Holiday Travel with Kids: Pediatrician-Approved Tips for a Safer, Calmer Season

Holiday travel can be full of excitement—family gatherings, special traditions, and memories your children will carry for years. But for parents, traveling with kids often comes with a long list of worries: flight delays, packed highways, schedule disruptions, and keeping little ones comfortable, healthy, and safe along the way.

If the thought of traveling with kids this holiday season sends chills down your spine, you’re not alone. At The Children’s Clinic, we hear this concern from families across Jackson, TN and West Tennessee every year. The good news is that a little preparation—and a few pediatrician-approved strategies—can go a long way toward making holiday travel smoother and safer for everyone.

Below are practical, realistic tips to help reduce stress, protect your child’s health, and keep holiday travel from becoming overwhelming.

Start with Health and Prevention

Before packing bags or booking tickets, it’s important to think about your child’s health.

Get Up-to-Date on Vaccines

Holiday travel often means exposure to larger crowds, whether you’re flying, stopping at rest areas, or attending family gatherings. Making sure your child is up to date on recommended vaccines helps protect them—and everyone around them—from seasonal illnesses.

If you’re traveling internationally, some destinations may require additional vaccines. A quick check-in with your pediatrician can help ensure your child is protected before you leave.

Prepare for Air Travel Challenges

Flying with kids adds a unique set of concerns, especially during busy holiday seasons.

Help Prevent Ear Pain

Changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing can cause ear discomfort for babies and young children. Offering a bottle, pacifier, or cup to suck on during these moments can help relieve pressure and reduce pain.

For older children, chewing gum or sipping water can have a similar effect.

Expect Delays—and Plan for Them

Flight delays happen more often during the holidays. Pack extra snacks, diapers, wipes, medications, and comfort items in your carry-on so you’re not caught unprepared.

Use the Right Car Seat—Every Time

Whether you’re driving long distances or flying and renting a car, proper car seat use is critical.

Choose the Correct Car Seat

Make sure your child’s car seat is appropriate for their age, height, and weight. If you’re flying, remember that you’ll still need a car seat at your destination. Many airlines allow you to gate-check a car seat at no additional cost.

Dress for Safety

Winter layers are helpful for warmth—but bulky coats should always be removed before placing your child in a car seat. Thick padding can compress during a crash, creating dangerous slack in the harness. Instead, buckle your child snugly and place a blanket over them for warmth after they’re secured.

Balance Screen Time (Yes, It’s Okay on Travel Days)

Travel days aren’t normal days—and that’s okay.

Flex Screen Time Rules

Extra screen time during travel is perfectly reasonable. Tablets, movies, or educational games can help pass the time and reduce fussiness. Mixing screen time with non-screen activities like books, coloring, or simple games can help keep kids engaged without overstimulation.

Dress in Layers for Comfort

Travel often means moving between cold outdoor temperatures and warm cars, airports, or homes.

Layer Smartly

Dress children in layers that are easy to remove or add as needed. This helps regulate body temperature and keeps kids comfortable throughout the trip. Just remember to remove heavy jackets before buckling them into car seats.

Keep Routines Flexible—but Familiar

Kids thrive on routine, but travel naturally disrupts schedules.

Stick to Key Comforts

Bringing familiar items—like a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or bedtime book—can help children feel secure in new environments. When possible, keep sleep and meal routines close to normal, but allow flexibility when needed.

Cold Weather Safety Matters

If your travels include time outdoors, cold weather safety is essential—especially for babies and young children.

Babies lose heat more quickly than adults, which increases their risk for hypothermia and frostbite. Avoid outdoor play when temperatures or wind chills drop below -15°F, as exposed skin can freeze within minutes. If you must go outside, dress children in warm layers, hats, mittens, and insulated footwear.

Stay Calm—Kids Pick Up on Your Energy

Travel stress is contagious. Kids often mirror how adults respond to challenges.

When delays or hiccups happen, taking a deep breath and staying calm can help reassure your child that everything is okay. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—safe, connected travel is.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

If you have concerns about traveling with a child who has special health needs, recent illness, or ongoing conditions, it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician before your trip.

