Did you know that 8% of children under the age of 18 are allergic to at least one food? And 40% of kids with food allergies experience severe symptoms.
A food allergy is a condition in which the immune system incorrectly identifies a food as a threat and defends the body from it by releasing chemicals into the blood, and the chemicals cause an allergic reaction.
I was at the park about 7 years ago and I was handing out cookies to all the children like they were a stick of gum. One of my friends stopped me and asked me if the cookies had peanuts in them. I thought they did, but I didn’t know. I have to admit I was kind of annoyed with my friend and started reading the ingredients. Sure enough there was peanuts in them. She told me her 3 year old was allergic to peanuts and he couldn’t eat them. She also asked if I would put them away. I was secretly annoyed and thought to myself how do adults and kids have all these allergies. When we were kids we had no allergies. Now everyone has allergies.
I was so wrong for thinking this way.
Food allergies are no joke.
5 years ago my daughter was born and she was pretty much allergic to everything. All nuts, dairy, and eggs. She had a huge rash all over her face and bottom and sometimes on her belly. I had to stop breast feeding her and started buying her a formula online called Ellacare. It was so expensive and our insurance would not cover it because it was considered food. We called it Hellacare because it was so expensive. At one year she grew out of the dairy and egg allergy and to this day she still is allergic to all nuts. It was really hard for our families to get used to. They couldn’t leave anything out because Lyla was so young she was just learning she couldn’t eat nuts.
I remember when she was 2 and someone gave her a piece of candy. She looked at our friend and said, “Peanuts?” they looked and sure enough there was peanuts in it. She then went on to tell them if she ate peanuts she would die. Her brutal honesty made us all laugh, but in reality it was no laughing matter. She had to learn at a young age not to eat nuts.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE FROM FOOD ALLERGIES
1. Put a label on your kids
Educate yourself, your friends and, most importantly, your child. Read books, blogs, and magazine articles. Tell your children that if they are at a party or school to tell an adult “I am allergic and I can’t eat food” this is so important to teach your children as soon as they can speak. If they can’t speak, these stickers from kidscanhavefun.com are amazing to pin onto your child at a party or school.
I know that this sounds extreme but pin this on your child for the first month of pre-school, church, and new babysitters as a reminder. It really helps and is better then a note.
You can print the labels here
2. Always Carry an Epi Pen.
We travel a lot so we always make sure we never leave home with out an Epi- pen.
When you get the Epi Pens from the pharmacy they come with a training device. We have taught our babysitters and close friends how to use them so they are used properly.
We have luckily never had to use one on our daughter. She has been given peanuts on accident and she has been able to throw them up, and we have used the nebulizer to help her breathe properly after the allergic reaction. We keep an eye on her to make sure her breathing is okay. It is scary but we know exactly what to do when she has an allergy attack.
3. Know the symptoms
-Rashes
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Itching
-Shortness of Breath
-Increased heart rate
Did you know that the most common food allergies are
-Milk
-Eggs
-Peanuts
-Soy
-Wheat
-Tree Nuts
-Seafood
4. Read the Labels
I have become the queen of reading labels. Sometimes they are tricky but if you always read at the very bottom of the ingredients it says in bold letters: May contain or contains… Or made on equipment shared with… as read on the label above.
Don’t care what people think. Who cares if you are being rude? You are trying to protect your children. That friend all those years ago taught me a valuable lesson. Just because your child doesn’t have allergies it doesn’t mean you can’t be sensitive towards others. My best friend makes the best peanut butter desserts. She never makes them when my daughter is around. She is very respectful and understands it is a scary situation.
5. Train your friends and sitters how to take care of your children if they have an allergy attack
Leave your babysitter or friends important information so they can always be prepared and not scared.
We also train them how to use the Epi-pen with the training device
Most importantly, we tell them to contact us or 911.
There are so many food companies that are are trying to help the cause I got these items at Trader Joes. I also love Sun Butter it is peanut free and a great substitute for peanut butter.
