Halloween can be especially scary for kids with food allergies. All kids love dressing up in their favorite costume and going
door-to-door trick-or-treating. But kids with food allergies must be very careful that they actually receive treats and not tricks. Here are some tips for keeping all the kiddos safe and enjoying Halloween:
TALK TALK TALK – Communication is key Let everyone that comes into contact with your child know he/she has a food allergy including teachers, friends, babysitters, those hosting Halloween parties. Not only do they need to know what your child is allergic to but they should be taught how to read food labels and know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Be sure at least one adult in attendance knows how to use an Epi device in case your child in unable to.
Anaphylaxis can happen very very quickly so if your child is at a Halloween party make sure adults know the signs which can include a lump in the throat, tightening of the throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, tingly feeling in hands feet, lips, scalp to name a few. Make sure your child has 2 Epi devices on them at all times specially during Halloween when the temptation to eat candy and treats is so great
EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE – Continuing education is extremely important. Teach and remind kids that they cannot eat anything from their Halloween bag before labels are read and candy has been checked by an adult.
ALWAYS READ LABELS – Those cute mini chocolate and snack packs may not be safe. Often times these fun sized candies and snacks use different ingredients from the regular sized ones and the minis are often made in different facilities where allergens may be present . Never assume a food item is safe. Always read labels.
Check out this Halloween Candy Guide from our friends at Kids With Food Allergies by clicking HERE
TEAL IT UP! – Join the Teal Pumpkin Project by placing a teal colored pumpkin at your front door so trick-or-treaters know you will hand out food allergy safe items. . Teal pumpkins can be easily made by spraying any pumpkin teal ! It’s that easy !! Many craft stores carry and sell the teal pumpkins already made and some can even be purchased on Amazon.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX – Make Halloween a non-food holiday by offering non-food treats like crayons, stickers, spider rings, glow in the dark sticks and all sorts of other fun items kids like. Many of these items can be bought at area dollar and craft stores.
What are you doing this year to make sure all kids can enjoy a safe Halloween? Tell us in the Comments section!
