Bye Bye Baby Pool! We are going to the beach. |
Tom went on his first road trip when he was two-weeks-old. Of course, this road trip was to Michigan for surgery, so it wasn't the restful vacation you are thinking of. I still remember the incredulous looks I got from other travelers in the rest stops at the sight of my tiny baby. I know they were all thinking, "what kind of mother takes a newborn baby on a road trip." A mother with a damn good reason; in our case, it was surgery! Then try taking a baby with an eye patch around town. Ha! I might as well have been wearing a clown suit for the attention we attracted back then.
Tom and this first of many post-surgical patches. He was so tiny! |
Since Tom can't just look out the window and watch the scenery, or watch a video like most kids we have to work harder to keep him stimulated during a car trip. When you think about it that way, it's only fair that we do the extra work to keep him busy on a car trip.
My Road Trip Planner
- Make a list- Go through your entire day and think of what you need along the way to ensure you have everything you need.
- Music- Make your paylists now and get your cds ready. Having music going keeps Tom happy during long car rides. I would rather list to "Baby Beluga" than listen to screaming any day.
- Snacks- What appeals to your child might not be found in a gas station along the highway. I like to pack a cooler with lots of tempting snacks for everyone.
Snacks are important! |
- Toys- I will need small toys to distract him in the backseat of the car and I'll need toys for him to play with when we arrive. My Aunt & Uncle have children but they are all grown up now. This time we will have the iPad with us so we can download some new book apps to keep busy.
- Outings- Think about the outings you have planned for your trip. It's much easier to bring your sunblock from home than run around last minute trying to find some, and it's much easier on your budget.
- Medical Equipment- You can't just buy this stuff anywhere so you have to make sure you bring what you need. Now that Tom doesn't need a feeding pump our medical equipment needs are much smaller. We just need a bolus and a mic-key extension (the tubing) and we are ready to go!
- Prescriptions & Insurance Cards- Tom needs eyedrops to manage his Glaucoma so these are a must! And always have your insurance cards and physician's phone number just in case.
- Comfort items- No, I don't mean a bottle of wine for you. A favorite bear or blanket makes bedtime easier.
- Don't forget about yourself- Make a list of what YOU will need for the trip also. It's so much more fun when everyone has what they need.
Think about past trips and try to remember what worked and what didn't. I will never forget Tom's CDs on a road trip again! I am always reminded how different our life is when we take a road trip. Doing a bolus feed at a rest stop always brings out the gawker in people.
Now that Tom has a long white cane I am much more accustomed to dealing with the stares of strangers. Honestly, I would rather people just ask me a question than whisper and stare. Now that Tom has a cane people understand that he is blind. I don't get as many people asking me if he is sleepy anymore which is nice. People are just amazed to see someone so young using a white cane. It is nice to have them view Thomas with awe instead of sadness. If they knew Thomas they would know he is one happy little man.
Good luck on your road trip this summer!
Finally, did you know that your disabled child is eligible for an Access Pass that will grant them free access to our National Parks for life? Amazing, right? You need to download an application and bring documentation of permanent disability to obtain this pass. Read more about obtaining a National Parks and Federal Recreation Access Pass.
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