Child Safety
Understanding Child Safety When It Comes To Food Allergies
Food allergies can pose a serious threat to children, so it's important to take steps to keep them safe. Here are some tips for managing food allergies in children:
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Identify the allergen: Make sure you and your child know exactly what foods they are allergic to and how to recognize them. Read food labels carefully and ask questions when eating out.
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Prepare for emergencies: If your child has a severe allergy, make sure they carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times and that you, your child's caregiver, and their school are aware of the allergy and how to use the auto-injector in case of an emergency.
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Teach your child: Empower your child to manage their own allergy by teaching them to read labels, ask questions when eating out, and avoid foods that contain their allergen.
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Cleanliness: Make sure your child washes their hands before eating and that their food preparation area is free of allergens. Cross-contamination can easily occur when using the same utensils or cutting board for allergenic and non-allergenic foods.
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School preparation: If your child has a food allergy, work with their school to develop a plan to keep them safe. This may include having specific allergy-free tables in the cafeteria and having staff trained in recognizing and responding to allergic reactions.
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Communication: Open communication with your child's caregivers and anyone who prepares their food is important. Make sure everyone is aware of the allergy and the steps they need to take to keep your child safe.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your child with food allergies stays safe and healthy.