Travelsprouts

Parents often ask what can they do to prevent young children from catching colds during air travel. While no one really knows if, indeed, flying increases the risk of catching colds, there is a safe technique that may decrease the risk (if it exists) and also make infants more comfortable: saline nose drops or sprays.Read more

“No need ever to wear shoes in our resort,” says the ad for an idyllic, upscale, family-friendly tropical beach resort. Alas, if only true! Footwear - plus other precautions - is essential at all beaches, at home and in the tropics, with tropical beaches requiring some extra precautions. Call it sand pollution. Researchers have known aboutRead more

Hey Mom! Make room in your already bulging diaper bag for one additional item, sunglasses. For your infant. The earlier children begin to wear “shades” the less likely they are to have cataracts and other eye problems when they become grandparents. 1. Any old shades won’t do. Infants’ eyes are especially susceptible to the sun.Read more

In national parks, your family’s health and safety are your responsibility. The National Park Service (NPS) has two missions: minimizing mishaps for visitors and maintaining a pristine wilderness. All large parks have experts to monitor safety conditions. But the wilderness, by its very nature, has inherent dangers with wild animals roaming free and “land inRead more

You need not travel halfway around the world to acquire “travelers” diarrhea. A short trip to your neighborhood recreational water facility may suffice. But if indeed someone does become ill, don’t panic. Hold off on treating. Most cases get better by themselves, while medication may cause harm - especially for children. 1. All recreational waterRead more

At home, putting infants to sleep is a no-brainer. You place them in their crib - and pray they’ll sleep all night. But when traveling, there are many do’s and don’ts regarding sleep safety and getting infants to sleep in new surroundings, the latter often a real hassle. 1. Never “co-sleep,” even for a nightRead more

1. Can newborns travel safely by air? Commercial jets are safe for healthy newborns. However, infants with a history of serious medical issues (significant premature birth or heart and lung problems around the time of birth), for the first year, even if the infant shows no symptoms, may have difficulty compensating for lower oxygen concentrations atRead more

Infant car safety seats are life savers when correctly used, reducing traffic-related fatalities by about 70%. But the seats are responsible for numerous problems and, rarely, deaths when inappropriately used away from cars. Moreover, car seat plus baby is heavy. Improper carrying can cause you, the carrier, needless aches and pains. 1. In the US,Read more

It’s all in the tone of your voice when you tell someone, “Go take a hike!” Are you telling them to “Get lost!” or are you recommending that they adopt a healthier lifestyle? Hiking benefits both kids and adults, combining exercise, quality togetherness and exposure to the outdoors. Hiking requires little or no equipment, isRead more

Having your kids wear sunglasses when the ground is covered with snow is as important as having them wear them on a summer day at the beach – perhaps even more so. Wearing the right winter sunglasses prevents snow blindness and, more important, helps prevent cataracts in later life. 1. “Snow blindness” is not exactlyRead more