At The Children’s Clinic, our team is here to support families across Jackson, TN and West Tennessee, whether you’re preparing for holiday travel or returning home afterward.

We’re Here for Your Family This Holiday Season

Holiday travel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation and guidance, you can focus less on stress and more on making meaningful memories with your children.

If you have questions about travel safety, vaccines, car seats, cold weather concerns, or your child’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Children’s Clinic
📍 Serving Jackson, TN & West Tennessee
📞 731-423-1500

When It’s Too Cold to Play: Protecting Babies and Young Children from Extreme Winter Weather

Winter in West Tennessee doesn’t always bring long stretches of snow and ice—but when temperatures plunge, they can become dangerous very quickly, especially for babies and young children. Cold weather affects kids differently than adults, and understanding when it’s too cold to play outside can help prevent serious health risks like frostbite and hypothermia.

At The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, we want parents to feel confident making safe decisions during extreme winter weather. One important guideline to remember: babies and young children should not play outside when temperatures or wind chills fall below -15°F. At these levels, exposed skin can freeze in just minutes.

Why Babies Lose Heat Faster Than Adults

Babies are not just “small adults.” Their bodies work differently, especially when it comes to regulating temperature.

Infants and young children:

  • Have a higher body surface area compared to their weight

  • Lose heat more rapidly through their skin

  • Cannot shiver effectively to warm themselves

  • Rely entirely on caregivers to recognize and respond to cold stress

Because of these factors, babies can become dangerously cold much faster than adults—even if they’re bundled up.

Understanding Frostbite and Hypothermia

Cold-related injuries can happen quickly, particularly during extreme temperatures or high winds.

Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze. It most commonly affects fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, and noses. Early signs may include:

  • Pale or grayish skin

  • Cold, hard, or numb areas

  • Tingling or burning sensations

Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing body temperature to drop below normal. In babies and young children, symptoms may include:

  • Cold or pale skin

  • Lethargy or unusual sleepiness

  • Weak cry or poor feeding

  • Shallow or slow breathing

Both conditions are medical emergencies and require immediate attention.

Why -15°F Is a Critical Threshold

When temperatures or wind chills drop below -15°F, the risk increases dramatically. At this level:

  • Exposed skin can begin freezing in minutes

  • Wind chill accelerates heat loss

  • Heavy clothing may not provide enough protection

Even short outdoor exposure—such as playing briefly, waiting for a bus, or walking from the car to a building—can be unsafe for babies and young children in these conditions.

Wind Chill Matters More Than the Thermometer

Parents often check the temperature but overlook wind chill. Wind strips heat from the body, making it feel much colder than the actual temperature.

For example:

  • A temperature of 5°F with strong wind can feel like -15°F

  • Calm days are safer than windy ones, even at the same temperature

Always check the wind chill value, not just the air temperature, before taking children outside.

Cold Weather Safety Tips for Parents

When winter weather hits Jackson and surrounding West Tennessee communities, these steps can help keep children safe:

Limit Outdoor Play

  • Keep babies indoors during extreme cold

  • Shorten outdoor time for older children

  • Avoid outdoor play entirely below -15°F wind chill

Dress Smart (But Not Too Tight)

  • Use multiple thin layers instead of one bulky layer

  • Make sure hats cover ears completely

  • Use mittens instead of gloves for better warmth

Protect Exposed Skin

  • Cover cheeks, noses, and hands

  • Avoid leaving skin uncovered in freezing temperatures

Watch Closely

  • Check skin frequently for redness or paleness

  • Bring children inside immediately if they seem uncomfortable

Why Babies Are Especially Vulnerable

Infants can’t tell you when they’re cold. They may not cry or fuss right away, and early signs of cold stress can be subtle. This makes prevention especially important.

Babies should never sleep outdoors in extreme cold and should not be taken outside unnecessarily when temperatures are dangerously low.

Indoor Activities Are the Safer Choice

On extremely cold days, indoor play is the safest option. Reading, floor play, music, and interactive games allow babies and toddlers to stay active without exposure to dangerous temperatures.

If cabin fever sets in, remember that even a few days indoors is far safer than risking cold-related injury.

