There is no substitute for taking proper medical advice though and this is a few pointers but in no way medical advice or definitive.
What if my child is ill when on holiday?
Making sure you have got adequate health insurance is essential. Even if you are going to a country that has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, you may still need to pay for medical treatment. None of the healthcare agreements cover the cost of bringing a person back home in the event of illness or death.
Make sure you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you're in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.The EHIC is the replacement for the E111.
Don't forget to take your health insurance policy number and the 24 hour helpline number for your insurance.
When to call the doctor
Signs of illness are always a worry especially if your child is very small. Knowing when to call the doctor is difficult, below are five symptoms that should not be ignored but the most important thing is to trust your judgement. You know your child better than anyone else, if you are worried; call the doctor even if it turns out there is nothing wrong this will put your mind at rest.
Five symptoms that should not be ignored
High-pitched inconsolable crying lasting two to three hours
This could mean that your baby is in pain or has a neurological problem. This cry is qualitatively different from the usual screaming that every baby does, even if he's colicky. This cry is a high-pitched screeching and doesn't seem to let up at all.
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Your baby is at risk from dehydration if they are unable to keep down clear liquids even when given in small amounts, vomiting is accompanied by watery diarrhoea, they refuse to drink any liquid, vomiting lasts more than eight hours in a baby under 6 months or more than 12 hours in an older infant or toddler or if it is very hot outside.
High temperatures
A very high temperature above 39°C especially if there is a rash needs attention. If your baby is over 3 months old consider if you can give him paracetamol (Calpol) or ibuprofen to reduce the fever or discomfort if you wish and read the instructions on the packet for the dosage based on your child's age and weight.
Difficulty in breathing, breathing fast or grunting
Young babies react the same way as older infants do when they have breathing problems - by breathing harder and faster. However, they become exhausted more quickly and have difficulty keeping up with the demand for faster breathing that result from chest or heart problems. Anything over 60 breaths per minute is considered fast for a young infant.
Unusually drowsy, hard to wake or does not seem to know you
Useful first aid items to take with you
If your child is on regular prescription medication, remember to stock up before you go on holiday. Carry them in your in-flight bag in case you get separated from your luggage. You may need to find out if there are any restrictions on taking your medicines in and out of Ireland and the UK or the country you are visiting - some medicines available over the counter in the UK may be controlled in other countries, and vice versa. Ask the relevant embassy or high commission, or check the Home Office website.
You might need a letter from your doctor giving details about the medicine.
Make sure you take your child's personal child health record book. Always carry medicines in a correctly labelled container.
Other useful things to take with you include:
A forehead thermometer - these are heat-sensitive plastic strips which you hold against your child's forehead and are cheap and easy to pack, but digital thermometers are more accurate.
Baby paracetamol which is useful for lowering fever and easing pain.
Calpol Infant Suspension is a paracetamol based product that's gentle on the tummy and good for mild to moderate pain and fever.
Antiseptic wipes
Plasters for cuts and grazes
Tweezers for removing splinters
Insect repellent - Ask your pharmacist which one is most suitable for your child
Calamine lotion to soothe insect bites, rashes and sunburn
Rehydration powder - vital for preventing dehydration caused by diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Some brands are made just for babies.
We have joined together with tinytotsaway to offer you a great family friendly service. With increasingly tighter airline regulations and no luggage allowance at all for infants less than two years of age, this service allows you to order ahead of time, saves you the hassle of shopping and carrying it to check in and also keeps track of it. Tinytotsaway has shared this guide with us for your benefit.
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