Tube Feeding Travel Tips
It’s finally time for your long-awaited vacation!
Traveling with a child or loved one who uses tube-feeding or depends on specialized formula for their nutritional needs will require extra planning for a safe and enjoyable trip. Even with a solid travel plan, mishaps or delays can happen, so preparing for the unexpected is always a good idea.
It's go time!
Travel Checklist
- Enough formula and pump feeding bags to last the entire trip, plus extra to account for any travel delays
- Syringes for water flushes and medications
- Bottled water
- Back-up feeding tube
- Extension sets for those with a low-profile gastrostomy tube (button)
- Gauze/tape for tube site care
- For nasogastric tubes (NGTs), supplies to confirm correct placement of the tube
- Feeding pump, charger, backpack
- For patients who use a feeding pump, include a gravity bag for emergency use
- A cooler with ice packs to keep formula cool during travel
Air Travel Reminders
- Delays are common during the holidays and other busy travel times, so make sure to have extra formula and supplies
- Carry on needed supplies and formula
- Make sure feeding pump is charged and bring a gravity feeding bag as back-up