I am not a doctor and I am definitely not an expert on children with allergies. I am a mother who has a child with allergies. I am hoping with Halloween and the holidays coming up that this will help educate people that allergies are very serious and not a joke.
Do your children have food allergies?
What tips do you have to help other parents?
Natalie says
Our youngest (5) has a peanut allergy so severe he has had an anaphylactic reaction to the smell of peanuts. It has been nerve wracking at times, to say the least, and I have been the “annoying” parent more than once. I love the idea of the label pinned on. My favorite tip is the Avi-Q, you use it like an epi-pen, but it is more compact, talks to you, and only takes 15 seconds to administer. Also, to be very communicative with your local school. Start talking to them the year before they start if your needs are severe. It will allow them time to make any adjustments necessary.
Ashley says
The Avi-Q sounds amazing. I’ll look into it. Thank you so much for your tip.
Libby says
I love the tags for the kids. They’re so cute! It’s taken me a long time to get used to the nut allergy but I think I’m there! After you see a child have an allergic reaction to a certain food and how scary it really can be it makes sure you are aware at all times of what foods are being served in group settings. And plus, we can’t have Lollie getting sick on us! Great post.
MIKEY says
Make her a shirt that says “NO NUTS” for play dates.
Ashley says
That’s actually a really cute idea. Thanks.
Laura says
I love the idea of the sticker or pin labels. My 5 year old at Halloween last year would say “Trick or Treat! No nuts please. ” this is a great article and I think it’s so important for people to be aware of other kids sensitivities and allergies.
Marsha says
My grandson has a bad reaction to Red dye #40. You would me amazed how many foods have this in it. It is may understanding the Europe has band this in there foods why cant we.
Rachel says
Dag gum. I am so grateful that my kids don’t have any allergies (that I’m aware of). But thanks for reminding me how serious it can be for other children. I’ll stop making fun of those “crazy” parents who run around yelling “no nuts please!” If I had a child with this serious of an allergy, I would be the exact same way.
Erin says
Our oldest daughter is allergic to nuts and our 2nd daughter to nuts, wheat, eggs, and dairy (as far as the food allergies). She also has severe eczema and so has other restrictions such as no artificial dyes (which one with a nut allergy can’t have anyway), artificial flavors, citrus, minimal starches, sugar, and acidic foods. No personal products with botanical ingredients plus a list of chemicals to avoid. It’s a different lifestyle for sure! My husband and I have no allergies, and never understood the people with so many… Now we know 🙂
Lauren says
Why can’t those with a nut allergy have artificial dyes? No one has ever mentioned this to us.
Lisa says
I think your info is out of date. Labeling laws do not required require companies to bold or list allergens at the bottom. You must always read the entire label. I also suggest you visit an allergist to get an updated action plan. If your daughter has asthma she’s at higher risk for a more severe reaction. Known ingestion typically means give epinephrine and call 911 especially if your child has asthma.
Ashley says
Thank you for your comment. This is my first child with allergies and I’m still trying to learn everything. We have a great allergist that we have been going to for 5 years and we feel very comfortable with him. Thank you also for reminding all of us to read the entire label. So important.
Deanopapino says
Thanks for the info on food Allergies.. As a grandmother whose children were not allergic to anything it is hard to remember to send or give treats to my grand children that will not kill them. It is a challenge, but this is a different world that we live in and we need to be aware..
Lauren says
I’ve gotten over coming across as rude or crazy. I don’t hover over everything, but I am diligent about what he eats. It is scary and it should be scary to those who care for a child with allergies. It shouldn’t take over your life and keep you from living, but caution is KEY!
Laura says
Your post is so spot on. My oldest is almost 7 & is also allergic to peanuts. When he was diagnosed with it at 10 months old I was in denial myself. A lot of family & friends didn’t understand. Unfortunately he’s been exposed about 4 times and we have had to use his epipen. It has saved his life & for that I am greatful. He is very good about asking about what’s in foods he’s about to eat but sometimes others don’t put together peanuts & peanut butter (you would think that’s a no brainer). I think it’s most important to educate those around us. Knowledge is power.
