During the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, travel demand increases, with many families taking young children to their hometowns, on vacation, or to visit relatives by plane, train, or long-distance car. Master, Doctor Than Thi Thuy Linh from the Pediatrics Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi advises parents to prepare thoroughly for a safe trip and to minimize risks for children.

**Assessing children's health before the trip**

Children suffering from acute illnesses such as respiratory infections, acute diarrhea, vomiting, or fever of unknown origin should not travel long distances. Parents should take their children to medical facilities for examination and treatment to stabilize these acute conditions.

Parents need to closely monitor for unusual signs such as fever, cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, or prolonged fatigue. If a child has recently been vaccinated, undergone surgery, or is in the recovery phase of an illness, parents should consult a doctor before traveling.

**Choosing appropriate transportation**

Each mode of transport has its advantages. Airplanes shorten travel time and reduce fatigue, but pressure changes during takeoff and landing can cause ear discomfort, especially in young children. To alleviate this discomfort when flying, parents can breastfeed, bottle-feed, give water, or offer a pacifier during these times. Older children can chew gum (if age-appropriate), yawn, or take small sips of water to reduce the feeling of clogged ears.

Trains and cars allow for flexible stops, but long travel times can easily lead to fatigue. Parents should choose travel hours that align with their child's biological clock, prioritizing times when the child is likely to sleep to minimize fussiness.

When traveling by oto, children should sit in a safety seat appropriate for their age and weight. The rear seat position is safer in crash situations and complies with current traffic safety regulations. Children should not stand or run around while the vehicle is in motion.

**Preparing medications and medical supplies**

Parents should carry a basic medicine kit including fever reducers, electrolyte rehydration solution, motion sickness medication, a thermometer, and physiological saline for nasal and throat hygiene. Children with chronic conditions such as asthma, congenital heart disease, or allergies should bring their medical records, prescriptions, and prepare for managing any emergent situations. Parents should note the regulation that liquids on airplanes are limited to 100 ml per container.

**Appropriate eating and drinking**

Children should not fast or eat excessively before boarding a plane, train, or car. Eating too much can easily cause nausea and vomiting, while fasting makes children hungry, tired, and fussy. Parents should give their child a moderate amount of easily digestible food about one to two hours before the trip. Breastfed infants should maintain their normal feeding schedule. For older children, parents should prepare suitable food in advance and avoid buying roadside food of unknown origin.

**Preventing infection in crowded places**

Young children have an underdeveloped immune system and are more susceptible to illness than adults. They should wear appropriate masks and keep their neck, chest, and feet warm in cold weather. Adults should wash children's hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer.

Parents should carry pocket-sized hand sanitizers to easily clean hands for the entire family after touching public surfaces. Maintain an appropriate distance and limit children's close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing to reduce the risk of infection.

Parents should ensure children wear masks and frequently sanitize their hands to prevent infectious diseases when traveling during Tet. *AI-generated image*.

**Ensuring appropriate activity and rest for children**

Children who sit or lie still for too long can easily become tired and irritable. Parents should take advantage of stops to let children get out of the vehicle, engage in light activity, walk around, and drink water, all under adult supervision.

On an airplane, parents can allow children to stand up and walk around the cabin (if safe) to reduce discomfort and improve blood circulation. Do not let children run around unsupervised in crowded areas. Parents' contact information should be written on a tag or in an older child's pocket in case the child gets lost. Infants should be held correctly, securely supporting their head and neck to minimize shaking and impact during sudden braking.

To reduce the risk of motion sickness, parents should seat children in a well-ventilated position with minimal vibration. Children should only use motion sickness medication as prescribed by a doctor regarding dosage and age. According to Doctor Linh, a child's fussiness during travel might be due to motion sickness or fear of crowded spaces. Parents should talk to, hug, and point out the surrounding scenery to their child.

After the trip, parents should continue to monitor their child's health. If the child shows signs of high fever, persistent coughing, rapid breathing, prolonged diarrhea, continuous vomiting, or unusual fussiness, they should be taken for an early medical examination.

Trinh Mai