Having a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving 2021
As November draws to a close, the holiday season is upon us again. This week, people across the nation will be celebrating turkey day. For travelers, here are some tips for having a happy and safe Thanksgiving 2021.
Pandemic Woes for Thanksgiving 2021
Try as we might to avoid it, we are still in the midst of a pandemic. No matter your vaccination status, it is still important to take certain precautions. Now, while children’s safety is our highest priority, the Child Safety Blog is not a medical source. Fortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released updated safety guidelines for celebrating the holidays. Overall, this page is a great start for anyone looking for further health information.
Flying High for Turkey Time
Additionally, the CDC recommends that any people who are planning to travel should try to do so as safely as possible. Wearing a mask and practicing social distancing is still recommended. These CDC tips for having a happy and safe Thanksgiving 2021 dovetail nicely with our earlier post about traveling with children.
Above all, airports can be quite crowded during the holidays. To make sure you arrive on time, plan ahead and anticipate potential delays. For extra comfort, pack some extra snacks and clothes, just in case you end up stuck in an airport. For your child, some favorite toys will keep them occupied.
Beyond this, be sure to keep a hold of any necessary medications your child may need to take on a regular basis. TSA regulations may affect your packing, so be sure to look these up ahead of time.
Hitting the Road for a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving 2021
Instead of the airlines, many folks will be traveling by car. As with the airport, it pays to plan ahead. The roads can be surprisingly jam-packed during the holiday weekend.
Beyond heavy traffic, there are plenty of the hazards that can get in the way of a happy and safe Thanksgiving 2021. For one, drowsy drivers can be a serious danger. Lots of people will be driving for long hours over massive distances.
All drivers should stay alert at all times. Before getting into the car, be sure to have plenty of rest. If you become drowsy along the way, pull over and get some rest. It is better to arrive a bit late than not arrive at all.
Car Seat Safety
Aside from the drivers, let’s talk about your little ones. For kids small enough to need a car safety seat, there are extra precautions to take. First, don’t layer a child in bulky clothes before loading them into the car seat. Believe it or not, this can actually reduce the safety capabilities of the device. Too much bulk can let a child jostle around or feel more of the impact from a crash.
Instead, take off the child’s coat before buckling in. Next, get the seatbelts properly strapped in. Then, lay the coat over your little one, much like a blanket. This will help to still keep them warm, but without interfering with the seat’s impact protection.
For more information, you can read our full blog post about how to properly use a car safety seat.