Halloween is a challenge for many parents of children with food allergies. With all the candies being distrubted it is a time that we all need to be extra careful to avoid an allergic reaction. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe and still have a good time:
-Keep the emphasis on the fun, rather than the candy.
-Check with your child's teacher to ensure that you are made aware of any food-related celebrations taking place at school.
-Stock up on safe treats and inexpensive trinkets to trade for any "forbidden" candies that your child might collect.
-Start a tradition by allowing kids to leave their unsafe candies out for the "Good Witch" to collect and leave behind small gifts and safe treats.
-Make it a rule that no candies will be consumed while your child is trick-or-treating. If possible, talk to your child's friends in advance about not encouraging him or her to eat any candies collected until a trusted adult checks the ingredient label.
-Consider makingsmall and safe "goody bags" for neighbors to give to your child. Deliver the bags in advance and describe your child's costume to your neighbors. Encourage your child to trick-or-treat at the houses in which you've delivered the bags.
-Forgo trick-or-treating, and have a Halloween party instead, featuring safe and delicious treats.
-Remember that a candy that has been safe for your child in the past may now have different ingredients. Read the label, every time.
- Avoid candies with a precautionary statement (ie, "May Contain") if your child's allergen is listed.
We wish you a happy and safe Halloween!
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network 2011. Having a Spooky- and Safe - Halloween
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