T1D Day Trip Checklist for Parents: What to Pack for Short Outings
š T1D Day Trip Checklist
Created by a dad who designed a better insulin case for his daughter, and for yours.
When my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 at age 4, I quickly learned that leaving the houseāeven for a few hoursāmeant carrying a mini pharmacy. I couldnāt find a case that was compact, organized, and actually kept insulin safe in the heat. So, I built one.
This list is what I wish Iād had at the beginning: everything you need for a day trip with Type 1 diabetes, all in one place.
ā MUST-HAVES (Non-Negotiables)
š§ Insulin & Delivery
⢠Pen, vials + syringes, or pump
⢠Backup infusion set, pump site change supplies if using a pump
⢠CGM, CGM applicator + Receiver + stickers
⢠Alcohol pads
⢠Ice pack to keep insulin cool in hot weather ā this is where ours comes in
š Blood Sugar MonitoringĀ
⢠CGM + CGM applicator + stickers or glucometer (donāt forget strips + lancing device + lancets)
⢠Ketone strips
š¬ Low & Snack Support
⢠Fast-acting sugar (juice box, glucose tabs, gummies, etc.)
⢠Low carb snacks with protein/fat (granola bar, nut butter crackers, etc.)
š Emergency supplies
⢠Glucagon kit (nasal or injectable)
⢠Doctorās contact info + emergency numbers (written down)
⢠Medical ID bracelet/card
⢠Extra low supplies (more than you think youāll need!)
š ļø Extras & Practical Items
⢠Bandaids
⢠Waste bag/container for sharps
⢠Extra batteries (if your device isn't fully charged)
⢠Phone + pump charger
⢠Extra cash
š NICE-TO-HAVES (Based on Your Day)
ā Water bottle
ā Phone charger / backup battery (especially if using CGM)
ā Ketone strips
ā Disposable sharps container (or hard candy tin for needles)
ā Backup site or pod (if using a pump)
ā Printed prescription / doctorās note (if needed for theme parks, etc.)
ā Hand sanitizer + tissues
ā Weather gear: sunscreen, jacket, umbrella
š” TIPS FROM EXPERIENCE
š¬ "We check blood sugar before we leave and again at our destinationāit helps us catch patterns early."
š¬ "The cooler case doesnāt just hold insulināit buys peace of mind."
š¬ "We always keep two kinds of low snacks. Juice for fast action, and something slower like trail mix."
ā¤ļø FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
Weāve taken this list on zoo trips, museum days, park adventures, and Target runs. Itās been tested by heatwaves, tantrums, and spilled juice.
The key: carry light, but carry smart.
ā T1D Dad & Founder