What to Do When Your Child Has Food Allergies
Watching your child deal with a food allergy could be scary, especially the first time it happens. One minute, they’re eating something harmless; the next, they might break out in a rash or have trouble breathing. You want to do everything possible to keep your child safe, but you may also be overwhelmed.
Between visiting healthcare providers, buying special groceries and managing potential emergency care, expenses may add up quickly. Some families turn to medical loans to help cover healthcare costs. But beyond money, knowing what steps to take could give you more peace of mind.
Let’s explore how you could approach your child’s food allergies, protect their health and help the whole family feel confident in everyday situations.
Become a food label detective
Once your child is diagnosed with a food allergy, grocery shopping might seem more complicated. You’ll need to get used to reading food labels carefully every time you shop.
The nine main food allergens in the United States include:
Milk
Eggs
Wheat
Soybeans
Tree nuts
Peanuts
Fish
Shellfish
Sesame
These nine allergens are responsible for about 90% of all food allergy cases. The most common triggers in children are eggs, milk and peanuts.
When you shop, always check for the allergens your child needs to avoid. Keep an eye on ingredients that may cause a reaction. Remember, even if you’ve bought an item before, its ingredients could change. Here are some quick tips to help:
Learn different names for your child’s allergen (for example, casein is a milk protein).
Watch for phrases like “may contain,” “processed in a facility with,” or “made on shared equipment.”
When in doubt, contact the company or skip the item.
Build a safe kitchen zone
Your home should be a safe space for your child, especially when it comes to food. Depending on the severity of your child’s allergy, you may not want the allergen in your house at all. But if other family members eat the allergen, your kitchen may need a few changes to help prevent cross-contact (when an allergen accidentally gets into your child’s food).
Clean everything regularly, including counters, utensils, cutting boards, toasters and storage containers. You might want separate cooking tools or shelves in your fridge and pantry for allergen-free items.
A few smart strategies for keeping a safe kitchen zone might include:
Labeling shelves or drawers with your child’s name
Using color-coded containers for safe snacks or lunches
Teaching everyone in the house to wash their hands after touching food
Serving foods that contain the allergen when your child isn’t eating
The goal is to create clear rules and habits so everyone knows how to keep your child’s meals safe.
Communicate your child’s needs
Since your child will most likely be outside the home for school, playdates and more, it’s also important to help them and those around them fully understand their allergy. Make sure to include family, teachers, babysitters and other parents in the conversation. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Most people want to help — they just may not know how.
Create an allergy action plan — a written guide that explains your child’s allergies, the symptoms to watch for and all emergency protocols. You could make copies of the plan for school, your childcare provider and any other places your child spends time. You may even include a copy in their backpack.
You also might consider:
Having your child or an adult caretaker carry an epinephrine injector (if prescribed)
Teaching your child how to explain their allergy in a simple way
Role-playing different situations with your child, like turning down food at a party or checking with an adult before eating something new
Find comfort in a new routine
Handling food allergies takes work, but it may get easier with time. Daily life could become more manageable as you learn your go-to recipes, safe products and ways to help your child navigate their needs. Meal planning could help a lot. You might prep allergen-free lunches, snacks and dinners ahead of time, so there’s less guesswork each day.
With practice, you may also get better at planning for big events like birthdays, holidays or trips that involve a lot of careful thought ahead of time.
Keep everyone on the same page
Food allergies may bring challenges, but they could also offer opportunities to grow stronger as a family. With preparation, patience and open communication, you could help your child stay healthy and feel supported in every situation.
Keep asking questions, learning and trust that you’re doing your best.
Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of exploratoryglory.com or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.
