Halloween Candy and Food Allergies

Kids and Halloween candy go hand in hand, especially this time of the year. However, the festivities may not prove to be as much fun for those children that have food allergies. Parents must be extra cautious on Halloween night and this often proves difficult. There are a few things that the parent can do that will eliminate the Halloween candy battles with the child that has food allergies.

The number one safety rule, and this applies to all trick or treaters is for the parent to check the Halloween candy before allowing the child to eat it. Although this is always recommended, this can be the difference in life or death for the child with a food allergy. It only takes a few minutes and allows your child to trick or treat with his or her peers. Leftover Halloween candy that your child can't have should be disposed of immediately.

Before trick or treating, talk to your child about the kind of Halloween candy that they may or may not have. Explaining that their food allergy may limit them. However, keep the conversation light and encourage your child to have a good time.

Many may consider this rude, but it's not if you go about it the right way. Have your child to politely tell treaters "no thank you" to specific items. Talk to your child about how to react if the situation arises. Often, a this simple mannerism and saying that you have food allergies will do the trick. Many treaters will have alternate Halloween candy that they can give to the child.

Go trick or treating with your child. If he or she is older, consider letting them go with a big sibling. It helps to have someone remind them of what Halloween candy that they can have.

Let your child trick or treat with those that he or she is familiar with. This almost guarantees your child won't get any Halloween candy that they can not have. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends of the family are all great places to go.

When trick or treating in a small community where you are well known, provide alternate treats. Before trick or treat night, visit and leave treaters with Halloween candy. Many are more than eager and willing to assist you in protecting your child.

Consider taking your child to a trunk or treat at your local church. Let them know in advance any food allergies that your child has. Don't feel strange or like you are being pushy, most people are quite understanding. It is your child's safety on the line.

Another great Halloween event for a child with food allergies are held at local schools and the YMCA. Many of these places offer an alternate to trick or treating. In addition, these places try to avoid candy, foods, and other items that many children are allergic too. For example, our school does not give out treats that contain peanuts or peanut products.

Host a Halloween party. If you have a party and supply the treats, you know that your child won't get any candy that could cause a reaction. If other parents are helping out or want to contribute, explain that there are certain food and/or candy items that you can't have at the party.

One of the best things that you can do for the child with food allergies is to keep plenty of Halloween candy and snacks available. This helps not only to avoid the sting of not getting as much candy as the other children but in keeping them safe. Depending on the individual food allergy, some parents may simply find it more feasible to make alternate Halloween activity engagements.