Summer Travel with Kids: 5 Meds to Pack
I once heard someone joke, "There's no better time to plan your vacation than during your child's illness." Truer words have never been spoken!
My kids don't get sick ALL the time, but between them and their cousins, someone always manages to be sick on every family vacation we take. Over the years, I've perfected my kid's travel med kit to keep the vacation going and prevent any midnight trips to the drugstore or spending $14.99 on a 15 mL bottle of acetaminophen at the hotel.
The Essentials
1) Fever and pain relief
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and/or ibuprofen (Motrin®) for fever, pain, teething, or the inevitable ear infection that someone will get in the middle of the night
- Check age-appropriate dosing before you pack (for example, ibuprofen is age 6 months +)
- Bring a dosing syringe or cup.
- Consider chew tablets if your children will accept them (they take up less space!)
- If traveling somewhere with lots of physical activity, consider ice packs or warm compresses for muscle aches or pains
2) Allergy relief
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec®) or loratadine (Claritin®) for combating any vacation environmental allergies, like pollen, dust, mold, or pets
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or cetirizine (Zyrtec®) for fast relief from allergic reactions, insect bites, or hives
- If you suspect your child is having a severe allergic reaction to food, drugs, insect bites, etc, contact emergency services.
- If your child has a prescription for an EpiPen®, don’t forget to pack it!
3) Stomach meds
- Electrolyte solution packets (e.g., Pedialyte®) are convenient because they are easy to pack and can be mixed with bottled water if needed
- Loperamide (Imodium): Check the age range! This medication should not be used in children under 2 years of age and should only be used in children 2-12 years old under the guidance of a pediatrician. If you think loperamide is needed, call your physician for advice first.
- Simethicone drops for gas and bloating (especially for those fussy babies)
4) Skin and first aid supplies
- Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites or rashes
- First aid wipes for convenient cleaning and antibiotic ointment
- Bandages and tweezers
- Aloe vera if you'll be taking a sunny vacation
5) Motion sickness
- Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine for Kids) is used to treat motion sickness. Check the product label to ensure your child meets the age and/or weight guidelines (these products generally have a minimum age of 2 years).
Bonus Add-ons
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ and kid-safe)
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (for children over 2 months - always read the age labels)
- Prescription meds (in original containers, with labels)
- Digital thermometer
- If it’s cold and flu season, consider packing a saline nasal spray, a nasal bulb syringe, a portable humidifier, tissues, or other necessary supplies to manage a runny nose.
Storage Tips
- Use a zippered travel bag or waterproof container to store containers in
- Avoid extreme heat—store in a cooler bag if traveling by car
- Keep meds in carry-on for flights
- Never remove product from child-proof containers
- Store medication in a place inaccessible to kids
Final Thoughts
No one wants to spend their vacation searching for a pharmacy! A travel-friendly med kit puts you in control and lets you focus on managing chaos... I mean making memories... instead of hunting down medical supplies.
Happy travels! 😄
