Living with a nut allergy poses daily struggles, especially for children. Reactions can vary dramatically from person to person, and even for the same person over time. In severe cases, exposure can trigger anaphylaxis — a sudden and rapidly escalating allergic response that can be fatal if not treated swiftly.
As a parent, arming yourself and your child with knowledge is vital for managing nut exposure. We’ve compiled 5 key tips to help your family stay safe and thrive with a nut allergy.
From an early age, educate your child about label reading, menu checks for allergens, and when to avoid unknown or questionable foods. Stress that they should never eat anything given to them without your review, even from well-meaning friends who may not grasp allergy precautions.
Reinforce why sharing food with others could have severe consequences. Role playing can help kids become comfortable speaking up to kindly decline offered snacks.
1. Spread Awareness Among Family, Friends and Caregivers
Explain your child’s allergy clearly to those closest to them. Create simple written guidelines of safe and unsafe foods.
Don’t be shy about speaking up in public, including politely asking others not to eat problem foods nearby. Many people are happy to accommodate serious medical conditions if informed.
Connect with support groups like Anaphylaxis Campaign for living with allergies. These provide solidarity and practical advice.
2. Plan Ahead for Travels
Notify airlines, travel companies and hotels about any allergies. Although nut-free flights can’t be guaranteed, many airlines will make announcements so passengers refrain from problematic snacks.
Take your own safe snacks in case airline food contains hidden allergens. Review travel tips from FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) for managing allergies.
3. Use Allergy Alert Jewellery
Allergy alert wristbands or pendants act as a visual reminder for your child and others. They also identify allergies to emergency responders if a reaction makes communication difficult.
Allergy Kids UK offers a hypoallergenic, latex-free selection designed for children.
4. Create Safe Zones at School and Home
While you can’t control every environment, you can establish nut-free safe zones where your child spends most of their time. Start by working closely with your child’s school. Many schools nowadays maintain nut-free cafeterias and classrooms, but don’t assume – take the initiative.
Meet with teachers, cafeteria staff, and the school nurse early in the year. Walk through your child’s daily routine to spot potential risks. Does the art class use nut-based items in projects? Are birthday celebrations properly monitored?
At home, make your kitchen a nut-free sanctuary. Toss out obvious offenders like peanut butter, but don’t forget to check less obvious items. Those store-bought cookies or that bottle of Asian sauce might harbour hidden nut ingredients. Consider posting a friendly reminder on your fridge for visitors – something like “Nut-Free Zone: Thanks for helping keep our family safe!”
5. Always Carry EpiPens
By UK guidelines, those prone to anaphylaxis should have at least two auto-injector EpiPens on hand at all times. Show your child and others in their life how to use one, in case you become unable administer it yourself during an emergency.
The EpiPen website offers advice on using auto-injectors plus a video demonstration. Store pens properly and check expiration dates regularly.
While living with serious allergies poses very real risks, awareness and planning can help your family thrive safely. As your child grows older, teach them to manage their condition independently while offering support. With caution and care, severe allergies need not dictate life’s possibilities.
Photo “Nuts” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
This post was originally published in April 2019. It was last updated in October 2024.
