
03 Oct NYC Pediatric Dietitian Tips to Make Halloween Safer for Children with Food Allergies
Candy and costumes and parties and carnivals — Halloween is a time to celebrate being a kid. And, it can be really isolating for a child with allergies. Six top allergens (the substances that cause allergic reactions) abound in much of the candy handed out at Halloween, not to mention in the cakes and cookies people bring for Spooky Parties. These allergens include milk, eggs, soy, sesame, wheat, fish & shellfish. And for kids who experience allergic reactions, just a pinch of one of these allergens can be frighteningly dangerous.
So, what can parents, teachers, families, and neighbors do to ensure the safety of those kids with food allergies and help them feel included in the festivities?
NYC Child Dietitian Nutritionist Tips for a Happy, Safe Halloween for Kids with Food Allergies:
Teach your child to advocate for their health.
Parents fill out forms and documents for schools, after-school programs, camps, and more, but the biggest advocate for a child’s wellbeing, one who experiences food allergies, is the child.
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- Teach your child the names of the foods and ingredients that can make them sick.
- Pack a separate treat bag for your child when there’s a party or event.
- Make your child aware of food allergy management, always reinforcing care. “We’ve packed your allergy medical kit, right?”
- When in doubt, don’t eat it. Have an “always ask first” rule for candy, packaged goods, and even homemade treats.
- Teach your child to trust their body. If they fell unwell, they need to find an adult immediately.
Talk to Your Community:
Tell your neighbors, your child’s teacher, church group, coach, and more about your child’s food allergies and how best to help them. Promote giving out fun pencils, erasers, and other “treats” on Halloween. Explain to that very well-intentioned Great Aunt that your child is not just “being complicated.” Allergies are serious.
Look for the Teal Pumpkins:
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) initiative that encourages allergy-free houses to put out Teal Pumpkins. These are safe houses for kids with allergies to trick-or-treat.
Read those Food Labels!
A key part of staying safe when you are dealing with food allergies is becoming food label literate. As soon as children are old enough to read, start reading labels together. Be aware that foods, according to the FDA, must include the most common allergens in their labeling if they are an ingredient in the food. They are not required, however, to include precautionary information (for instance if the food might have come into contact with an allergen). And no matter how many times you’ve bought the product, read the label. Again and again. Sometimes manufacturers change ingredients.
What is the role of a child dietitian in the management of food allergies?
A pediatric dietitian on our team can play a critical role in managing and supporting children with food allergies. Our responsibilities include:
- Assessing your child’s nutritional status
- Identifying safe foods,
- Creating balanced meal plans that meet their nutritional needs.
- Providing education on reading food labels
- Preventing cross-contamination,
- Suggesting alternative ingredients or supplements to ensure the child gets essential nutrients.
- Offering support with allergy management plans for school and social settings
- Monitoring your ]child’s growth and development
- Collaborating with healthcare providers to manage symptoms and make dietary adjustments as needed.
We look forward to working with you and your family.