How to Protect Your Child Who Has Serious Food Allergies

This article is written based on my personal experience as a parent of a child with nut allergies.
Early in my son's toddler years I suspected he may have a food allergy. The first time was when he had eaten a saltine cracker with a small amount of peanut butter. Within 15 minutes, he had broken out in hives. This was his first exposure and the reaction was a big red flag.
I discussed my suspicion with the pediatrician. We found out that he did in fact has a very serious food allergy to not only peanuts but also to tree nuts. Peanuts and tree nuts are not in the same "family" of foods. According to his doctor, this was not common.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Epi-Pen 2 Pack for older children

   Discuss your concerns with your child's pediatrician. For diagnosed food allergies, ask about an epinephrine auto-injector, like Epi-Pen Jr. for small children. There are other brands available and your child's doctor will recommend one. The pharmacist should educate you on it's use if given a prescription for one.

2. You may want to consider ordering a Medic Alert bracelet for your child. This is especially helpful for preschool and grade school aged children. Not only will this be a good reminder for those caring for your child, it will alert others to his/her allergy that may not be aware. I chose the bracelet over the necklace so that it would be more visible and not as easily lost.

3. Make an appointment with your child's caretakers such as sitters, teachers, principal, and school nurse. Educate them on the seriousness of the allergy and how to care for your child in an emergency until help arrives.
   When my son started school, I spoke to everyone who would be caring for him. They were educated on the Epi-Pen Jr that our doctor had prescribed and had 2 on hand at the school at all times. I always had 2 at home as well. Many Epinephrine kits come with a "training" injector. This will give hands on teaching so that the caretaker will know what to do if needed and the steps to its use. If an emergency arises, this isn't the time to have to pull out the instructions. Anyone taking care of your child should already know how to use the injector, including family members. If he/she goes to grandma's house, so does the epi-pen.
   
   An epinephrine auto-injector is not the cure but it may buy your child time if exposed to their food allergen. Immediate emergency care should follow.
   
   For field trips, have his teacher/chaperon carry the medication. Make a note of this on the "permission slip" that the teacher sends home with your child to have signed and returned. This will serve as a gentle reminder.
   
   Pack his/her lunch so that you know that what he is eating is safe. A little hand wipe packet is also a good idea to include in the lunch box. Teach your child not to do any "trading" at the lunch table, or snack swapping. Use age appropriate teaching when discussing the allergy with your child.

4. When dining out at restaurants, make sure that what you plan to order is something safe for him/her to eat. For example, ask "Is this cooked in peanut oil?" If the reply is that "I don't know" kindly ask them to please find out before placing your order and state why. I have found that some restaurants are more food allergy conscious and will have a menu specifically for those that have allergies.

5. Read labels on food items. Steer clear of things that do not list ingredients. Take caution with bake sales. Just because the chocolate chip cookies do not have nuts, doesn't mean it wasn't baked on the same cookie sheet with the peanut butter cookies and handled together. I have always referred to this as cross-contaminating. (Someone handling products containing nuts and then going straight for something your child will be eating)
   
   I have learned to be very careful with where I store food such as peanut butter, nuts, etc. These are top shelf items in our home. They are stored out of a little one's reach.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss any concerns with your child's pediatrician including the signs and symptoms of food allergy reactions.
• Follow the advice of your Pediatrician and Pharmacist
• Follow the instructions for the Epinephrine Auto-Injector if you choose have one on hand.