Holiday Travel Tips for Kids With Cerebral Palsy

About half of all people in America are expected to travel to visit loved ones this holiday season, and 64% are planning multiple trips. But it’s important to remember that traveling can be stressful, especially for the parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Careful planning can help things go smoothly, ensuring nothing your child needs is forgotten.

“It is great to see that many families are now able to take advantage of many resources and activities that keep their kids engaged while traveling. As someone with cerebral palsy who has been traveling most of my life, I appreciate all the activities that my parents had for me!”

— Amie Kroessig, Cerebral Palsy Guide Outreach Coordinator

Preparing to Travel With a Child Who Has CP

A little preparation goes a long way in making your trip with a child who has cerebral palsy a success.

Before traveling for the holidays, creating a list and completing a few preparatory tasks can help your trip go as smoothly as possible.

Learn more about important steps to take before traveling this holiday season.

Research the Accessibility of Your Destinations

The last thing you want is to discover that the hotel you chose doesn’t have wheelchair access, or that the city you’re visiting will be covered in ice that may make it difficult for your child’s mobility.

A bit of research on your destination can prevent issues during your trip. Keep your child’s abilities and needs in mind to ensure your destinations support their mobility.

Request Extra Services in Advance

Most parents of children with cerebral palsy know to request early boarding at an airport, but arranging all necessary special services in advance can make travel smoother.

From extra assistance at your hotel to special services at the airport, securing these amenities ahead of time helps ensure a stress-free holiday focused on enjoying time with your child.

Consult With Your Child’s Doctor Before Traveling

It’s generally a good idea to let your child’s doctor know about your travel plans before the trip. This way, they can give any last minute suggestions, necessary medications, and expert advice that may make the trip a bit easier.

As a trusted resource, your child’s doctor can offer valuable insights to ensure a memorable, smooth journey.

Prepare Items For Your Comfort And Theirs

When traveling with your child, a small travel kit with favorite toys or comfort items can make a big difference, especially for long car rides or flights. You know what calms them best, so be sure to pack those essentials.

And while focusing on your child’s needs, don’t forget your own comfort. Whether it’s earbuds, a book, or a neck pillow, a few personal items can make the journey smoother for you, too. Remember, your well-being is important for an enjoyable holiday.

Taking a few extra moments to prepare can make travel more relaxing for everyone.

What to Pack in Your Child’s Travel Kit

A travel kit is a great way to keep your child’s favorite small items in one, easily-accessible bag. Whether you use a backpack, child’s duffel bag, or another travel bag, simply fill it with their favorite items that will keep them happy and calm while traveling.

Toys for children with cerebral palsy can be especially helpful for comfort. Fidget toys and textured toys can help your child stay comfortable even when they're in unfamiliar places.

Consider making a travel checklist to help you remember your child’s important items. Packing the right toys can make a big difference in how much your child enjoys the traveling aspect of holidays.

Give yourself enough time to make a list, and go through your child’s daily routine to see which items are essential and which you can do without.

Some things parents should have in their child’s travel kit include:

• Assistive devices: Bring your child’s adaptive equipment and assistive devices, especially the items they use daily. Make sure everything is tagged with your name and contact information in case things are lost during travel.
• Covered cup: Your child may have tremors that make handling an open bottle or cup difficult. Consider buying a small covered cup or bottle and adding it to your travel kit so your child can drink comfortably without getting messy.
• Food: Include snacks, especially if your child is on a special diet or has a food allergy. For example, protein bars can be an easy and satisfying snack during a long car or plane ride.
• Games and toys: Bringing the right toys to occupy your child is essential for long travel days. Your child will feel more secure and less stressed with familiar items to play with.
• Hand wipes: You can use these to wipe down surfaces and your child’s hands to help kill germs and prevent them from getting sick.
• Medications: Make sure all prescriptions are filled to last for your entire trip and pack them safely. If any medications are injectable and you are flying, you will need to ask your child’s physician to write a letter for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) explaining the need for the syringes or needles.

Getting started early on your child’s travel kit gives you and your child more time to pack necessities. It also makes it less likely that you’ll forget something important.

Tips for Flying With Cerebral Palsy

If flying is part of your holiday plans, the right preparations can make your trip through the airport much less stressful.

Since you’re traveling with a child who’s living with cerebral palsy, most airports will make special arrangements to improve your travel experience.

Check for these special services when traveling with your child through an airport:

• Early boarding for people with disabilities
• Specialized equipment like mobility aids for your child
• Transportation throughout the airport

Remember to request the special accommodations early so you don’t have to worry about filling out paperwork when you arrive at the airport.

With special services booked and a well-packed travel kit, your flight is set to go smoothly for both you and your child.

Tips for Driving With Cerebral Palsy

Families traveling by car may need to plan for frequent stops. They should make sure that they give themselves enough extra time for safe traveling.

Extra time may be needed for:

• Feeding
• Medication administration
• Restroom breaks

It’s a good idea to look ahead and plan for scenarios that could occur while you are driving. Keep track of the weather along your drive, and be mindful of the nearest hospitals in case of an emergency.

To guarantee that your family has a safe trip, make sure that your child is secured safely in their seat. Some equipment like drink holders and trays can help make long car rides more comfortable for your child.

Get Help With Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy

Celebrating holidays with the ones we love is important, but traveling to get there can be stressful for those with disabilities. We hope these tips help ease some of the stress, so you can focus on what matters most this season — spending time with your family and loved ones.

Our team at Cerebral Palsy Guide wishes you all a happy, healthy, and safe holiday!

If you need additional help, our on-staff nurses are available to talk to you about your child’s cerebral palsy, treatment, and more. We may also be able to connect you with financial assistance if your child’s cerebral palsy was the result of an avoidable birth injury.

Call us at (855) 220-1101 to find out how we can help.

Written by:Cerebral Palsy Guide

Cerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness