Keep your child safe and healthy with these expert tips on managing food allergies. 

Food allergies in young children can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming for parents. With the right strategies in place, you can effectively manage your child’s allergies and provide a safe and nurturing environment. 

As a mom of 3 kiddos, all of whom have struggled with food allergies and/or intolerances, I have had a lot of experience with trial and error, including finding the right providers, getting the right tests, and navigating the complexities of food shopping, reading labels, and getting the right support in place to be successful. 

For my daughter, it was an undiagnosed dairy intolerance. This led to hours and hours of crying (told by doctors it was just “colic” and she would grow out of it). She cried in pain after every feeding and would never nurse. We really didn’t realize what it was until she started going to daycare and they gave her milk (as required by law) and she had diarrhea so badly that she had about 20 diapers in a day. It was miserable, and eye opening to us, that this was finally what was going on. 

This made us a bit more prepared for my sons, when we had dairy again, plus gluten, and then with my third, barley, rice were added to the list. This made reading food labels even more important, as many gluten free options are made with rice ingredients, etc. 

So, in order to help any new families navigate food allergies for the first time, I decided to pay it forward and help manage food allergies in young children a bit easier with these 10 tips after you receive your official diagnosis. 

1. Get Allergy Testing and Treatment Options: If your child hasn’t been formally tested for food allergies, consider seeing an allergist for testing. This can help confirm specific allergens and guide you in managing them. In some cases, your healthcare provider may discuss treatment options like oral immunotherapy, and/or a food elimination protocol to see if symptoms improve when certain things are removed from either your (breastfeeding moms) or your child’s diet.
2. Educate Yourself About Common Allergens: Understanding the most common food allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the ingredients and food labels to avoid accidental exposure. There are lots of other words for dairy, for example, so making sure you understand all of the terminology is super helpful. Go Dairy Free has a great resource for navigating this.
3. Read Food Labels Carefully: Always check food labels for allergens, even for products you’ve bought before. Manufacturers can change ingredients without notice, so it’s essential to be vigilant every time. Moms have taken pictures and posted on the internet, for instance, when Walmart and Target have the same product, but the ingredients are different. I know, it’s scary. Additionally, many restaurants now supply a food allergy menu online. If you are planning on eating out, make sure to read these in advance and educate yourself on safe or unsafe options. Allergy Eats is our go-to for options!
4. Create an Allergy-Friendly Home Environment: Keep your home free of allergens by preparing allergy-friendly meals and snacks. Make a list of your go-to recipes, brands, and store lists to help you keep it simple and manageable. Educate family members and caregivers about your child’s food allergies and ensure that they understand the importance of avoiding cross-contamination.
5. Communicate with Caregivers and Educators: Make sure that anyone who takes care of your child, including babysitters, teachers, and relatives, is aware of their food allergies. Provide them with a list of safe foods and clear instructions on how to handle an allergic reaction. Sometimes, this also requires a note from your physician, so make sure to check rules on this and get the necessary paper trail to support it.
6. Have an Action Plan for Allergic Reactions: Work with your child’s healthcare provider to create an emergency action plan. This plan should include symptoms of an allergic reaction, when to administer medication (such as an epinephrine auto-injector), and when to seek emergency medical help.
7. Keep Medication Accessible: Always have your child’s allergy medication (if you need it), like an epinephrine auto-injector, readily available. Ensure that caregivers and educators know where it is stored and how to use it in case of an emergency.
8. Teach Your Child About Their Allergies: As your child grows older, teach them about their food allergies and how to avoid unsafe foods. Encourage them to speak up about their allergies and to ask questions about ingredients when they’re offered food.
9. Plan Ahead for Social Situations: Birthday parties, playdates, and family gatherings can be tricky to navigate. Reach out to hosts in advance to discuss your child’s allergies and consider bringing your own allergy-safe food to ensure your child can enjoy the event without risk. This can require some serious navigation and advocacy work. So, we advise really thinking about this in advance. Also, we have some scripts for that!
10. Stay Informed About New Research and Resources: Food allergy research is continuously evolving, and new resources are regularly becoming available. Stay updated on the latest developments, including new products, guidelines, and support groups, to ensure you’re providing the best care for your child.

Managing Food Allergies with Confidence

Managing food allergies in young children requires diligence, education, and effective communication. By following these tips, you can create a safer environment for your child and empower them to live a full and healthy life despite their allergies.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. For personalized guidance and to determine if your child may have undiagnosed food allergies, take our free quiz to help identify the root cause of their feeding issues.

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