Isitme what about memebership to a zoo or something if you have one nearby? Remember to ask for a disabled pass and you should get in for free with that too :) I had it for Edinburgh zoo for Luuk since he was 2. It was fantastic. Don't do it now he's at school.
FLIGHT ADVICE: Whether it is time for a feed or not, attach pump and switch it on when going through security, mean's there will be no need to taste the feed which is in the pump bag. Take a few new little syringes and if asked to taste any other feed/water you are taking through tell them that you can't but are happy to put a syringefull into his tube ......smile niceley whilst telling them this. You are being super helpful. If you are going on a long flight and ask you to open sealed bottles/cartons/bags of feed which are not going to be used for several hours. Refuse due to the risk of bacterial growth and it potentially illness in your child. Have a letter from G.P./Consultant or such like stating that you need to take pump/feed/meds into the cabin of the plane.
TAKING SUPPLIES ON HOLIDAY: Contact the folk who supply your pump supplies ( they may also suply your feed). They should be able to have your supplies delivered to your destination if you notifiy them 6 weeks before you will need them. If they also deliver your feed that too should be able to be delivered to destination.
If not remember that most airlines will give you extra baggage allowance for medical needs ( again the letter from G.P./Conultant) will help with any dispute. put al the medical stuff together into one bag and clearly mark it medical. In addition make sure you have a few day's worth supply of everything ( feed/tubes etc) dispersed throughout the bags of everyone in your party. One bag may go missing, chances of them all going astray is not big.
Check with your pump supplier that the pump will work effectively on the voltage of the country you are travelling to. Ask them for a spare if you don't already have one so you have an extra one if it breaks. Remember to take a SPARE BUTTON and extra extention sets meds, in case you lose one etc.
I usually make sure I have at least 3 days extra feed/meds in case of delays etc too ( although I ran out of one med whilst in Holland - bad mummy!)
Take a copy of any repeat prescription you have. If in the EU make sure you have European Health Card. This is free but needs to be ordered online and is free. If you havew one already, check it is valid as they expire after 3 years.
Finally, if you think you may need to access medical care where you are going, research best/nearest medical facilities before you go.
BEFORE YOU GO: If you are travelling alone with DS, ring the airline and ask for special assistance. They will then help you get from check-in to the gate, early boarding and help getting off the plane and through baggage collection/customs etc. Have always had fantastic help.
Last but not least make sure your travel insurance is adequate and that EVERY single pre-existing problem is disclosed and that you ar ecovered if something happens and DS becomes ill ( this should be automatic if you are both on same policy)
Bit of an epic and I'm sure most of it you will have thought about, but hope it helps
Starfish: Have a great holiday. Don't you just hate the timing of stuff. Ds's pump went completely wonky when we were in Holland. It still ran but the display was showing all sorts of weird shapes/letters.....everything except numbers!!
Happy weekend to everyone xxxx
I forgot to renew my PINNT membership, must go check it out. x