Recently on an online message board for moms, Mamasource, there was a question posted about making a birthday cake for a child with food allergies. Some of the responses were shocking. The child in question was allergic to milk, eggs and peanuts and some people suggested just picking up a box of cake mix and adding lemon-lime soft drinks instead of milk.
For a child with food allergies such a suggestion can be dangerous. Unfortunately, many bright and caring people are either misinformed or uninformed about food allergies. If the daycare provider for a child with food allergies is misinformed or uninformed, a simple snack could be deadly. Parents need to be vigilant in educating and reminding caregivers about food allergies and safety. Luckily the job has never been easier.
First, the child’s allergies should be well documented in the daycare paperwork. Taking a backpack or diaper bag to daycare with an allergy label will be a helpful reminder for caregivers or substitutes. Giving the caregiver a copy of an introductory brochure on food allergies in general and/or the child’s allergy, or allergies, in specific will also help prevent accidents. Ask for a copy of upcoming menus and provide a list of favorite safe foods. If nothing else works, send all lunches and snacks and insist that the caregiver watch out for sharing.
If potential allergic reactions are expected to be moderate to severe ask the pediatrician about keeping an Epi pen at daycare. Go over the instructions with the caregiver and be sure that she/he knows which symptoms warrant its use. Find or make a one-page “cheat sheet” listing all the must-avoid food ingredients. This way the caregiver can post it on the wall as a reminder and reference for substitutes
For holidays and birthdays, offer to bring some allergy-safe goodies to share with the class. This ensures no one feels left out and provides something special to share. The other children will probably be impressed that something allergy-safe is also yummy and they will definitely enjoy the treat.
http://www.examiner.com/x-12683-Dallas-Child-Care-Examiner~y2009m7d17-Daycare-tips-for-parents-of-allergic-children