Traveling Tips for Tubies

Summer is finally here which means more time to spend with your family and friends, enjoying the sunshine, and traveling! With all of these exciting summertime events approaching, it is so important TUBIE well-prepared, especially when traveling. Whether you’re planning a long or short vacation, flying or driving, being prepared will make your trips much less stressful and far more enjoyable. Below, read traveling tips from TubieTalk and members of the TubieTalk community!

Plan Ahead and Over prepare!

Traveling while tube feeding or with a tube-fed child can seem overwhelming and stressful but, with proper preparation and planning, the process can go smoothly. It is crucial to not only plan your days but also schedule  where and when feeds will be administered. During travel days or days on vacation, it is important figuring out places where you or your child will feel most comfortable. Additionally, check for nearby hospitals or doctors nearby just in case of emergencies. It is also important to over prepare and overpack any essentials you might need for any circumstance. If you find yourself needing something, you will be thankful that you have it. 

Checklist & Emergency Kit- Making a checklist of all the supplies you need to perform a feed in public is a simple step that will make your life easier. Also, making an emergency kit for potential issues is strongly encouraged.

What to include in your emergency kit:

• Syringe

• Tape

• Tube or button replacement kit (tube, lube, tape, syringe)

• Extension sets

• Feeding bags

• Tube or button replacement kit (tube, lube, tape, syringe)

• Formula, breast milk, or a blenderized meal

• A day’s worth of medications

• 60 mL syringe and smaller syringes that fit into the tube

• 1 change of clothing and diapers (if applicable)

• Stoma care supplies, medical tape, and wipes

• Emergency contact information

• Emergency medical forms

• List of medications

• Feeding schedule

“Pack extra supplies even if you might not think you need them, what I typically do is get a box and fill it with all the formula and Pedialyte I’m gonna need but, this is different for everyone. For the travel day, make a whole day feed with a lunchbox that can keep your feed cold so you don’t have to worry about making a new feed every time it runs out.”

Traveling By Plane

Check out these TUBIE Tips for Flying with a Feeding Tube from one of our Tubie Community Blended Dieticians! 

“Take your time with planning because being thorough at this step will ensure you are prepared, and your trip will go smoothly.  It’s like the carpenter's rule “measure twice, cut once”. You don’t want to be halfway through your trip and realize you didn’t bring enough supplies. Maybe that’s not the best analogy but hopefully you get my point – plan, plan, plan.  If you’re thinking of travelling, start with talking to your healthcare team.”  

To read more information on flying with a feeding tube click HERE. 

More Tips from the TubieTalk Community…

“If traveling by plane, contact TSA Cares and you’ll be assigned an agent who will personally escort you through the screening process. I did this last September flying out of Logan in Boston and it was a great experience!”

“If you’re traveling by air with cans of Pediasure or any formula, it is wise to have a doctor’s note handy. TSA regulations can be stringent, and they may require verification of the contents. Having a doctor’s note simplifies the process significantly.”

“Hard case suitcase is a must for the protection of the formulas! We got ours from Walmart on Black Friday sale. Doesn’t have to be fancy!”

“When contacting the travel agency, mention that either you or your child has a feeding tube. Most times, this can lead to fast-tracking and possibly receiving a refund on plane seats, depending on the airline or travel agency’s policies. I had a doctor’s letter to show that I was allowed to bring 1 liter or sterile water for formula feed on board. I also kept my unopened formulas in my carry on in case of delays.”

Traveling with a feeding tube, whether for yourself or a child, can initially seem stressful but, with careful preparation and planning, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. By planning ahead, overpacking essential supplies, and being aware of available resources and emergency contacts, you can reduce stress and focus on creating memories with your loved ones. We hope that you find value in these tips and that your summer adventures are safe, enjoyable, and well-prepared. Happy traveling!

+ Huge THANK YOU to our TubieTalk community for sharing your tips!