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Allergy-safe Halloween - Trick-or-treating with your allergic child

October 24, 2008



My son has a serious peanut and tree nut allergy and for awhile I thought we would never be able to safely celebrate Halloween. Although parents complain about the candy-gorging, the thought of having to keep our child home and away from the costumes, trick-or-treating and general merriment made our hearts ache. But thankfully there are ways to make Halloween a safe holiday for allergic children. Here are the basics.

1. Accompany your child when he goes trick-or-treating and bring their emergency medicine (Benadryl, epi-pen, etc.) with you, just in case.

2. Feed your child dinner before heading out for trick-or-treating so he'll be less likely to want to munch on his candy en route. Bring a safe snack (something sweet wouldn't hurt, considering) in case he gets hungry and wipes to clean his hands before eating.

3. Trade his unsafe candy for allergen-safe treats or a non-food item like a books, coloring books, toy cars, dolls, stickers, stuffed animals or balls. Talk about this before they go out trick-or-treating so they're prepared to let go of the unsafe candy.

4. You might consider giving your neighbors allergy-safe treats or small toys in advance to give to your child when he comes to the door. Or encourage your neighbors to consider handing out allergy-safe treats or small toys to all their trick-or-treaters.

5. Pass out non-food items to the kids who come to your door. Oriental Trading Company is a great resource for small, cheap toys.

And even if you're child is not allergic, passing out non-food items will endear you to every parent of an allergic child that comes knocking on your door. For more information and suggestions, check out Kids with Food Allergies fantastic 8-page booklet on celebrating Halloween with Food Allergies.

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Comments

Great stuff Nina! I had some tips and things last week on the Atlanta Savvy Site too! One reader actually recommended a site that has "Allergy Free" candy suggestions and signs you can post on your doors that say "Allergy Free" house!
Posted on October 28, 2008

So glad I found this! I'll be featuring a story from a mom who has similar difficulties with her allergic child tomorrow on Being Savvy San Fernando. It brings a whole new meaning to "safe trick-or-treating."
Posted on October 28, 2008

Mimi, a sign on the door sounds like a great idea!
Posted on October 30, 2008

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