Your beginning to pull out the tank tops and shorts, the local park is getting crowded and the neighborhood pool is about to open. All of this must mean…it’s summertime! Many allergy parents breathe a sigh of relief when the school year is over. Not only does life slow down for a bit, but you also don’t have to fret about what your child’s friend brought for lunch or what type of cake is being used for the class birthday party.
However, the summer brings a whole new set of worries — travel. It can often be difficult to be away from home for a long period of time with a baby or child with food allergies. You aren’t able to cook your normal meals and you don’t have the unlimited formula supply at your fingertips. But, with the right preparation, your trip will be allergy-free and will go off without a hitch.
Here are a few things I recommend:
- Call ahead: Before you arrive at your hotel, call them to make sure the room is allergy-free — including the mini-bar. Also, if you use a formula or you need to bring snacks that need to be refrigerated, see if that can be arranged.
- Bring extra supplies: You never know when something unexpected might happen (i.e., hitting a bad patch of traffic or arriving at a location that doesn’t have your baby’s formula or allergy-prone child’s favorite allergy-free treat). Always pack an extra amount of food and formula.
- Be happy: There’s nothing like a family vacation. Be vigilant of any potential allergens, but make sure to relax enough to enjoy this time with your family.
Read tips on how to fly with a baby that needs formula or medical foods.
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