Keeping Your Family Safe During Holiday Travels

It’s that time of year again! The holiday season is here and you may be preparing for holiday travel with your family. When families travel during the holidays, they must contend with crowds, traffic and unfamiliar surroundings. But children's safety should always come first.

Below are 5 quick tips from Dr. Amanda Williams to keep your family safe while traveling this holiday season.

1. Always make sure your child rides in an age-appropriate car seat or booster seat, and children who no longer require car seats should always wear a seat belt.
2. If it's cold outside, children should avoid wearing bulky snowsuits or coats while strapped in their car seats. Instead, opt for a thinner coat and provide kids with a blanket to cover their lap once they are buckled in.
3. Once you get your family to where you're going, don't assume the homes of friends or relatives are childproofed. Be aware of potential risks (such as cleaners and medications) lurking behind unlocked cabinets and in unattended purses.
4. Make a laminated list of key phone numbers, such as the police and fire departments, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line. Keep this list handy for any babysitters or relatives who may be supervising children.
5. Remember that children are also not immune to anxiety. Encourage your family to stick to their normal routines and sleep schedules to help minimize stress and maximize their fun during the holiday season.

About Dr. Williams

 Dr. Amanda Williams specializes in Pediatrics at Napoleon Pediatrics. After earning her medical degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, Dr. Williams completed residency at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, LA. Dr. Williams chose to practice Pediatrics because of the continuity of care she can provide to patients from birth to early adulthood. Her goal as a physician is to ensure that her patients receive the best quality of care.