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Dementia and Your Loved One
3 Tips To Make Halloween Food-Allergy Friendly
Vickie Armstrong
Going from door to door dressed in costume and collecting candy is one of the Halloween traditions that children find most thrilling. Unfortunately, this same tradition can evoke terror for parents of children with severe food allergies.
Some children are so allergic to peanuts, dairy products, and other food items that exposure to even a small amount can cause anaphylaxis. You don't have to let your fear of a food allergy prevent your child from enjoying the Halloween holiday. Some forethought and preparation can ensure that your child's Halloween doesn't turn into a night of horrors due to a food allergy.
Communicate With Friends and Neighbors
One of the things that you can do to help make Halloween safe for your child is to educate your friends and neighbors about your child's food allergy. Identify the homes where your child will trick-or-treat, then contact these homeowners before the holiday to discuss your child's allergy.
Let friends and neighbors know that it's important for your child's candy to be kept separate from any candies that could contain allergens. You can even provide a handful of candy that you know your child can eat safely to your friends and neighbors without your child knowing. When your child comes to the door, the candy you provided can be handed out. This can reduce the stress you feel on Halloween night.
Have an Open Discussion With Your Child
If your child is old enough to understand the dangers associated with a serious food allergy, you should have a candid discussion with them prior to Halloween night. Explaining that temptation will be all around can help your child prepare to withstand the urge to eat something they shouldn't.
You should also review the dangers of cross-contamination with your child to help avoid any accidental exposure to known allergens while at a party or spending time with friends.
Inspect All Candy Before Eating
The bite-size candy that is passed out on Halloween may not always contain a list of ingredients on the label. This can make it challenging for your child to identify candy items that may be dangerous.
Establish a rule that your child will not consume any Halloween candy until you have inspected the fruits of their trick-or-treating efforts. You can look online for allergy information and verify that the candy company has not changed its formulation. Once the candy is deemed safe, your child can enjoy their Halloween haul safely.
For more information about allergy care, contact a company like Allergy Asthma Specialists.
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