First aid for your baby on holiday

First aid on holiday

Remember to get your international health insurance documents for the whole family. A visit to the doctor can be expensive. Don’t forget to take your vaccination pass.

Risk of sunburn

For your baby, any sunburn is not only unpleasant and painful, it also increases the risk of skin cancer.


It is true that “Your skin never forgets.”

The risk of developing skin cancer is increased by repeated sunburn and promoted by frequent UV exposure, especially during childhood and early adolescence. One reason is that the repair mechanisms for sun-induced skin injuries are not yet fully developed in babies and small children.

In addition, the skin is already damaged some time before the actual sunburn is evident. The risk of long-term damage such as skin cancer is already increased even before skin reddening becomes visible.

Avoid this risk by managing sun exposure in a responsible way (see: Tips for exposure to the sun).

And if sunburn should still occur one day:

Use compresses with cool water, diluted black tea or buttermilk for light burns. Cooling lotions or creams can also alleviate pain. Never use fatty or oily creams! In serious cases (especially if combined with symptoms such as vomiting, shivering and fever) your child must see a doctor.

Insect stings

Put onion slices on the affected area or cool with water, iced water or anti-allergen gels. In case of insect stings in the mouth and throat area, give your child ice cubes or an ice lolly to suck and see a doctor immediately.

Constipation

Very often a few spoonfuls of peach, pear or apricot juice will help. This will have a stool-loosening effect. In more persistent cases, please seek the advice of a doctor. Ensure that the baby gets plenty of fluids.

First aid kit

This is what you should have with you:

  • Thermometer and suppositories against fever
  • Electrolyte solution in case of diarrhoea
  • Dressing material, plasters, tweezers
  • Wound disinfectant, gel/ointment for insect stings and sunburn
  • Any medication your baby regularly needs. Emergency kit in your hand luggage!