Celebrating Halloween without a Food Allergy Scare – 4 Tips

Halloween is just around the corner and while your little ones are getting excited for the costumes, trick-or-treating and parties, you may be worrying about how to keep them safe during a time that can be dangerous for children with food allergies. Luckily with some advance planning you can ensure that your child enjoys these activities without the risk of an allergic reaction.

1. Serve allergy friendly treats. You can make your own safe treats or buy them from allergy-conscious companies that manufacture dairy or nut-free candies and chocolates.
2. Fill your children’s Halloween bags with fun alternatives to candy. Instead of candies and other edible treats that might cause a food allergy issue, look for fun trinkets and toys your children will enjoy. Kids love temporary tattoos, plastic jewelry, bouncy balls and fun stickers. (Be sure to watch out for hidden allergens!)
3. Plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time. Depending on where you live, you may be able to give your neighbors safe treats to give your child ahead of time. Another great way to make sure your little one only gets safe candies is to prepare a container of safe treats ahead of time and swap it out as soon as you get home.
4. Focus on other Halloween-themed activities. Instead of trick-or-treating, host a party that focuses on costumes, pumpkin carving, games and other Halloween-themed fun. This way your child can enjoy the holiday and you won’t have to worry about any accidental exposure to allergens.

Other Halloween Allergy Tips

• Make sure your child knows not to eat any candy until they get home.
• If your child is younger, go trick-or-treating with them so you can monitor what goodies they get.
• If your child is okay with it, use an “allergy-free” bag for trick-or-treating.
• Research trick-or-treat locations in your area. Some malls and libraries offer candy-free trick-or-treat nights.
• If your child is contact allergic, make them a costume that covers them from head to toe.
• Help plan your child’s class Halloween party and offer to bring safe treats that they can enjoy.

What are you planning for Halloween? Be sure to share your tips for having a fun and safe Halloween in the comments!