Planning a family holiday is an exciting experience — but when you’re travelling with children, it’s wise to expect the unexpected, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. From minor cuts and bruises to motion sickness or food-related tummy troubles, kids can experience a whole host of minor ailments while on the go.
Whether you’re heading to the British coast, exploring Europe, or jetting off to a far-flung destination, it’s essential to be well-prepared with health essentials for the journey. Fortunately, with a bit of forward planning and advice from your local pharmacy, you can ensure your holiday runs smoothly — no matter what comes your way.
Here are the top pharmacy travel tips for families with kids, curated to help parents feel confident and prepared when venturing away from home.
1. Create a Child-Friendly Travel First Aid Kit
Every family should travel with a basic first aid kit, but when you have children, it’s especially important to tailor it to their needs.
Essentials to pack:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen (sugar-free suspension for children)
- Digital thermometer
- Plasters and antiseptic wipes
- Antihistamine syrup or tablets (age-appropriate)
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS) for dehydration
- Anti-diarrhoeal medication (for older children only, and with GP/pharmacist approval)
- Insect repellent and after-bite cream
- Child-safe sunscreen (SPF 30 or above, ideally water-resistant)
- Any prescribed medication, clearly labelled and in its original packaging
Tip: Ask your community pharmacist to help you build a tailored first aid kit for your child’s age and health needs.
2. Be Medication-Savvy When Flying
Airports and airlines have specific rules when it comes to travelling with medicines, particularly liquids.
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Keep all medicines in their original containers
- Carry a GP letter if you’re travelling with controlled drugs (e.g. for ADHD or epilepsy)
- Liquid medicines over 100ml must be declared at airport security — check if they’re allowed in hand luggage
- Always pack essential medicines in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage
Also, some countries have strict regulations about bringing in medications, even those you consider basic. It’s worth checking with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website or embassy of your destination.
3. Stick to Your Child’s Medication Schedule
Crossing time zones, changing routines, or being constantly on the move can make it hard to keep up with regular medication times.
Tips for staying on track:
- Use a travel-friendly medication planner
- Set alarms on your phone to remind you of doses
- If you’re changing time zones, speak to your pharmacist about how to adjust timings safely
For critical medications (like insulin or anticonvulsants), planning dosage timings with a pharmacist before departure is vital.
4. Be Wary of Food and Water Hygiene
Children can be more susceptible to tummy upsets, especially when eating unfamiliar food or drinking tap water abroad.
Your pharmacist may recommend:
- Water purification tablets or filtered water bottles
- Probiotic supplements to support gut health
- ORS sachets in case of diarrhoea or vomiting
- Gentle anti-nausea medication suitable for children
Always encourage kids to wash their hands regularly and opt for freshly cooked foods from trusted sources.
5. Maintain Good Hygiene on the Move
Travelling often means frequent stops, public toilets, and surfaces that haven’t been sanitised. For children who love to touch everything, hygiene is key.
Hygiene essentials:
- Hand sanitiser (minimum 60% alcohol)
- Antibacterial wipes for high-contact surfaces like plane trays, hotel remotes, etc.
- Pocket tissues
- Mini first-aid spray for on-the-go clean-ups
Keep these items in an easily accessible bag or pouch for use during transit and excursions.
6. Prepare for Motion Sickness and Travel Anxiety
Long car rides, bumpy ferry crossings, or turbulence on a plane can be a recipe for travel sickness — especially for children.
Pharmacy solutions include:
- Travel sickness tablets (some are suitable for children over 2)
- Seabands (acupressure wristbands)
- Natural remedies like ginger chews or lozenges
- Distraction tools: music, audiobooks, colouring books, or tablets with headphones
For anxiety, particularly in children who are nervous flyers, speak to your GP or pharmacist about mild sedatives or calming techniques suitable for their age.
7. Speak to Your Pharmacist Before You Go
Your local community pharmacist is an excellent (and often underutilised) travel health resource. They can:
- Review your child’s current medications
- Advise on travel vaccinations or preventative medicines (e.g. malaria tablets)
- Suggest safe alternatives if you can’t carry liquids
- Provide advice on managing allergies, especially food-related ones
Many UK pharmacies also offer travel health consultations — book one a few weeks before departure for peace of mind.
8. Know Where to Get Help Abroad
It’s always best to prepare for worst-case scenarios.
Before you leave:
- Research local pharmacies, GPs, and hospitals at your destination
- Download any relevant health apps that help locate nearby medical services
- Check whether your travel insurance includes paediatric care and emergency prescriptions
- Keep a printout of your child’s medications and doses in your wallet
It’s also helpful to learn a few key health-related phrases in the local language or have a translation app handy.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with children can be an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, bonding, and discovery — but nothing derails a trip faster than an avoidable health issue.
By taking just a little extra time to prepare your pharmacy essentials, and working with a trusted pharmacist, you’ll be ready to handle bumps, sniffles, or surprises with confidence.
So go ahead — pack the swimsuits, grab the passports, and don’t forget the plasters. Because when your family’s health is looked after, your holiday memories are all the better for it.
