Planning a road trip with medically complex kids? I’ve been there. This post shares our real-life experience — what worked, what didn’t, and the packing mistakes I won’t repeat. If you’re traveling with feeding tubes, medical supplies, or just serious mom-anxiety, here’s what I’d do differently next time (plus: a free emergency checklist you’ll want to grab).
Taking a road trip with a medically complex child is not for the faint of heart.
Our first big trip—just four hours to my sister’s—felt more like crossing the Oregon Trail, minus the dysentery (barely). Between packing G-tube supplies, figuring out how to store meds, and navigating pit stops with medically complex twins, I learned a lot.
Planning a Road Trip with Medically Complex Kids: What Google Didn’t Tell Me
Before we even pulled out of the driveway, I had spreadsheets, packing lists, and 37 open tabs about “traveling with medically complex kids.”
I thought I was prepared. Until I wasn’t.
I packed way too much of some things (10 days of formula for a 3-day trip—why?), completely forgot others (extension sets? we love a good panic), and realized fast that no amount of Googling can fully prepare you for packing a mini medical supply closet into your trunk.
I once packed 10 days of formula for a 3-day trip. Chaos, but make it caring.
I am usually a spreadsheet queen, but this time my spreadsheets failed me. I think you could be any type of medical mom and without a clear checklist could forget things!
Related: What type of medical mom are you?
Where to Stay When Traveling with Medical Gear (Why Home > Hotel)
We stayed at my sister’s house instead of a hotel, and honestly? Best decision ever.
Having access to a full kitchen, laundry, and extra storage made the whole experience easier. No stressing about fridge space for meds or figuring out how to sterilize syringes in a tiny hotel bathroom. Staying with family or in a vacation rental instead of a hotel is the ultimate travel hack to ensure comfort and survival.
Travel Tip: If you’re planning your first trip with a medically complex child, stay somewhere familiar—or pick an Airbnb that lists family-friendly or medical-friendly amenities (kitchen, washer/dryer, etc.).
Related: Tired Of The Chaos? Try These Little-Known Medical Mom Hacks
What I’d Pack (and Plan) Differently for Traveling with Medically Complex Twins
1. Packing Like We Were Moving Across the Country
I brought everything. Meds, backups for backups, supplies we hadn’t used in months, and snacks to feed a middle school soccer team.
🧠 Next time: I’ll keep it simple with a must-have-only packing list and map out local pharmacies or supply stores near our destination—just in case.
💡 COMING SOON: I’m working on an Emergency Bag Checklist for medical moms like us. You’ll be able to grab it here once it’s ready! Or if you want me to send it to you as soon as you are ready, click here.
2. Not Enough Pit Stops
Turns out, tiny humans in car seats for hours? Not ideal. We should’ve planned more breaks for G-tube checks, sensory overload resets, and stretch breaks for everyone (especially us adults with questionable backs).
🧠 Next time: I’ll set location-based reminders for breaks before I’m halfway to meltdown city. Bonus if the stops include snacks.
Related: Medical Mom Curveballs: Embracing the Unexpected
3. Throwing Everything Into Random Bags
I really thought I’d remember where everything was. I did not. Cue me, at a sketchy rest stop, pulling apart 15 tote bags to find a single syringe. Not my finest moment.
🧠 Next time: I’m investing in these travel-friendly medical supply organizers to keep meds, tube supplies, and essentials actually findable. Bonus: they’re cute and practical.
Wins From Our First Special Needs Road Trip (Yes, There Were Some)
Even with the chaos, we pulled off some solid wins:
- Staying at my sister’s gave us access to clean laundry and dishwashing.
- Our bottomless snack bag saved us more times than I can count.
- I packed a white noise machine—and I swear it saved everyone’s sleep.
Most importantly? We proved to ourselves that travel is possible. Yes, it takes more planning. Yes, it’s a little extra chaotic. But it’s so worth it. Looking back, we were doing than we thought.
Related: Dear mom of a medically complex kid, You’re doing better than you think
Would I Take Another Road Trip with Medical Gear? Yes — But Smarter
We started small. We stayed somewhere familiar. We learned what not to do—and next time, we’ll bring those lessons (and fewer bags) with us.
If you’re gearing up for your first big trip with medical gear, my advice?
✅ Start close to home.
✅ Stay somewhere comfortable.
✅ And prep like you’re camping with a mini hospital.
FAQ
Q: What’s one must-have for your emergency bag?
A: A labeled med kit with feeding supplies, meds, and backups you’ll need before you can unpack. It’s the first bag I reach for and the last I pack.
Q: Where do you store syringes and meds on the go?
A: I use a travel-friendly med organizer with clear pouches — bonus if it’s cute and wipes clean.
Q: How early should I start packing?
A: Honestly? Start 2–3 days ahead so you’re not throwing syringes into grocery bags at 11pm the night before.
✨ Bonus: Emergency Bag Checklist (Coming Soon!)
I’m working on a simple, printable Emergency Bag Checklist you can use to prep for any trip—short or long. It’ll help you avoid the “where is that syringe?!” chaos and pack like a pro.
📥 Pop your email in here and I’ll send it your way when it drops!
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