions
Notify your pediatrician that you will be flying on the plane with your sick child. Depending on the symptoms, the physician might provide medication to take along or recommend that you delay flying. If flying is the only option, pack your pediatrician's contact information and your child's immunization records in your carry-on bag to make them readily accessible. Pack a first-aid kit with over-the-counter medicines such as child-strength ibuprofen, antihistamines, nasal spray and tissues for wiping a runny nose. Include medicine for motion sickness. Keep your child hydrated by giving him or her plenty of fluids before and during the flight. Dehydration can make illnesses worse. Place a paper mask over your child's face in case he or she is contagious. This will help prevent the spread of germs to others and also keep other harmful germs from your child that could further compromise his or her immune system. Bring your child's favorite small toys to help prevent irritability and to provide comfort if he or she becomes alert during the flight. A blanket, an item that provides a sense of security to many children, also can be used to keep your child warm when cabin temperature cools. Take your child's temperature at least every one to two hours, depending on the length of the flight. Notify a flight attendant if the child's temperature requires immediate care by a doctor.
