Tips for Stress-Free Holidays with Sensitive Kids
Eczema-friendly travel. Is there such a thing? As I write this, we’re driving back to Denver from Phoenix, reflecting on what worked well for traveling with kids prone to eczema. If you’re navigating holiday travel with a child who has sensitive skin, you already know that eczema doesn’t take vacations—no matter how much we’d love it to. The good news is, with a little planning, traveling with eczema is entirely manageable.
Years ago, when my kids’ eczema was at its worst, preparing for a trip felt like planning a survival mission. But even then, it was doable, and the memories we made were worth every bit of effort. Today, I want to share strategies that have worked for us so you can make holiday travel enjoyable and stress-free for your family, too.
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
The Challenges of Traveling with Eczema
When eczema is part of your family’s story, traveling requires extra planning. Food sensitivities, environmental triggers, and the need for specific skincare products can complicate even a simple weekend getaway. I know it can feel overwhelming, but I promise the extra effort pays off. The goal is to avoid flare-ups while still creating beautiful memories with your loved ones.
“Keep up on the skincare plan and nourishing meals, even on the road—it’s the consistency that makes the biggest difference.” -Andra McHugh
Packing Essentials for Eczema-Friendly Travel
1. Prioritize Skincare Products
You can’t rely on hotel lotions or unfamiliar brands at your destination. Packing your child’s skincare essentials is non-negotiable.
Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap: This multi-purpose unscented soap is perfect for cleaning lunchboxes, water bottles, and even hands when you’re on the go.
Travel-Sized Creams: The travel-size trio from The Eczema Shop is perfect for short trips.
Larger Sizes: For longer trips, I ship a 16-ounce jar of cream directly to our destination. Many hotels and family members are happy to receive packages if you call ahead.
2. Eczema-Friendly Meals on the Road
Food can be the most stressful part of traveling, but planning high-protein, allergy-friendly meals ensures everyone feels good upon arrival.
Keep meals simple yet nutrient-dense—no one thrives on airport burgers or vending machine snacks.
Proteins:
Grilled chicken.
Meatballs packed in a stainless steel container.
Burgers
Snacks:
Fresh fruit like apples and bananas.
Veggie sticks (carrot, cucumber, celery, and bell pepper) with guacamole or homemade hummus.
Sweet potato or plantain chips cooked in healthy oils (we love Jackson’s Chips).
Packing Tips:
Use small lunchboxes to prevent smushing.
3. Staying Hydrated
Hydration is critical for managing eczema. Bring refillable water bottles for each family member. Dr. Bronner’s soap makes cleaning bottle tops easy, even in less-than-ideal settings.
4. Keep Clothes Simple but Comfortable
Packing clothes is the easiest part—especially for little ones. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to reduce irritation. If you’re flying, dress your kids in layers so they’re comfortable in changing temperatures.
Entertainment and Routine on the Go
1. Learning on the Road
We homeschool, so integrating learning into our travel routine is second nature. Before my kids dive into movies or screens, they must complete a few workbook pages. If you don’t homeschool, grade-specific math or language arts workbooks are great options for keeping kids engaged.
2. Screen Time Boundaries
If your kids use tablets during travel, switch them to airplane mode to minimize EMF exposure. Every little step counts toward keeping their environment as healing as possible.
Staying Consistent with the Healing Plan
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency is key. Even while traveling, I make sure we stick to our skincare routine, nourishing meals, and healthy habits. It may feel like a hassle when you’re packing, but it’s worth it.
Hotel and Family Stays
1. Managing Environmental Triggers
- Unplug Wi-Fi Routers: If staying in a hotel, find the router in your room and unplug it to reduce EMF exposure.
- Safe Cleaning Products: If staying with family, bring your own unscented soap to avoid scented dish or hand soaps that may irritate sensitive skin.
2. Collaborative Meal Prep
Working with family members to plan meals ensures your kids can stick to their healing diet. It also creates a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tips for Air Travel
Expect Security Checks: If you’re flying, be prepared for TSA to flag food or skincare products in your carry-on. Pack everything in clear, resealable bags to make the process smoother.
Bring Backup Supplies: Delays happen. Pack enough food and cream to account for unexpected layovers.
Why the Effort Is Worth It
Traveling with eczema-prone kids isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. I know the frustration of packing heavy bags, shipping products ahead, and navigating flare-ups on the go. But every time, I’m reminded how much easier it is to manage eczema proactively than to deal with a flare-up in an unfamiliar place.
It can feel overwhelming to travel with sensitive kids, but with a little planning and the right mindset, you can create amazing holiday memories without letting eczema hold you back.
If you’re looking for safe, effective products to support your child’s skin during travel, check out The Eczema Shop. We’ve got everything from travel-size trios to large jars of cream, all ready to ship and designed to help you feel prepared and confident wherever your adventures take you.
Eczema-Safe Travel
If you’re looking for more eczema-safe travel tips, check out Traveling Tips for Families, 5 Simple Habits To Improve Your Child’s Health and Why Does Eczema Happen?
FAQ
How do I pack food for a road trip or flight with eczema-prone kids?
Packing eczema-friendly meals and snacks requires planning. Prioritize high-protein, allergy-friendly meals like grilled chicken, turkey meatballs, or roasted vegetables. For snacks, consider fresh fruit, veggie sticks with guacamole or hummus (made without seed oils), or roasted chickpeas. Avoid processed foods that could trigger flares.
What skincare items should I bring while traveling?
Always pack your child’s eczema-safe creams, oils and anti-itch solutions. For short trips, a travel-size skincare set works well. For longer trips, consider shipping larger containers to your destination. Avoid relying on hotel lotions or products from family homes that might contain triggering ingredients.
