4 Tips from an Expert on Kid-Safe Travel

Traveling with children can be stressful, and safety is surely at the top of everyone’s mind — especially parents who are already doing a balancing act of making travel fun and enjoyable for the whole family. Lia Tuso, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, understands the difficulties parents have to navigate.

After learning her newborn son’s car seat was improperly — and unsafely — installed, she embarked on a journey to share information and resources with parents who experience the difficulties of traveling with little ones — managing car seats, strollers and carry-ons; and navigating airlines policies, TSA policies and FAA regulations, not to mention the normal bumps in the road when traveling like delays and cancellations. To shed some light on this important subject, she shared some much-needed tips to make travel safe and successful for families.

Take Safety into Your Own Hands
Tuso has concerns about the emphasis the airline industry places on child safety. “While they provide customers with the option to hold an infant in-lap, they do not clearly disclose the risks involved during the booking process.” Tuso urges parents and caregivers not to think holding an infant in your lap is a family perk of flying, and to instead take steps for a safer option, such as using a car seat during the flight. “Some airlines are better than others in supporting car seat use, but overall, cabin crew and flight attendants are not well versed on car seat use,” she added. Part of her work is to advocate for harmonized policies, clearer communication from airlines, and improved training for flight attendants regarding in-flight child restraints. Tuso also encourages parents and travel operators to follow safety guidelines for all modes of travel, including cars and trains.

Be Prepared
“Do your research ahead of time. Know your airline’s car seat policy, TSA rules and what to expect at your destination. I also encourage caregivers to look into the amenities your airport may provide, such as sensory rooms and even indoor playzones! The more prepared you are, the smoother your journey will be. Another game-changer is to “read, watch, and learn” with your child before you go. Reading books about airplanes, watching videos of airport security, and role-playing travel scenarios at home can help ease anxiety and build excitement, making the experience more familiar and enjoyable for your little one.”

Tuso’s advice is a great way to involve your little ones in the travel experience, giving them agency and getting them excited about their upcoming trip. It also addresses the fact children experience fear and anxiety just as we do but may not be able to control it or express it appropriately. Preparing them ahead of time and educating them on what to expect can not only help them alleviate these emotions but also give them the chance to talk about their concerns with you so you know what specific ones they have.

Don’t Forget the Travel Insurance
When it comes to traveling with families, Tuso strongly recommends using travel insurance, citing unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies and lost luggage as issues that can easily turn a well-planned trip upside down. Many credit cards, as Tuso points out, offer a certain degree of travel insurance, but companies like Allianz Travel Insurance provide reliable support, while companies like Global Rescue offer specialized medical evacuation support for high-risk destinations and itineraries like African safaris or ski trips.

Take Advantage of Available Resources
Tuso is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to traveling safely with kids and has plenty of resources to share, including a free ebook she created called Safe Skies: Your Guide to Child Passenger Safety in the Air. You can find things like car seat safety resources on her website, but she also encourages parents to utilize readily available government resources like the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which allows you to register your international trip with the State Department so you can be immediately notified of any concerns in the region you are traveling through and get faster assistance if there is a major crisis during your trip like a natural disaster, civil unrest or family emergency.