First, congratulations deciding you’re willing and able to take on a vacation. I personally find the idea of going to some other place foreign to our toddler and trying to stay there for more than just a few hours terrifying. Staying the night is quite an undertaking. We’re planning to do it for the first time this summer. Anyway, the whole process is scary enough without forgetting something so here’s some helpful information on how to pack for your adventure.

If you touch it on a normal day for your child it needs to go with you. Find a way to mark items with brightly colored tape or maybe placing them in a certain place. The last use of the day means the item gets packed up. This does make packing an all-day process, however, it makes you much less likely to forget things. When I pack myself I do it a few days before we leave. That way I don’t forget anything I need to be comfortable in the process of making sure my son has everything he needs to eat and stay healthy.

Note which medications need to be refrigerated (NOT frozen, be careful) and which do not. This applies to any food you’re taking as well. Due to the already overwhelming amount of items you’ll likely be taking, I highly recommend not taking anything you can purchase at your standard grocery store. Once you’ve reached your destination there’ll be plenty of room for all of that stuff where you’re staying. A cramped car makes for a rougher ride.

If you’re a list-maker then feel free to make a list. I find them more harm than help and rely on visual cues. Everyone’s different. I’m sure there are people out there who would benefit from dictating a voice recording of what they need on their phone and listening to it as they pack. Most importantly, enjoy your vacation! Even if you’re still doing just as much work as you do at home, it’s healthy to get a change of scenery once in a while.

That covers the normal stuff. Here’s a list of things you’ll need to handle emergencies:

1. The phone number to your DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider. They can overnight supplies you might need more of or have forgotten entirely to your vacation address. They can even overnight out a new pump if yours happens to fail (on what would be the most unlucky timing ever).
2. The location of the nearest emergency room at your destination, which also happens to be attached to a children’s hospital capable of managing your child’s condition.
3. A medical ID for your child indicating medications, dosages, and an emergency contact who isn’t on the trip.

Don’t focus on bringing something to solve every possible problem. Make sure you can get ahold of whatever you need if you need it.

Please feel free to leave any additional tips or tricks you have in the comments section below! Enjoy your vacation! 🙂