What to Do If You’re Concerned

If your child has been exposed to extreme cold and you notice:

  • Pale, gray, or bluish skin

  • Unusual sleepiness or weakness

  • Cold skin that doesn’t warm quickly

Seek medical care immediately.

Trusted Pediatric Care for West Tennessee Families

At The Children’s Clinic, our pediatricians are here to help parents navigate seasonal safety concerns—from winter weather to year-round child health. We proudly care for families throughout Jackson and West Tennessee, offering guidance you can trust.

If you ever have questions about cold weather safety, frostbite, hypothermia, or your child’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact The Children’s Clinic

📍 The Children’s Clinic
📍 Serving Jackson & West Tennessee
📞 Phone: 731-423-1500

Winter Car Seat Safety: Why Bulky Coats Can Put Children at Risk

When temperatures drop in West Tennessee, parents naturally bundle their children up before heading out the door. Thick winter coats, puffy jackets, and snowsuits feel like the best way to keep little ones warm. But when it comes to car seat safety, those bulky layers can actually increase the risk of injury.

At The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, we often talk with parents who are surprised to learn that winter coats should not be worn under a car seat harness. Understanding why — and knowing safer alternatives — can help protect your child every time you drive.

Why Winter Coats and Car Seats Don’t Mix

Car seats are designed to keep children safe by holding them snugly in place during sudden stops or crashes. The harness works by sitting close to the child’s body, distributing force across strong areas like the shoulders and chest.

Bulky winter coats interfere with that design.

In a crash, the fluffy padding inside thick coats compresses instantly. When that padding flattens, it creates extra space between your child and the harness. Even if the straps felt tight before you started driving, they may become dangerously loose in an accident.

That extra space increases the risk of:

  • Your child slipping partially or fully out of the harness

  • Excessive movement of the head and neck

  • Serious injury during a collision

For babies and toddlers, whose bodies are still developing, this risk is especially concerning.

The Hidden Danger Parents Don’t See

Many parents do a quick “tightness check” before driving and assume everything is secure. The problem is that winter coats don’t behave the same way in a crash as they do when your child is sitting still.

The padding that keeps kids warm is full of air. Under the force of a collision, that air is pushed out almost instantly. What remains is a loose harness that no longer provides proper protection.

This is why car seat safety experts — including pediatricians and child passenger safety technicians — strongly advise removing thick coats before buckling children into their seats.

How to Tell If a Coat Is Too Bulky

A simple test can help parents understand the issue:

  1. Buckle your child into their car seat while wearing the coat

  2. Tighten the harness as you normally would

  3. Unbuckle your child without loosening the straps

  4. Remove the coat

  5. Buckle your child back in

If the harness now feels loose, the coat was creating a false sense of security.

In most cases, parents are surprised by how much slack appears once the coat is removed.

Safe Alternatives to Keep Kids Warm in the Car

The good news is that keeping your child safe doesn’t mean letting them freeze. There are several safe ways to keep kids warm without compromising car seat safety:

Dress in Thin, Warm Layers

Choose fleece jackets, thin hoodies, or snug sweaters instead of bulky coats. These provide warmth without interfering with the harness.

Use Blankets After Buckling

Once your child is properly buckled in, you can place a blanket over them. This keeps them warm without affecting harness tightness.

Car Seat Covers Designed for Safety

Some car seat covers are specifically designed to go over the harness after buckling. Always check manufacturer guidelines to ensure compatibility.

Warm the Car First

When possible, start the car a few minutes early to let it warm up before placing your child inside.

What About Infants and Newborns?

Infants are especially vulnerable because their necks and spines are still developing. For babies in rear-facing car seats:

  • Avoid thick bunting suits or padded jackets under the harness

  • Use thin layers and hats

  • Place a blanket over the harness after buckling

If you’re unsure whether your baby’s clothing is safe for their car seat, your pediatrician can help guide you.

