Car travel with a special needs baby requires planning and foresight that can challenge even the most experienced or organized parent. Not only do you have to consider meals, diapering, and entertaining the baby while on the road, but you might also have medical equipment, medications, and situations unique to your baby’s diagnosis that need to be worked into your packing and planning.
Early Realizations
The realization that more than the usual contents of a diaper bag were needed to meet my baby’s special needs hit me hard when I started packing for our first pediatrician visit two days after my daughter was discharged from NICU. It only took a couple of day trips for me to fully understand that organization and planning met Clara‘s physical needs and helped us make the most of our time together as a family.
Constant Medical Travel
For Clara’s first two years, we lived an hour away from the Children’s Hospital where she received her medical care. Between therapy, eight specialists, and a pediatrician, we drove over 5,000 medical miles a year. An average appointment day was five hours. We started off with only the usual “preemie apnea” monitor, then added portable oxygen with a backup tank, pulse ox, suction machine, and a feeding pump. When we made our first four-hour road trip, we felt confident in our ability to face challenges on the road. Yet, we still learned something new about organization and entertaining babies with every trip.
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Tips for Car Travel with a Special Needs Baby
Pack with a Plan
- Preparation: Pack the night before to avoid stress. Make lists and include all necessary items, especially medical supplies.
- Food and Medications: Prepare food and medications in advance. Utilize powdered formula and pre-measured bottles for convenience.
- Changing Needs: Adapt your packing as your baby’s needs change and grow. Stay organized for efficient travel.
Maximize Minimal Space
- Efficient Packing: Divide items into clear plastic storage bins for easy access and organization.
- Space-Saving Solutions: Utilize soft-sided rooftop carriers and consider borrowing baby furniture at your destination.
Medical Equipment
- Travel Models: Inquire about travel models for medical equipment from your home health provider.
- Backup Power: Carry a cigarette lighter DC/AC power inverter for medical devices and chargers.
Medications
- Refills and Compounding: Plan medication refills in advance and arrange for compounding pharmacy services if needed.
- Storage and Administration: Store medications properly, pre-fill syringes, and carry necessary PRN medications.
Germ Control
- Sanitization: Sanitize hotel rooms upon arrival and carry hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for hygiene.
Entertainment
- Stretch Breaks: Allow for regular breaks during travel and provide entertainment to keep babies engaged.
- Travel Toys: Introduce new or favorite toys during car rides to keep babies entertained.
Special Considerations
- Overstimulation: Plan for quiet time and shield babies from excessive stimuli.
- G-Tubes and Car Seats: Take precautions to prevent irritation or leakage around G-Tube sites while traveling.
- Handicapped Placard: Consider obtaining a handicapped placard for easier parking and access to facilities.
- Emergency Information: Always carry up-to-date emergency information for your baby.
Conclusion
Car travel with a special needs baby requires meticulous planning and organization, but it can be made more manageable with foresight and preparation. By addressing specific needs and challenges beforehand, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey with your baby
Helpful Articles
- 10 Things Every Parent of a Special Needs Child Should Have Before Traveling [2]
- Encourage Traveling for All Without Limits [3]
- Travel Tips: Making Fun Memories [4]
- Mission Possible: Successful Family Vacations [5]
- Traveling with Special Dietary Need [6]
- Traveling Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs [7]
- Kids with Special Needs and Family Travel [8]
- Ways to Save Space When Packing for a Trip [9]
- Explore and Discover Our World With the Help of These Apps [10]
- 7 Perks to Traveling with Your Special Needs Child [11]
- Finding GFCF Baked Goods While You are Traveling [12]
- Where to Purchase Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) Foods and Some Favorite Brands [13]
- Travel Tips for Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Issues [14]