Traffic delays, airport wait times, and hungry kids can make traveling a challenge. But, the condition is worse when traveling with a food allergic child. In fact, there are times when allergy attacks can be life-threatening.
Nevertheless, it’s still possible to travel safely with a food-allergic child. The most important thing is to plan carefully and work hard to make the family trip fun and safe for everyone. Generally, many children are allergic to foods due to their ingredients. Such ingredients include eggs, soy, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish and fish. Thus, most children suffer allergy flare ups when they consume convenience foods, airline, and restaurant meals as well as fast foods.
Tips for Safe Travel with a Food-Allergic Child
To make your trip with a food-allergic child, follow these tips:
- Plan your meals before leaving- Pack meals or snacks that do not have ingredients that your child is allergic to.
- Carry a cooler- When going on a road trip carry a portable refrigerator or cooler to keep perishable foods cold. Alternatively, book accommodation with refrigerators and microwave or a complete kitchenette.
- Be careful when buying foods- It’s advisable that you buy individually packaged foods which take less space in the refrigerator. When planning to stay at your destination longer, you can order food online and have it shipped to your travel destination.
- Pack medications- Carry your child’s medication such as epinephrine auto-injectors as well as extra medication for emergency.
Don’t forget to continue your child’s allergy prevention strategies when traveling. And whether you fly or drive, always have the medications of your child in the original containers with prescription labels. Also carry the chef card to alert any restaurant about the food allergies of your child.
Follow these tips to travel safely with a food-allergic child with ease.