To coincide with the publication of our new food sensitivities factsheet for businesses, Business Disability Forum’s Project Manager Vicky Harker, shares her experience of travelling with a child with multiple food allergies.
When my second baby was born, I thought I was prepared for the challenges of looking after a newborn and a three-year-old, but baby Indigo had a surprise up her sleeve. From the moment we got home, Indigo started an impressive career in projectile vomiting, accompanied by endless hours of tears. She was not a happy baby and nothing I did helped.
After numerous phone calls to the GP, hours of research, and months of sleepless nights, Indigo was finally diagnosed with allergies to dairy, soy, wheat, gluten, alliums and legumes. I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under my feet.
What were we meant to eat?
It was utterly overwhelming. I felt lost every time I had to make a meal. I was scared to leave the house, as every time we went out she would have a reaction from crawling in crumbs or sitting in a contaminated high chair. It took months to figure out a suitable diet, and courage to venture out into the big, scary, contaminated world. I couldn’t help but worry about how she would ever go to a friend’s house for a sleepover, go on a school trip, or survive a holiday in another country.
By the time Indigo turned one, I had more of a handle on the situation at home. I was used to her restrictive diet and had figured out meals and snacks that give her everything she needs. Soft play no longer held the terror that it did a few months earlier. I felt ready to push myself, with a deep need to prove that she could live a full life despite her delicate digestive system.
So, I booked us a holiday
I’m sure there are people who will think I’m out of my mind going overseas with a one-year-old and a four-year-old by myself, but I had a point to prove.
And would you know, we had a fantastic time. All the pre-planning I did paid off as Indigo made it through the trip full and reaction-free. Here are the considerations I recommend any parent works through if planning to take your allergy-child abroad this summer.
Book with allergies in mind
When picking where to go, consider what the typical diet is in the country you’re visiting. Does it rely heavily on your child’s allergens, or will it be naturally easy to avoid them? (For example, Asian diets are typically low on dairy).
Going self-catered means you don’t have to trust anyone else’s commitment to safe food preparation, but catered holidays are still entirely manageable. If your holiday is catered, email them before booking to discuss your specific allergies. If cross-contamination is an issue, ensure they understand the importance. Remember that different cultures will have different levels of allergy knowledge.
Research where supermarkets are and how to get to them. Many supermarkets have online shopping, so you can check which products they stock. You could even do your food shop in advance to save the hassle on arrival.
If your child could require medical support, it is best to be prepared. Research where the nearest hospital with the necessary facilities is, know what number to call, and plan how you would get there. Pack plenty of medication, and make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance where allergies have been declared.
Pack tactically
You may want to take some food from home as a backup in case you can’t get to the shops right away or you miss a meal timing. Baby pouches, microwavable rice, or dry pasta travel well. I also took a significant bundle of allergy-free baby snacks to make my life easier.
If your baby is on prescription formula, you can talk to your GP about getting your next prescription early to ensure you have enough.
Take extra on the journey
Research airline restrictions and customs regulations around any food or medication you’re taking with you. Most airlines exclude baby food pouches and infant formula from liquid restrictions, so you can take as much as you want. I recommend taking more than you think you’ll need – be prepared for delays or for hold luggage getting lost.
Remember that you may need a doctor’s letter to travel with medication or EpiPens.
Make sure you enjoy your trip
Learn the word for allergies and any relevant allergens in the language of the country you’re visiting. If you have WiFi or roaming data, you can use Google Translate on your phone to communicate. Don’t be afraid to ask for off-menu solutions; your child deserves to eat out as much as anyone else.
Time to take a deep breath and let go of anything that doesn’t matter so you can relax and enjoy yourself. At home, I am always anxious about Indigo’s nutritional intake, making sure she’s getting everything she needs to grow healthily. But for a short holiday, all that mattered was that she was full and safe (even if it was mostly on chips and watermelon!)
So, what does the future hold?
This chaotic, energetic, chatty toddler has no idea that her body works differently to anyone else’s. She goes to nursery, soft play, birthday parties, and on holiday. Yes, some days her mum is a bit more frazzled than other mums, but Indigo doesn’t know that.
As she gets bigger, she may outgrow some of her allergies. But this mum is confident that, even if she doesn’t, her life will be rich with experiences.
