Holiday Travel with Allergy Sensitive Children

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

Sensitive to dust, pet dander, peanuts, wood burning fireplaces, etc. When you have children who suffer from allergies, asthma, and other immune deficiencies holiday travel can be down right horrific.

You've hosted Christmas for the past five years in order for your child to remain in a controlled environment, but now your relatives are complaining about making the trip yet again. You can't rob your family of holiday fun with your kids, so what do you do? Do you make the trip and deal with your child's sniffling, sneezing, wheezing and coughing? Or do you stay at home and risk offending your kin?

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, one in six Americans suffers from either allergies or asthma. What's more, Christmas is considered a "high-trigger" time due to dusty decorations stored in moldy basements, new foods, and allergens emitted from fireplaces.

My personal advice on this tricky travel situation is to simply be direct. If your family members are hosting a holiday get together, then be upfront about your child's needs. If they want you there bad enough they will make the proper accommodations for your child. I'm not saying that you have to be rude or demanding; rather take some tips from the experts about how to help your hostess make the holidays enjoyable for all her guests, including your allergy sensitive child.

For example:

If your child has food allergies, inform your hostess before she starts planning her holiday menu. Let her know that even trace amounts of an offending food can trigger a reaction. Also, it's important to let your host or hostess know that cross-contamination can be prevented by thoroughly washing utensils, cookware and food storage containers between uses.

If your child suffers from asthma let your hostess know that dusting and vacuuming regularly in the weeks before the event can eliminate dust mites, animal dander and other allergens.

If your child suffers from asthma you should inform your hostess that burning wood in the fireplace can trigger asthma issues. Also, keep your children away from guests who smoke, especially if they don't go outdoors to light up.

Suggest that your hostess limit fragrant candles, plants and potpourris, especially if your child is sensitive to these types of items.

Also, if your children are allergic to pet dander you should keep them away from your hostess' dogs and cats. In addition, if you are staying overnight, make sure that pets stay out of the room your child will be sleeping in.

You might be uncomfortable making the aforementioned requests, but in the long run your child's health and well being should take precedence.

Related Articles:

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The Annual Holiday Family Newsletter-Yea or Nay?

What Kind of Parents Take Their Kids Shopping on Black Friday?

Tales from the Holiday Kids' Table

Countdown to Christmas: The Letter to Santa

My Daughter's Letter to Santa

My Daughter's Very Merry Christmas Eve

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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