Winter Travel Tips for West Tennessee Families

Cold weather in Jackson and throughout West Tennessee can be unpredictable. One day may feel mild, while the next brings freezing temperatures. Preparing ahead can make winter travel safer and less stressful:

  • Keep extra blankets in the car

  • Dress children in removable layers

  • Double-check harness fit every ride

  • Never place padding or inserts behind the child unless approved by the car seat manufacturer

Consistency is key — even short drives require proper car seat use.

Why Pediatricians Emphasize Car Seat Safety

Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury for children. Proper car seat use dramatically reduces the risk of serious harm, especially for infants and young children.

At The Children’s Clinic, we believe that small changes — like removing a winter coat — can make a big difference in protecting your child’s health and safety.

If you ever have questions about car seat safety, winter travel, or child development, we’re here to help.

Talk With Your Pediatrician

If you’re unsure whether your child’s car seat is fitted correctly, or if you’d like guidance on safe winter clothing options, don’t hesitate to ask during your next visit.

The Children’s Clinic proudly serves families throughout West Tennessee, including Jackson, TN.

Contact The Children’s Clinic

📍 The Children’s Clinic
📍 Serving Jackson & West Tennessee
📞 Phone: 731-423-1500

⭐ Raising Kids in a Digital World: How Parents in West Tennessee Can Model Healthy Screen Habits

Screens are part of everyday life—there’s no getting around it. Phones help us stay connected, organize our schedules, and sometimes even give us a moment of quiet when the day is overwhelming. But for kids, especially toddlers, school-age children, and teens, the way we use our devices sends a powerful message.

Children don’t just listen to what we say about screen time—
they copy what we do.

At The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, we often talk with parents from all over West Tennessee—Humboldt, Medina, Lexington, Milan—who want practical ways to help their kids build healthier boundaries with technology. And the truth is, the most effective strategies begin with small changes at home.

If you’ve ever caught yourself scrolling without thinking or using your phone as a buffer between tasks, you’re not alone. Parenting is exhausting, and sometimes a few minutes of quiet can feel like the only way to reset. But with a little intention, you can create healthier rhythms for yourself and your children.

Today, we’re breaking down simple, realistic ways to model a balanced relationship with screens—no guilt, no judgment, just guidance you can use.

⭐ Why Modeling Matters So Much

Kids absorb your habits long before they understand the reasoning behind them. If you’re on the couch after dinner scrolling while talking, or if your phone is always within arm’s reach, that becomes “normal” to your child.

And children—especially younger ones—don’t distinguish between work-related use and recreational use. To them, screen time is screen time.

When kids see adults:

  • Put phones down during meals

  • Take breaks from devices

  • Choose offline activities

  • Set limits for themselves

…it becomes much easier for them to follow similar expectations.

Healthy device habits are learned over time, and they start with consistent, honest modeling from the adults they trust most.

⭐ 6 Ways to Model a Healthier Relationship With Screens

Using guidance from pediatric mental health experts, here are easy, realistic changes that make a real difference in your home.

1. Put Some Physical Distance Between You and Your Phone

Small changes have a big impact.

Try placing your phone:

  • On a counter during meals

  • Across the room during family time

  • In your bag during sports practices

  • On a charger in a separate space at bedtime

Kids notice when your attention is actually on them—not split between conversation and a device.

2. Set a Timer When You Use Your Phone to Relax

Scrolling can be a way to unwind, and that’s okay. But without limits, a few minutes easily becomes twenty or thirty.

Set a simple goal:

  • Five or ten minutes with a timer

  • Then intentionally put the phone away

Your child sees you regulating your own usage, which helps them feel less alone when they’re asked to do the same.

3. Identify Why You Pick Up Your Device

Are you reaching for your phone because you’re bored? Stressed? Overstimulated? Uncertain what to do next?

Kids benefit tremendously from hearing adults talk through these moments.

Try narrating out loud:

  • “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed, so I’m taking a quick break.”

  • “I’m checking this because I need important information.”

  • “I’m putting my phone away because I want to focus on you.”

This teaches emotional awareness, not just rule-following.

4. Reflect on Which Apps Help You—and Which Drain You

Not all screen time is equal.

Some apps support connection, creativity, or organization. Others cause stress, comparison, or mindless scrolling.

Let your child hear you say:

  • “This app helps me learn new ideas.”

