Traveling abroad with children and food allergies

Our son has a SEVERE egg allergy.  That includes anything with eggs or egg products, cookies, pastries, most breaded foods, some breads, and even some candy.   We have to read labels very carefully as we once found a hard candy lollypop containing egg whites at a theme park.

With a few precautions and a little planning a person with food allergies can travel safely to almost anywhere home or abroad.  A few tips and tricks from our travels:

1.  Choose a destination that is right for your family.  All inclusive resorts are a lot of fun, however you will need to call ahead to make sure they can accommodate your child's food allergy during every meal.  Consider a renting a condo and making your own meals.  This way you KNOW the your child's food will be safe.

2.  Research the area and know the closest hospitals and clinics in case of a reaction.  Having appropriate medical care available and knowing how to dial the local emergency number is essential.

3.  Be careful when eating out.  Talk to the chef prior to ordering.  Make sure they know the ingredients your child needs to avoid.  Most restaurants will be more than happy to accommodate your requests.  Know how to state your child's allergy in the country's local language if you are traveling abroad.   We have made index cards in various languages detailing the food items we need to avoid.  There are also several food allergy translation apps available for your smart phone.

4.  Pack extra snacks and medical items.  Find easy to pack snacks that are safe for your child.  Make sure to have any emergency medicine such as an epipen on hand.

5.  When attending a hotel/resort kids camp send your own allergy-free snacks.   We pack enough dry snacks in our luggage to offer something each day if we cannot purchase needed items locally.  There is generally a good selection of fruit he can eat for snacks, but it is nice to have our own version of a dessert when the other kids are enjoying an afternoon cookie. Tip: Carry an extra epipen prescription and allergy action plan from your doctor in case you need a refill or have issues in customs with any medicine or special food items in your luggage.  Often times pharmacies in foreign countries will honor your prescription.

One of the biggest problems we have is people randomly offering our child food that would cause him an allergic reaction.  They are trying to be "nice" but too often the cookie is in hand by the time we intercept.  He has started wearing this button during times when we might be around other families or food events (resort events) where people may try to be "nice" by offering him food.

Some packing essentials:

*A copy of your child's prescriptions from the doctor along with his/her allergy or asthma action plan.
*2-3 Epipens.  One in your carry on bag and one in your checked luggage.
*Medical Alert Bracelet.
*2 Inhalers, children's Benadryl and any other medicine on your action plan.
*Nebulizer and albuterol in case of respiratory reaction (if indicated by your Doctor).

Our toddler doesn't completely understand his allergy but he remembers one of his bad reactions.  We constantly remind him that eggs "make him sick."   He is beginning to recognize items, such as cookies, that he should avoid.

Some easy-travel snack ideas (depending on your particular allergy):

*Pre-packaged rice crispy treats - they are small enough to stuffed into various pockets of your luggage.  We can also take them to restaurants for his "dessert"

*Raisins

*Divvies allergy free pre-packaged cookies - This is a wonderful bakery that ships their nut, egg, and dairy free items directly to your door.  (See the link below or visit them at divvies.com.)  Also good for restaurants.

*Goldfish & Cheerios

*Fruit Snacks

*Graham Crackers

*Pretzel Sticks

Remember to take snacks to restaurants so you will have "emergency" options in case you are uncomfortable with the menu.

Finally, consider purchasing medical trip insurance that covers any emergencies or even transport home.  We purchased insurance for our entire family for around $36 during our last overseas vacation.  Thankfully we didn't use it but the cost was worth knowing we would have transport back to the states in case of emergency.

We have taken several vacations since learning of our son's egg allergy.  We have not experienced any problems and have had an absolute blast!  Don't let a food allergy spoil vacation memories for your family.  Be careful, plan accordingly, and if you aren't sure - don't eat it!

Be sure to post your tips, comments, questions below.  Consider "liking" us on facebook for more fun family vacation information!

