Traveling with Children Who Have Limb Differences

If you have a child with one or multiple limb differences, then you know how interesting life can get when traveling. This article should give you some guidance, and at the very least, reassure you that there are others out there dealing with similar situations.

By Air:

Seeing a child with foreshortened arms or legs can be shocking, for sure. Multiply that shock/interest/curiosity/conversation piece by about ten thousand, and you've found yourself in the airport. If you're flying with your child, remember to keep smiling. Children love to emulate their parents/care givers, and if you're happy, they'll be happy. Let your child's personality shine through as much for their own confidence as to let people know that foreshortened limbs are not the only quality to be found in a person.

Unless your child's condition requires some assistance on the part of the airline or airport staff (i.e. wheelchair, special accommodations, early plane boarding, etc.), it's not necessary to call the airline ahead of time or give member of the airport/airline staff any type of warning. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill, especially if your child can walk or is perfectly functional with minimal help. However, do remember to pack responsibly, and this includes all braces, splints, walkers, canes, therapeutic/play implements.

If you do have several implements such as the ones mentioned above, allow you and your child EXTRA TIME! Anytime you're packing items that are out of the ordinary, medical or otherwise (including therapeutic toys), it's best to show up earlier than suggested and wait it out at the security checkpoint/metal detectors. This way, you aren't rushed and frustrated, and you have the opportunity to explain any items you're bringing on the plane that airport officials don't recognize...without missing your flight.

People will stare, whisper, and have conversations about your child's condition, and not always for the best. Try to let it roll off your back. The chances that you'll ever see any of those people again are slim to none. On the other hand, some are genuinely interested and polite in their interest and line of questioning. Keep your explanations brief, and remember to keep smiling.

By Train/Bus:

Many of the same rules from above apply, with one or two exceptions.

Some trains and most buses (Greyhound, MegaBus) have different luggage requirements than airplanes, and you will almost certainly have to pack significantly less than you would when traveling by air. Greyhound shipping rates tend to be the cheapest, so consider shipping what you don't need immediately while traveling on the bus and picking it up when you arrive at your destination.

If you're traveling on MegaBus, your trip is probably going to be pretty short unless you're making various connections since MegaBus travels within specific regions. Again, luggage restrictions are about as restricted as you can get (about 50 pounds per person, the equivalent of one piece of luggage, plus one personal item or carry on), so consider shipping what you won't need while on the bus.

By Car:

Traveling by car is great, because you can set your own rules, time frame, and luggage restrictions. You can take your time, stop and have dinner, and call it a night at whatever hotel strikes you. Just remember that you may encounter more staring and whispers than you would when flying in an airplane. Depending on where you're traveling to and what regions you plan to travel through and soak up culture from, you may encounter increased ignorance, hostility, and alienation.

This is not to say that you will only encounter one extreme. Along with the bad will always come the good. Of course you'll meet people who are polite, kind, and interested. Speaking from experience, you'll also meet people who don't even notice or care about the fact that your child looks different. These are great moments, especially when it's your child's personality or sunny sense of humor that gets noticed instead of her limb difference(s)!

Overall, traveling with your child can be fun if you allow it to be. Ignore rudeness, indulge and answer polite inquiries, keep smiling, and stay positive. Your child is your first priority, not those around you. Have a great trip!