Lori says
I am allergy mom. My four year old is anaphylactic to wheat, and allergic to dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and barley. This was a nice article. I like seeing people spread awareness. Please know though, that you can continue to breastfeed when your child has allergies. You just need to eliminate the allergens from your diet. The support of a pediatric allergist I have found is key as well.
Ashley says
Yes!! Thank you for your comment.
Carissa says
I’m so glad you ran this article! My daughter was diagnosed with food allergies at barely a year old after a very rough year & some very scary moments. We too had no previous experience with food allergies & its been a big learning curve for us. It takes a lot of diligence & understanding on both sides to make sure she stays safe. I created an “allergy card” that lists her allergies, symptoms, treatments, & contact numbers. She has one with her at all times & I go over it with any adults she will be in the care of. They have one hanging in the snack cabinet at church & other places she visits frequently. I also update it with a new picture & new info, if needed every 6-12mos. (You can see the card I made here: http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp80/clittleford/KateAllergyCardAGE25web_zps9f26958b.jpg ) I’ve found most parents are actually very understanding, especially when they have something that explains her needs. We also got her a little backpack this year that she can wear. It carries her Epi-pen, Benadryl, allergy card & anything else she might need. She loves the independence it gives her. It also gives us the reassurance that she will have what she needs wherever she goes. Its certainly a learning process!
Ashley says
I love everything about this comment. Thank you for the ideas and the link.
Rosemary says
Great idea, but why not make a necklage or embroidered badge to wear all the time? I’m allergic to eggs and while many people don’t realize the severity of allergies, those of us who have them, have to deal with their uncomfortable side effects. I used to be able to tolerate an egg in a recipe if it weren’t one of the main ingredients, but today I’m dealing with eggs used in Chinese Fried Rice and it’s not pleasant. Thanks for your great idea!
Ashley says
I love the necklace is a great idea!! Thank you for commenting.
Katie says
MedicAlert can make a necklace or bracelet that will list TWO medical items on the pendant (the card willl list everything, including emergency contacts, medical information, and a 24-hour contact number.
MedicAlert.org or 800-625-3780
Mandy says
Great advice but as the mom of a child with life threatening allergies. I raise my son to be his own advocate. I think that raising young children with allergies to think that everyone around them will always be “nut, peanut, dairy free” is just asking for trouble. That being said it is wonderful to go some where and there be options for Jake but we dont always count on it. My son attends many events that he can’t eat the food and we do not to make a big deal about it because it is something he will be dealing with for the rest of his life. It gives me great peace of mind knowing my 8yr is educated on the importance, is aware and able to implement choices for his own safety.
Ashley says
I totally agree. It is so important to teach your children to be their own advocate. And also I love that you said you can’t rely on others not to be peanut or dairy free. I do bring a lunch or treat for my daughter so I don’t stress my friends and family out:) thanks for your comment.
Katie says
Question (asking because I have no children of my own): how hard is it to teach a child what he can/cannot eat? Or what to do if he does accidentally ingest an allergen?
Can a child take an epi-pen for his own use to school?
Ashley says
It was hard at the beginning because she couldn’t talk. So we went peanut free in our home. As soon as she was able to communicate we taught her to tell people she can’t take food from them bc “I’m allergic to ALL nuts”. When she starts school we will give an epi pen to the school nurse. I’m not going to lie. It’s stressful. But she is 5 now and understands what’s going on so that’s helpful.
Sharon (Nut Free Wok) says
Hi Ashley, this is such a great post!! I think it’s really true that it’s hard to understand food allergies unless one lives it. And sometimes there are compassionate bystanders who get it and we need more of them. I am a mom with two sons with food allergies and blog about our life and share my Asian recipes. I’m so happy to find you!
Browneyez says
My daughter has nut and sea food allergies along with asthma and eczema. She Learned at a very young age to be her own advocate almost as soon as she was able to talk. She says because she does not like getting shots and going to hospital.
I found a charm Medical alert bracelet for kids that you pick what you need to go in it. The site is called Allerbling
Hope this helpful to someone.