This summer, prepare your trip with AESVI’s advice

The Spanish Alliance for Children’s Road Safety (AESVI), of which Casualplay is a part, aims to improve the safety of children this summer. For this reason, in addition to the decalogue of tips for travelling by car that we shared a few weeks ago, there are these other medical recommendations given to us by Dr María Jesús Esparza, primary care paediatrician and member of the European Child Safety Alliance, and Dr Bárbara Rubio Gribble, hospital paediatrician, both members of AESVI. Until the end of August, the DGT It estimates that there will be more than 86 million long-distance journeys in our country, which will be added to short journeys. That’s why, in summer more than ever, we must be extremely safe when it comes to moving.

Preparing the trip or weekend getaway.

• Prepare everything the child may need during the trip in advance. Even if it is only a few days, if the child is under treatment or is taking medication, you should consult your pediatrician. It is always good to have a basic first aid kit for the trip and the destination with painkillers, healing material, insect repellent, etc.
• Avoid going out when a higher volume of traffic is expected, as children suffer more from the time they are in the vehicle. To avoid the hours of sunshine and take advantage of the child’s sleep periods, it is advisable to go out first thing in the morning so that they are asleep as long as possible.
• A matter of vital importance: under no circumstances, never, should the little ones be left alone inside the vehicle, even if we leave an opening in the window, not even to run a quick errand. In the hot months, the temperature inside the car can rise by 10 to 15 degrees in less than 15 minutes, which can cause the child to suffer from heat stroke, sometimes fatal.

During the trip. Some tips to remember.

• Always carry your child in their child restraint system, no matter how short the journey. And check that its installation is correct, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always respect traffic rules, adjusting speed to the circumstances of the road and traffic.
• Avoid distractions at the wheel. When driving, do not manipulate the browser or mobile. Avoid making calls and, if you have to make them, keep them short and always with a hands-free system.
• When traveling with children, it is recommended that there is an adult, in addition to the driver, so that they can attend and distract the little ones without disturbing the driver.
• Preview games, stories, songs… to distract the children. This will help them to get less seasick and make the trip shorter.
• Bring water and some light food for the children.
• Travel with a temperature of between 21 and 23 degrees inside the vehicle, and prevent the child from receiving direct air conditioning.
• During the trip, stop every two hours. It is convenient for both the driver and the passengers, especially if they are children. Moving freely for a few minutes will help the little ones to be calmer when they are put back in their car seat to continue the journey.

At the place of destination.

• When getting in or out of the vehicle, do not forget to keep an eye on the children. At times such as loading or unloading luggage we can divert the attention of the little ones, and we can suffer risky situations. Children should always be supervised.
• Especially in the surroundings of swimming pools, you should never stop keeping an eye on children.
• Children should not be left to dive into the water alone in places where the depth is not known.
• Avoid exposure to the sun in the middle of the day and protect the skin with clothing and/or cream with sunscreen appropriate to the skin and age of the child. It is also advisable to wear caps or hats and sunglasses.
• To prevent a breakdown in digestion (hydrocution), large meals before bathing and sudden changes in temperature should be avoided. It is necessary to cool down after exercising always before immersing yourself in cold water.
• If it is very hot, they should hydrate regularly. Water is the most suitable drink.

And above all, enjoy the little ones! There is no better time to share our time with them. Of course, always with security.