Kara’s 5 Traveling Abroad Essentials
[1]Boba Carrier: When he outgrew the infant carriers, I bought the Boba Carrier because it holds up to 45lbs. Since Sebastian is still so small, he is able to go in the carrier with us to explore off-road destinations, like rope bridges above the Irish Sea, or the Great Pyramids of Giza
[2]
Zevex Infinity Feeding Pump: Our son, Sebastian, got a g-tube last year. Having the pump ensures he gets enough calories and liquids and helps give him the energy he needs. We have to make modifications to the timing of what we do, but we can still do all of the fun things we did before. We can’t leave home without it.
[3]
Annabel Karmel by NUK Masher & Bowl: Although Sebastian uses a g-tube, he loves to eat. We don’t go anywhere without the masher. It’s a small and simple item that can easily make spaghetti and other soft meals possible for Sebastian to enjoy when we are eating out.
[4]
Upsee: We recently traveled to Ireland for the Upsee launch. We took the Upsee to the Giant’s Causeway where Sebastian was able to explore the coast with his own two feet walking over the uneven stones with the help of being attached to his dad. I know that this will become a staple in our travels because it allows Sebastian to be in a different position from his wheelchair.
Related: Upright in the Upsee: Oh, the Places We’ll Go! [5]
[6]iPad: We loaded his large and bulky picture book into the Proloquo2Go app on his iPad for a compact way to access communication. His iPad attaches to his tray so it can be mounted easily for communication, games, books, and video viewing. It also makes impromptu dance parties a possibility, which is important in our family. Sebastian needs some assistance, but he can enjoy music, books, or films independently. This is great for those long hours waiting at the airport or on trans-Atlantic flights.
Related: 5 Steps to Getting an iPad Covered by Insurance: A Mom’s Story of Success [7]
More About Kara
Kara Melissa Sharp is a stay-at-home mom and transplant Torontonian after several years living and teaching abroad. She has two young children, Sebastian and Tallula. Sebastian has severe dystonic/mixed cerebral palsy due to a traumatic birth and subsequent brain injury. He loves chocolate and going fast in his Red Racer (wheelchair). Tallula adores her big brother; when she’s not stealing his glasses, she’s entertaining him with her adventurous spirit. Kara’s one true love is a journalist who masquerades as a basketball player at night. When she’s not having dance parties in the living room with her kiddos, she’s writing stories or sewing quilts for friends’ babies while sipping on homemade hot chocolate to keep warm in The Great White North.
You can find her at Free As Trees (karamelissa.wordpress.com [8])
Images Courtesy of Boba.com [9], Moog, Inc. Annabel Karmel by NUK, James Leckey Design Ltd. Proloquo2Go® is an AssistiveWare® product. Used with permission
Helpful Articles
- 10 Things Every Parent of a Special Needs Child Should Have Before Traveling [10]
- Encourage Traveling for All Without Limits [11]
- Travel Tips: Making Fun Memories [12]
- Mission Possible: Successful Family Vacations [13]
- Traveling with Special Dietary Need [14]
- More than a Diaper Bag: Practical Tips for Car Travel with a Special Needs Baby [15]
- 7 Perks to Traveling with Your Special Needs Child [16]
- Where to Purchase Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) Foods and Some Favorite Brands [17]
- Travel Tips for Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Issues [18]
This post originally appeared on our May/June 2014 Magazine [19]