  • “This one makes me feel tired or distracted, so I’m deleting it.”

Kids learn media literacy from watching you evaluate your own digital habits.

5. Schedule Daily Offline Time—for You and Your Kids

Even 15–20 minutes of unplugged time makes a huge difference.

Examples that resonate with families in West Tennessee include:

  • Cooking dinner together

  • Walking around the neighborhood

  • Playing board games

  • Reading aloud

  • Doing small chores as a team

  • Shooting basketball outside

When kids see you choose offline activities, they learn to value them too.

6. Tell Your Kids Why You’re Using Your Device

Transparency builds trust.

Explain:

  • “I’m texting Grandma back.”

  • “I’m looking up the directions.”

  • “I’m responding to a work email, then I’m done.”

Kids are far more understanding when they see purpose, not constant distraction.

⭐ Why This Matters for Kids’ Mental Health

A recent study found that twelve-year-olds with smartphones had higher rates of:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Sleep disruption

  • Social comparison

  • Sedentary behavior

But here’s the good news—

Kids do better when families set healthy boundaries together.

When parents model balanced habits:

  • Children sleep better

  • Family communication improves

  • Kids feel more grounded

  • Screen time causes fewer arguments

  • Technology becomes a tool—not a takeover

And your presence—your real, in-the-room attention—is something no app can replace.

⭐ Practical Ways to Start Today

Here are a few simple shifts parents in Jackson and the West TN area have found helpful:

✔ Create a charging station outside the bedroom
✔ Make the car a phone-free zone
✔ Have one or two screen-free meals each day
✔ Use “Do Not Disturb” during family time
✔ Replace end-of-day scrolling with a short walk
✔ Encourage kids to help decide the family rules

These moments build connection and resilience, setting a foundation your child carries into adolescence and adulthood.

⭐ If You’re Struggling, You’re Not Alone

Parenting in the digital age is complicated—even for pediatricians. No one gets it perfect. What matters is awareness, intention, and connection.

If you ever feel unsure, or if you’re worried about your child’s screen habits, sleep, mood, or behavior, our team at The Children’s Clinic is here to help. We support families through every stage of development and can help you create a plan that works for your household.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

⭐ The Children’s Clinic — Proudly Serving Families Across West Tennessee

📍 264 Coatsland Drive, Jackson, TN 38301
📞 731-423-1500

Caring for children and teens throughout Jackson, Medina, Humboldt, Milan, Lexington, Pinson, and the greater West TN region.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/493RE4x

⭐ Understanding the Hepatitis B Vaccine: What West Tennessee Parents Need to Know Right Now

For many new parents, the first few days after birth are filled with excitement, exhaustion, and a whirlwind of decisions. Between learning how to swaddle, adjusting to feeding schedules, and getting to know your baby’s personality, it can feel like a lot hits you at once. And when something confusing or concerning pops up in the news—especially about infant health—it’s completely normal to pause and wonder what’s true and what’s simply noise.

Lately, you may have seen conflicting information or worrying headlines about the hepatitis B vaccine. For parents in Jackson, Medina, Humboldt, and throughout West Tennessee, these stories often spark understandable anxiety. After all, you’re doing your best to protect your baby, and you want clear, trusted answers—not rumors, not misinformation.

At The Children’s Clinic, our pediatricians have walked with thousands of families through this exact moment. Our goal today is to give you the calm, fact-based clarity you deserve, so you can make decisions confidently and know your baby is receiving safe, well-studied, and effective care.

What Is Hepatitis B and Why Does It Matter?

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. While adults can sometimes clear the virus, babies and young children usually cannot. If a baby becomes infected, the virus can stay in their body for life. This can lead to serious long-term health issues including:

  • Chronic liver disease

  • Liver failure

  • Liver cancer

Newborns are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. Even a brief exposure—sometimes from someone who doesn’t know they’re infected—can result in lifelong consequences.

This is why prevention is so important.

The Vaccine That Changed Everything for Infants

The hepatitis B vaccine is one of the longest-studied and most carefully monitored vaccines in pediatrics. It’s been recommended for newborns in the United States since 1991, and its impact has been extraordinary.

