12 Tips (Learned the Hard Way) for Traveling with a Small Child

Another lesson I recently learned. In my pre-cruise euphoria, while packing, I just assumed that no one would get sick or that, if they did, we could just buy the appropriate medication. Of course, my husband and I caught colds on the ship, and my son got a very bad headache one day. Children's medications were not sold anywhere on the ship, and we ended up crushing a quarter of an adult Tylenol into a cup of water for my son to drink. It worked (slowly), but the cherry-flavored liquid would have been easier and safer.

If you or your child take prescription medication, make sure that you have more than enough for the trip and that it's easy to get to. Keep it with your in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost. And, if you're going to a sunny place, make absolutely certain that you plan ahead for sun safety. Bring (and use) sunscreen for your child—SPF 30 or higher.