Two years ago I wrote this post after my oldest daughter returned from a fairly adventurous school trip. How quickly time has flown and now suddenly it’s my middle girl’s turn to head off on that same journey. As I ready myself to send her on her way (secretly wanting to tether her to the tarmac) I thought I’d share my approach to keeping kids healthy when traveling.
My oldest daughter went on a school trip this past Spring with her seventh grade class to the nether reaches of Central America. It was more than a little unnerving to have her leave the nest and travel so far afield. While some moms found comfort packing anti-malerial medications, bottles of Cipro, and topical antibiotics into their offspring’s luggage, I plied mine with handfuls of probiotics and strict instructions to “eat a lot of yogurt.”
Loading up on yogurt when traveling has been standard operating procedure ever since my husband and I started hauling our crew around the globe when they were little. The “good” bacteria in high quality yogurt, kefir and probiotic drinks can be a powerful tool for staving off tummy troubles. Indeed, keeping the gut healthy is essential in a strong immune system.
When it comes to choosing a yogurt, I’m not talking about the varieties with more sugar and artificial colors than anything else. Cartoon characters and colored sprinkles aren’t as likely to offer much on the nutrition front. Look for ones with less “kid appeal” that boast high levels of bacteria on the label. The words “live” and “active” cultures are good indicators of quality yogurt here in the US.
For the record, my daughter returned safe and sound, without a single bout of “traveler’s tummy.” She was only too delighted to report to her “mother, the nutritionist” how much Coca Cola they all slurpled down during the trip. “We couldn’t drink the water, mom.”
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Just found your blog through the Nutrition Blog Network and love it! Beautiful and full of good info!
Glad you found us. Thank you.
I appreciate that. Glad you found me.
Katie — I love the new look of your blog!!!
Thank You!
I am thrilled to see this advice because my toddler LOVES yogurt. In fact, when he won’t eat anything else, I find I can at least get him to eat his “gurt” (his words). I even pack it in our cooler when we are taking road trips. I’ve been feeding him YoBaby organic yogurt since he was about six months old (he’s now 19 months) and I am curious if you think this is still too sugary and if I should switch him over to plain Greek with some added fruit.
There is still a fair amount of sugar in there. You are better off buyiıng plaiın and sweetening it yourself with honey or agave or fresh fruit. You can also blend half plain into a sweetened yogurt.
totally agree! i also gave theo probiotics& told him to eat yogurt& he came back w/o a problem.
i didn’t hear about the coke at all…
Selective disclosure…
I totally agree about yogurt and probiotics when traveling. Travelers’ Tummy can really ruin a trip, so staving it off is a must. Add a Steri-Pen to treat almost any water you’ll meet, and your set for any trip.
And while this has nothing to do with yogurt and travel, I just discovered how completely simple it is to make it at home–no sugar involved.
Do tell…what’s your technique?
Katie – I totally agree with you on the yogurt thing – I ate a bunch in India and it really helped so much!