Crocs with Socks! Breaking fashion laws when traveling

Most airports still require the adults to take off their shoes when passing through security.  A few airports also require children to remove their shoes.

That's why our family travels in "Crocs with Socks."  Yes, it is a HUGE fashion faux pas.....

BUT.... have you ever had to tie your shoes while chasing a rambunctious tot?  Your kids are not allowed to stay in a stroller through security and having a quick slip on pair of shoes is a life saver!

PLUS - they are comfortable and can dual as water/beach shoes.

Are YOU willing to break fashion laws for comfort when traveling?  Do you care what other travelers think?

Post your favorite travel shoes below!

Our first Airplane Trip - flying with a baby

When my oldest son was about 8 months old I decided to plan a trip (sans daddy) to see grandma and grandpa in Texas.  After hearing numerous horror stories I was extremely nervous about flying alone with a baby.  Due to this, I probably over analyzed and over planned for this short 4 day trip.  What I did find was traveling with babies can be FUN and EXCITING if done with the right tools and attitude.

Most airlines are very family friendly but you should follow a few guidelines to ensure a smooth trip:

Arrive at the airport early - You'll need time to do one last potty break or diaper change prior to boarding the plane.  You'll most likely have a few additional items to check at the gate (car seat & stroller).

Pack plenty of toys, snacks, diapers, and formula/breast milk - Depending on the length of your flight and possible unanticipated delays you need plenty of items to keep your baby occupied.  Bring a blanket that can dual as a cover if you need to breast feed on the plane.  The seats on a plane are "close quarters" and not the most comfortable for proper feeding.  Making sure both you and your neighbors have the best flight possible will be greatly appreciated by both the staff and other passengers.

*You can bring your formula/breast milk and juice for your child (even if it is over 4 ounces), however TSA may require extra testing when you pass through security.


If you can afford it - purchase a seat for your baby - Having your child secure in a seat next to you is much safer and more comfortable for both mom and baby.  There are many reports of injuries during turbulent flights.  You wouldn't dream of placing your baby in a car without a car seat or seat belt, bad turbulence on a plane can be just as dangerous.  Many car seats, especially carrier seats can be secured with the seat belt on a plane.  Check with your airline and car seat manufacturer to see if your seat is FAA approved.  If purchasing an extra seat is not possible for your family, make sure you have a good secure hold on your baby.

Babies Cry - it's ok - Sometimes during a flight, babies cry and it's ok.  This is where having plenty of toys and distractions will help alleviate a stressful situation.  Keep your calm and start trying your "distractions" toys, snacks, a bottle.  If your child takes a pacifier use it during take off and landing to help alleviate any ear pain your baby may experience.

*Bring your baby's favorite small toy, stuffed animal, or blanket

Remember - this is an exciting new adventure for your family!  The most important thing is to remember to allow yourself a lot of extra time at the airport.  Not being in a rush will ensure a great beginning to a stress free flight!

Happy travels!


Some carry on suggestions:

*Disposable diapers and wipes - bring enough for double your travel time in case of delay.  Cloth diapers are not practical if your flight is delayed as you may not be able to carry soiled diapers in your diaper bag.

*Formula/Breast Milk/baby food - The new "squeezable" food packets are light and easy to pack in your carry on bag.  Don't forget your cheerios and teething biscuits!

*Favorite Toy & Blanket - Helpful during your entire trip.

*Bring a NEW toy - sometimes if your baby is fussy, introducing a new toy your child has never seen will help to calm and distract baby.

*TWO extra sets of clothing for your baby - and an extra set for you!  There is a high chance you may need to change your baby's clothing more than once and you might need to change your shirt.  Bring a plastic bag for soiled clothing.

*Sanitizer wipes and hand sanitizer for you - there may be instances where you cannot wash your hands.  Sanitizer wipes are also handy to wipe down the arm rests, window, and seat tray surrounding your baby.

What are your carry on suggestions?  Comment below!