10 Tricks for Safe Treats

Tell those responsible about your child's allergies for class parties and for door-to-door visits Halloween night.
 
Read labels closely on all candy, including candy corn and hard candies. A different size could mean different ingredients; fun sized candy manufacturing practices or even third party repackaging can differ from your 'safe' regular sized treats. Always heed caution to any labels that state manufacturing practices risks such as, "may contain peanuts" or any other allergen.

Inspect all candy once you are home. Avoid eating any while going door-to-door to reduce a risk for a reaction.

Carry all of your meds, including an epipen in case your child still sneaks a treat while going door-to-door.

Keep others informed about emergency contacts and your food allergy action plan with teachers, school staff and school nurse if your child attends a classroom party.

 

Rainbow Loom bracelets are among the many food free treats to share for social events



Trade 'risky' candies. Keep a stash of your own safe goodies. My daughter used to swap candy that did not have labels or contained nuts with our non-food allergic children and friends on Halloween night. But, that could either sweeten or sour the deal.  

Reach out to organizations like http://www.treats4ourtroops.org/ and donate extra candies and allergy friendly treats. Check for local dentists who may swap candy for cash or toys. 

Educate those around you about the symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to use the epipen as a first line of defense against a severe food reaction.

Allow yourself and your child to have fun at parties. It is okay to nicely say 'no Thank you', bring or request allergen-free treats. You'd be surprised at how accommodating neighbors, teachers and others can be during social events. Then go home raid your own kitchen for goodies if you must.

Toy with activities and trinkets that are food free. Carving pumpkins, a treasure hunt; or trade loom bracelets; give stickers, tattoos, pens, personal cards ...any social interaction is good for your health and for your food allergic child's health.

Create activities that can promote inclusion for everyone, like pumpkin carving or a treasure hunt without food items