Traveling with kids can be both challenging and rewarding. With all the logistics that parents are juggling, safety can sometimes slip through the cracks. Whether on the road, in a hotel or sightseeing, these safety tips for traveling with kids can help parents keep security in front of mind.

On the Road

Keeping your family safe while on the road starts with small but essential steps. These safety tips for traveling with kids can greatly reduce travel-related risks.

• Correctly installed car seats are essential. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers in passenger cars. Research the car seat regulations for each destination you’ll be visiting, as each state sets its own age, weight and height criteria.
• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, bulky clothing on infants in car seats can lead to an increased risk of injury. Instead, wrap a blanket around an infant over the harness straps.
• Make sure everyone in the car is buckled up for every ride, even if it is a quick trip around the corner.
• Never leave children unsupervised, not even briefly.
• Use child safety locks to prevent children from opening doors from the inside.
• Parking lots and garages are highly vulnerable to crimes such as theft and physical violence. Park in a well-lit area.

Out and About

Traveling often means visiting new, and often crowded, places with your children. Make a plan that will keep kids safe when sightseeing and exploring.

• Start each day by snapping a photo of your child with your cell phone. This can aid authorities in locating them swiftly.
• In case your children get separated from you, equip them with the knowledge they need to stay safe starting with establishing a designated meeting place.
• Teach your child to find an employee or another mom (those are easy to spot) and ask for help. If employees wear any type of identification, show them how to identify it.
• Have kids memorize at least one parent’s name and phone number so they can recite it to emergency personnel. 
• Remind children to be aware of their surroundings by avoiding distractions such as using headphones or reading a cell phone when walking.
• Talk to your child about stranger danger and people who are considered safe strangers such as police officers. The National Crime Prevention Council provides tips for teaching kids about strangers and how to handle dangerous situations.
• In crowded areas, especially with younger children, hold hands. If you are not able to walk side by side, one parent should be positioned in front and one in back. 
• Dress your family in bright vibrant colors to enhance visibility in crowded settings. This simple precaution makes it easier to keep track of each other, even in bustling tourist hotspots.
• Consider using tracking technology.  Wearable GPS devices come with a wide range of capabilities.

Hotel Safety

When staying at a hotel or Airbnb, these safety tips for traveling with kids will make your stay at your home away from home more enjoyable.

• Ensure locks are secure and use any additional latches provided. Teach children not to open the door for anyone without an adult present. A doorstop can also prevent little ones from opening the door on their own.
• Discuss with kids what to do in case of an emergency, including how to identify hotel staff for help.
• Familiarize yourself with the hotel’s emergency exits and talk to older children about how to follow evacuation signs.
• Teach children about elevator safety, including staying put if they get separated from you and waiting for you if they find themselves alone.

Travel Safely with Kids

Whether you are traveling with your kids around our great state of Florida or heading to other beautiful regions, the Florida Sheriffs Association is committed to helping you stay informed and safe.