Since pediatricians began giving the birth dose, hepatitis B infections in infants have dropped by 99%.

That means generations of children—right here in Jackson, in West Tennessee, and across the country—have been protected from a virus that once caused severe illness and heartbreaking long-term complications.

These results aren’t based on small studies or short-term testing. They come from:

  • Decades of research

  • Millions of newborns safely vaccinated

  • Ongoing monitoring by pediatric experts worldwide

Parents can feel confident knowing this vaccine is one of the strongest, safest tools we have for protecting babies from a preventable disease.

Why Newborns Need the Hepatitis B Vaccine Right Away

A common question we hear at The Children’s Clinic is:
“If I tested negative for hepatitis B during pregnancy, why does my baby still need the vaccine?”

It’s a great question—and the answer is reassuring.

Even when mothers test negative, newborns can still be exposed in other ways:

  • Through someone in the household who doesn’t know they’re infected

  • Through caregivers or extended family

  • Through microscopic blood droplets during delivery

  • Through contact after coming home

Because people can carry hepatitis B without symptoms, they may not realize they are contagious. The vaccine’s purpose is simple: shield your baby from any potential exposure, even the unexpected ones.

The birth dose is designed to offer maximum protection at the exact moment babies are most vulnerable.

Is There Any Reason to Delay the Birth Dose?

Parents sometimes ask whether waiting a few weeks is safer or more natural. The evidence is clear:

No medical benefit exists in delaying the hepatitis B birth dose.

The vaccine has undergone decades of rigorous evaluation, and administering it immediately after birth is the most effective way to prevent infection. Delaying only increases the risk.

This is why pediatric groups nationwide—including the American Academy of Pediatrics—continue to recommend the birth dose for every newborn, regardless of the mother’s test results.

How the Vaccine Works in Your Baby’s Body

The science behind the hepatitis B vaccine is both fascinating and reassuring.

Once given, the vaccine teaches your baby’s immune system how to:

  • Recognize the virus

  • Defend against it

  • Build long-term immunity

This “training session” helps protect your child for life. It’s one of the few vaccines that builds such a strong, lasting defense starting from day one.

Knowing this helps many parents breathe easier. There is nothing in the vaccine that “overloads” or overwhelms your newborn’s immune system—just an opportunity for protection that lasts well into adulthood.

Addressing Misinformation and Recent News Stories

Social media can make even the most confident parent question things. When conflicting headlines pop up, fear spreads quickly. But here’s the truth:

  • The hepatitis B vaccine is not new

  • It has been proven safe for over 30 years

  • Its effectiveness is supported by overwhelming evidence

  • Leading pediatric and public health experts unanimously support it

While dramatic headlines may grab attention, they often lack context or accuracy. If anything ever concerns you, please reach out. You deserve answers rooted in science, not speculation.

Your Pediatric Team in Jackson, TN Is Here to Support You

At The Children’s Clinic, we understand how much trust you place in us. It’s our responsibility to help you sort through misinformation, ask questions openly, and make decisions that feel right for your family.

Whether you're a first-time parent navigating newborn care or you're on your second or third child and just want updated guidance, we’re always here to listen and explain things in a way that feels personal—not overwhelming.

If you ever feel uncertain, confused, or just want reassurance, we encourage you to call or schedule a visit. Building understanding together is part of the care we’re proud to offer West Tennessee families.

A Safe, Proven Step Toward a Healthy Start

Parenthood comes with enough surprises—some joyful, some stressful, many completely unexpected. But protecting your baby from hepatitis B doesn’t have to be one of them. The vaccine has an incredibly strong safety record, a history of measurable impact, and the support of every major pediatric health organization.

You’re doing an amazing job navigating all of this. And you never have to do it alone.

If you have questions, we’re here—ready to support you through every step, every milestone, and every decision.

The Children’s Clinic — Local Pediatric Care You Can Trust

The Children’s Clinic
📍 264 Coatsland Drive, Jackson, TN 38301
📞 731-423-1500

Proudly caring for families throughout Jackson, Medina, Humboldt, Milan, Lexington, and the greater West Tennessee region.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/46nzS9z