It's time to start thinking about that Fall vacation. For our family a long awaited trip to Europe is on the itinerary. In preparation, I am already running the packing list through my head. What will I need to pack in my carry-on or checked luggage? Will I check luggage? What supplies will I need flying over the Atlantic? It's the start of cold and flu season - what should I consider for potential in-flight illness?

With fees charged for checked baggage and the fear of lost luggage, carry-on luggage has become even more important. I cannot stress enough the importance of packing the carry-on with proper supplies. What if your checked luggage never arrives? What if you are diverted to another city? What if the stores are closed for the night when you arrive?

So, what should be in the carry-on luggage?

Pack wisely to cover the needs of the entire family for 24 hours. Yes, really, 24 hours. Your family, your responsibility. If all goes well, you will have unused supplies in your bag, great for getting started at your destination. Providing for your traveling family will leave you with the peace of mind that you're prepared for the practical side of travel: I like to call this packable peace.

To achieve packable peace, make sure your carry-on has the right pieces! The carry-on bag should provide for the following needs: Hunger, Thirst, Boredom, Medical Needs (Over the counter and prescription medications), Anxiety, and Tired Travelers.

Meet these needs by paying attention to 3 necessities: Medication, Food & Beverage, and Toys & Entertainment

Why would your healthy child need medication? Unfortunately little ones easily pick up viruses because they suck on toys and hands - quickly spreading viruses. These viruses incubate (multiply quietly) for a couple days without our knowledge. Symptoms can appear and escalate quickly when you least expect it.

The immune system revs up and develops a fever as a way of fighting germs. Fevers are actually a good sign the body is working against the invading virus or bacteria. However, fevers above 102 can make a child uncomfortable and in some children, high fevers can cause a seizure. Consult with your physician at what temperature to medicate your child. Realize that infants under 3 months rarely get fevers and they can quickly become seriously ill with a fever. Consult your physician before administering any medication to your child.

If the child is uncomfortable or the fever is rising dangerously high (brain damage can occur at temperatures greater than 105 F.), your physician may advise you to administer some anti-pyretic (fever lowering) medication such as Infant Acetaminophen. Never give children under age 16 aspirin.

So what happens if you are flying at 37,000 feet and your child is miserable with a high fever or illness? Don't count on the airlines to provide you with infant/child medication. Although there is a medical kit onboard, it may not contain infant/child dose medication.

I recently interviewed Dr. Brian Moore, Pediatric/Neonatal Medical Director of Med Flight Air Ambulance. In his previous experience as a pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic hospital in Rochester, MN, he completed a study entitled "Pediatric Emergencies on a US-Based Commercial Airline". Through his research, it was determined that airlines do not provide adequate medication for infants. In fact, the conclusion of the study was "the emergency medical kits should be expanded to include pediatric medications" (Lipincott Williams & Wilkins 2005).

Don't count on others to provide for your precious child and her basic needs.

Medications vary per child and situation. Please consult with your physician before administering any medications to your child.

Consider the following health issues when packing your carry-on:

• Fevers
  Fevers are a sign that the body is defending itself against an invasion. However, high fevers can be dangerous. Consult with your physician at what temperature it is recommended to administer medication to reduce a fever.
  Packable Pieces: Infant/Children's Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen


• Teething
  Teething symptoms can occur unexpectedly. If traveling with any child of teething age, prepare ahead of time! Those rosy cheeks and drooling mouths can happen quickly and be miserable for everyone. Packable Pieces: Hyland's Teething Gel/Tablets, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Teething Rings, Washcloths (wet down with cool water)


• Difficulty Breathing
  Whether due to congestion, asthma, or an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing is scary for everyone involved. Identify the cause. Carry along asthma inhalers if they have been prescribed. According to Dr. Moore, too often inhalers get packed in the checked luggage and are not available when needed. Don't do this! Consult with your physician regarding the following: Packable Pieces: Asthma Inhaler, Epi Pen, Saline drops to loosen mucous, CleanNoz to remove congestion


• Stomach Flu
  Nobody likes to get sick in flight, and having the stomach flu or motion sickness can be miserable for all. Prepare ahead of time! Locate the "barf bag" in seat pocket. Packable Pieces: Yak Pack - cleans up and deals quickly with odor, Ginger Tablets, Queasy Drops/Pops, Preggie Drops/Pops, No Cooties (effective odor control spray)


• Ear Pain
  Ask your physician if a prescription for the EarPopper is appropriate. This deals quickly and easily with ear pain, fullness, and hearing loss related to recurrent ear infections, altitude pressure changes, and fluid in the ear. Gummy Worms can be effective to get a toddler or preschooler to chew, opening the mouth and helping to open the Eustachian tubes. *Developmentally appropriate adult supervision required to prevent choking. Be cautious about using techniques with hot water in cups. Hot water has been known to cause burns inside the ear. **For active ear infections, please consult with physician whether the pressure changes of flying are contraindicated. A burst eardrum is excruciatingly painful and not something easy to deal with on an airplane.
  Packable Pieces: EarPopper, Gummy Worms


• Blood Clots
  Parents and grandparents, consider wearing compression socks (I like TravelSox), drink fluids, do in-seat exercises, and be aware of any shortness of breath, pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or bluish/white discoloration in the legs for weeks following the flight. Blood clots are dangerous when they dislodge and travel to heart, brain, or lungs. Packable Piece: TravelSox

Food & Beverage
Do not rely on the airlines for basic needs. Hydration and food must be carried on-board. True, it is a nuisance that you can't bring water bottles through security, but you can purchase water or juice after security. Always, always bring water, even if you are not a water drinker. Never rely on the airlines to have enough non-dehydrating fluids for each passenger. Delays and rerouting of flights happen; be prepared and have at least enough for your family to drink. You can always dilute juice with water, or add juice to water bottles for more flavor.

Pack at least one bottle per passenger (minimum).

How about food? Yes! You need to pack snacks and food for your family. Pack healthier food options and avoid sugar.
Packable Pieces: Almonds, Grapes, Granola Bars (I like Clif Bars), Cherry Tomatoes, Apples, Bananas, Macaroni and Cheese in Thermos, Fruit snacks, Peanut butter crackers. Use the IcyBag for chilled foods: Cheese Sticks and Sandwiches *Use caution with foods that are a choking hazard.

Packable Pieces for Toddlers/Preschoolers: Totally Tape/Painters Tape, Video iPod With Noise Canceling Headphones, Magna Doodle, Books (Sticker, Airplane, Favorite, Activity), Russian Dolls/Stackable Cups, Magnetic Tins, Pipe Cleaners

The needs of every traveling family member must be considered to pack a sufficient carry-on. Are you sensitive to noise? Pack noise-canceling headphones. Tend to get bored easily? Pack a variety of flight friendly activities. Flying during naptime? Pack bedtime books, pajamas, and a favorite stuffed animal.

Most important? Provide basic safety for every passenger - regardless of age. For infants, purchase a seat and bring along the car seat. For children 22-44lbs., the 1 lb. CARES harness is a wonderful, "worth every penny and more" investment for keeping kids safe while flying. Don't fly much? Share the cost with a few families and rotate using the harness on family flights.

When the carry-on is packed to meet the needs of your family, your happiness and health won't depend on the supplies or advocacy of the airport or airlines. For a carry-on list from Jet With Kids, click here.

Take care of your family - plan ahead!