We are in the holiday season, often used to spend special days with grandparents in another country. Traveling with children is undoubtedly a wonderful opportunity for joyful family time, discovery, and creating beautiful memories. At the same time, it carries health challenges that may only become apparent when a problem arises. Food safety is the first line of defense in protecting children from illnesses that could ruin a trip and turn a pleasant experience into a health burden for the whole family.
For this reason, parents must make conscious and well-informed decisions about what their children eat while traveling. Pediatric consultant Dr. Hafsa Yamak, who specializes in food safety during travel with children, offers the following guidance and advice for mothers and families.
First Essential Steps in Preparing for Travel
Learn About the Nature of Your Destination
Before traveling with children, there are several necessary preparatory steps to follow:
Learn about the destination in advance, including the types of food available and the ease of access to clean water and healthy food options suitable for children.
Create a nutrition plan that matches the child’s age and usual eating routine, along with simple preparations you can make before traveling.
Clean water is the most important preventive step. Contaminated water is one of the most common causes of diarrhea and digestive illnesses in children during travel. Always use sealed bottled water for drinking, preparing infant formula and food, brushing teeth, and even rinsing fruits.
If safe water is unavailable, boil the water for at least one minute before use to kill most microorganisms.
Avoid ice if the water source is unknown, as many medical cases are linked to contaminated ice.
Maintain general and personal hygiene, which works hand in hand with food safety. Paying attention to children’s hand hygiene, body cleanliness, and surroundings significantly enhances overall health.
Teach children the importance of washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom, and to avoid uncovered, dirty food or unwashed and unpeeled fruits.
Safe Foods Recommended During Travel
One important medical rule is that hot, well-cooked food is the safest, as sufficient heat kills most germs. Dr. Hafsa explains that safe options include freshly cooked rice and pasta, fully cooked meat and chicken, hot soups, and boiled or steamed vegetables for infants.
For fruits, it is best to choose peelable fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges. Fresh juices should be avoided for children unless they are prepared in front of you using clean, sanitized tools.
Foods to Avoid to Protect Your Child’s Health
Trying new foods can be tempting as part of the travel adventure, but for children, even a small hygiene mistake can lead to serious complications. Certain foods are linked to a higher risk of food poisoning in children and should be avoided during travel, including:
Raw foods and salads prepared in untrusted places
Undercooked meat or fish (such as lightly grilled or quickly fried items)
Undercooked eggs
Ice cream from unknown sources
Unpasteurized dairy products
Food sold by street vendors or left uncovered for long periods
Additionally, any food with an unpleasant smell or taste should be avoided, as this may indicate spoilage or contamination.
How to Choose the Right Restaurant While Traveling
The golden rule for families is to focus on cleanliness, as it usually reflects kitchen hygiene. Choose restaurants with a good reputation and observe the cleanliness of tables and utensils.
Food should be served hot and freshly cooked. It is preferable to eat during peak hours rather than late in the day to reduce the time between food preparation and consumption. Open buffets, in particular, should be approached with caution, as food may be left at unsafe temperatures that promote bacterial growth. Ensure food is regularly replaced and properly covered.
Special Tips for Infants While Traveling
Infants are the most vulnerable to complications from gastrointestinal infections. Parents are encouraged to rely on breastfeeding whenever possible, as it is the safest option. Breast milk is naturally sterile, requires no preparation, and contains immune properties that protect against diarrhea.
Additional tips include:
Prepare infant formula with safe water, and regularly clean and sterilize bottles and nipples. Carry enough formula from your home country to avoid switching brands, which may cause digestive issues.
Avoid introducing new foods during travel to prevent allergies or digestive disturbances at inconvenient times.
Carry small packs of wet wipes instead of large ones for easy portability.
Bring small trash or paper bags for waste disposal; leak-proof bags can also be used in case of vomiting.
Carry small containers to store opened snacks for later use.
Pack one or two easy-to-clean, plastic-coated bibs instead of cloth ones.
If possible, bring colorful foods, as attractive-looking food may help calm a fussy infant and encourage eating.
Stock enough of your child’s favorite snacks to help soothe them when needed.
Recommended Foods to Carry While Traveling
If you are wondering what foods are suitable for infants and young children during travel, here is a helpful checklist:
Infant formula: Carry enough supply or ensure the same brand is available at your destination.
Fruits: Suitable for babies over six months. Check which fruits are allowed when traveling internationally. Carry unripe fruits to ripen upon arrival.
Cakes and biscuits: Easy to pack and carry. Homemade or familiar brands are ideal.
Cheese: Cheese slices or small cubes make convenient snacks.
Cereals: One of the easiest foods to carry. Can be eaten dry or with milk.
Food mixes: Baby porridge or breakfast mixes prepared at home and packed in small bags.
Corn snacks and sesame bars: Dry, easy to carry, non-messy, and long-lasting.
Foods to Avoid Carrying During Travel
Wet foods such as drinks, milk, or creamy foods, as they may spill and create mess.
Greasy foods, which may leak oil, cause unpleasant odors, or upset the child’s stomach.
Small food particles that may cause choking, especially during movement.
New foods that the child has not tried before. Test them at home at least two weeks prior to travel.
Additional Travel Preparation Tips
Pack bottled water, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, peelable fruits, and sealed healthy snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and crackers.
Always carry oral rehydration solution for children in case of diarrhea.
Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations for your destination, such as the typhoid vaccine, which is usually given weeks before travel and provides added protection against foodborne illnesses.
Know the addresses of nearby hospitals at your destination and carry any relevant medical reports for your child in case of emergencies such as persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
By following these precautions, families can enjoy their travels with greater peace of mind, ensuring a safe, healthy, and memorable holiday for both parents and children.
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