| I recently flew with my three young children. My | | | | Liquids and TSA regulations for special needs: |
| youngest has special needs, and although I have | | | | Airlines provide water once you are on board, but |
| traveled with my other two children easily, I | | | | you can still carry TSA approved travel bottles |
| found myself in uncharted waters which required | | | | which will give you a little something to sip on |
| me to do a little extra planning for my special | | | | during your flight. If you will require more water, |
| needs child. Each special needs child is different | | | | your letter from the doctor will allow you to carry |
| and their needs may vary. I have developed the | | | | on larger quantities depending on your child's |
| following list of tips on how to prepare, what to | | | | special needs. What ever you do, don't fill your |
| bring, what to expect, and who to contact to help | | | | bottle with the water from the sink on the plane. |
| other parents who are planning to travel by plane | | | | I had a flight attendant tell me not to drink the |
| with their Special Needs children. | | | | water from the lavatory sink. The Flight |
| I have discovered that each airlines has slightly | | | | attendants have filtered drinking water they can |
| different requirements for traveling with special | | | | serve you while you are in-flight. |
| needs and recommend that you contact the | | | | Travel Toys and Activities: Distraction is the key |
| airline before your flight to find out what their | | | | to a successful flight. When you bring a selection |
| specific requirements are. Here is a list of some | | | | of new travel toys and activities on your flight for |
| items I used on my last plane trip which helped | | | | your little one, you will be amazed at how the |
| make our flight, as well as our trip a success. | | | | time will fly. I have found that toys that are |
| Luggage: A good rolling luggage with a sturdy | | | | brightly colored and simple seem to work great. |
| handle is highly recommended. If your child is | | | | The more compact the toys and games are, the |
| walking and does not require a wheel chair, you | | | | more you can bring. Have a wide variety of items |
| might want to consider a ride-on carry-on luggage | | | | so that if you are only able to get 15 minutes out |
| accessory which converts wheeled luggage into a | | | | of one item, another might get you 45 minutes. |
| convenient travel stroller. If you will be traveling | | | | Be sure to break up your play time with snacks. |
| with a wheel chair and require assistance from | | | | Keep the distraction level on high, and your child |
| your airline, contact your airline 72 hours in | | | | might even fall asleep towards the end of your |
| advance and they will provide assistance to | | | | flight like mine did, if you are lucky. |
| accommodate your specific needs. | | | | Identification and Medical History: It is always |
| Medicine: It's a good idea to bring extra quantities | | | | important to carry identification and medical |
| of your child's specific medications along with any | | | | history for all those who travel. If you or your |
| over the counter remedies in the event of | | | | child should become ill while on your trip, this |
| sickness during your travel. I found it helpful to | | | | information could help medical personal to provide |
| locate pharmacies and hospitals ahead of time so | | | | faster and better treatment. If you plan to travel |
| that I have maps and phone numbers before we | | | | internationally you must bring documentation to |
| even arrive. Planning for the worst always seems | | | | prove you are the parent/guardian of your child |
| to provide assurance and relief. It's one reason | | | | such as a Passport and birth certificate. |
| why many of us have life insurance too. | | | | First Aid kit: I have found some items very useful |
| Diaper bag: Your diaper bag can be your best | | | | to keep our medical supplies organized and |
| friend if you do it right and pick the right bag. I | | | | manageable. In my travel first aid kit, I keep a |
| discovered a diaper backpack that holds all our | | | | medical bag which organizes medications and basic |
| diaper changing essentials, snacks, toys and a | | | | first aid items. Be sure to check with your airline |
| change of clothes too. I use our diaper backpack | | | | regarding oxygen tank regulations. Depending on |
| as my carry-on and it fits the requirements even | | | | your child's special needs, you will want to stock |
| when packed full. It also has an insulated food | | | | your travel first aid kit with additional specific |
| storage area separate from the main | | | | items and pack some of the same items in your |
| compartment. It is important to have a | | | | check-in luggage. |
| comfortable backpack so your hands are free to | | | | Change of Clothes: Accidents happen, so it's nice |
| hold on to more important things, like your special | | | | to have a fresh set of clothing to change into. I |
| little one. | | | | carry a few extra items along with a change of |
| Food/Snacks: It is necessary and crucial to carry | | | | clothes including wet wipes, a wash cloth, small |
| your own snacks when traveling. I found that | | | | towel, and even a travel vomit clean-up kit. It's |
| healthy, high protein snacks help keep the blood | | | | very nice to be prepared. |
| sugar level balanced, and everyone thinking clearly. | | | | Finally, and most importantly, have a positive |
| For those who have special diets, carrying your | | | | attitude. Put a smile on your face and watch how |
| own food and snacks will help prevent illness, or | | | | it will spread to those around you. I encourage |
| reactions to food while traveling. If you need to | | | | you to get out there and see the world with your |
| bring special food for dietary issues, and extra | | | | children. Traveling with special needs may require |
| water, you will need to bring a letter from your | | | | more planning and preparation, but it's worth the |
| doctor. You may also be required to go through | | | | effort. There are no words to describe the joy |
| the hand inspection area for security screening at | | | | and excitement of sharing the world with your |
| your airport so be sure to give yourself extra | | | | child. |
| time for your flight. | | | | |