How to Carry Diabetic Supplies for Kids on Vacation

Taking a diabetic child on vacation need not be stressful for parents who plan ahead and prepare adequate supplies for the duration of the trip. Caring for a diabetic child during vacation is much the same as caring for the child during a normal day at home. While traveling, parents should ensure their child's medications and supplies are clearly marked and well organized. And during the trip, parents must be extra watchful of their children as they try new foods and activities.

Things You'll Need

• Note from doctor (optional)
• Medical ID
• Enough diabetic supplies and medications for the duration of your trip
• Small bag

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Instructions

Preparing for Your Trip

• 1

  Plan out how many doses of medication and the quantity of supplies your child needs for the duration of your trip. Consider packing a few days' worth of extra doses in case you encounter a delay on your trip. Also, have your child's doctor's information handy in case you need extra supplies.

• 2

  Get a special bag for your child's diabetic supplies. This will enable you to locate and use her supplies quickly and easily. If you are going on a long trip and will need large quantities of diabetic supplies, consider shipping these items to your location ahead of time.

• 3

  Make sure all diabetic supplies and medications are properly labeled with the medication type and manufacturer. Try to retain any pharmaceutical labels. Label your child's bag of diabetic supplies and even some of the supplies themselves with your family's name and contact information.

• 4

  Get a note from your child's doctor explaining her condition. This can be helpful when you need to carry supplies into places that might not otherwise allow extra bags, including the airport. Note that according to the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), a doctor's note is not a requirement for those who need to travel with special medical supplies.

Flying with Diabetic Supplies

• 5

  Educate yourself on the Transportation Safety Administration guidelines for traveling with diabetic supplies and consider printing the guidelines and bringing them with you to show any screeners who may question you. Some screeners are not fully educated on the TSA's policies for people traveling with medical conditions.

• 6

  Notify your screener that you will be carrying on supplies for your child's diabetes before going through a screening checkpoint. If your child wears an insulin pump, ask the screener to visually inspect the pump and let the screener know it cannot be removed. You may also ask your screener to visually inspect your other supplies instead of sending them through an X-ray machine.

• 7

  Make sure all bottles of insulin, insulin pumps, and other medications and supplies are clearly labeled and marked with professional labels that include the medication's name and manufacturer. You will only be able to carry syringes onto the plane if you are also carrying insulin. Prescription labels on medications should be included and must match the name on your child's ticket. You may also carry on small amounts of carbohydrate liquids or gels, including juice and candy, to treat low blood sugar.

Enjoying Vacation Activities

• 8

  Bring a bag containing your child's diabetes supplies wherever you go. Make sure you also have candy, juice and other items to help control blood sugar. Be aware of time changes, new foods and new activities. These may affect your child's routine in checking blood sugar and taking medications.

• 9

  Check to see what facilities are available for your child to conduct her diabetes testing and receive assistance, if necessary. Some resorts or theme parks have special nurse stations and child rest areas that you can utilize.

• 10

  Keep insulin and other medications in a cool, dry place. Never leave them in a hot car; they may become damaged. If you have concerns about storing and carrying your supplies, contact the resort, theme park or other facility you are visiting to see what kind of services they can offer. Some may have a fridge or locker area so you can store your items.