It’s that time of year again when love is in the air. But for the estimated 5.6 million children with food allergies in the United States, this holiday may not be as fun as it is for most. If your child's school has a Valentine's Day celebration or allows students to hand out treats, here are some allergy-friendly ideas to keep all students safe and included.
Since it can be hard to steer clear of all allergens, make sure to check with your child's teacher or the school if there are any food allergies present in your child's classroom. This will give you a better idea of what type of treats would be suitable for the whole class.
Common allergens can cause a variety of symptoms - varying from mild to severe, including dizziness or fainting, hives or rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing, vomiting or nausea, and wheezing. It’s best to stay away from common allergic ingredients when making your treats:
To learn more about testing and treatment for food allergies, click here.
There are many companies creating delicious treats specifically designed for those with food allergies in mind. These products usually are labeled as “allergy friendly” which means that they do not contain common allergens like milk, eggs and nuts- but still contain just as much sweetness and flavor! You can find these products at most major retail and grocery stores.
If you want to avoid food altogether, then why not give out non-food items? This could include pencils with fun sayings or stickers with hearts on them! The possibilities are endless when it comes to giving out non-food items and they don’t have to break the bank, either.
Making Valentine’s Day safe and inclusive for everyone is important especially if someone has a food allergy. With these tips you can create something special and unique while still being mindful of everyone else! Remember that safety always comes first, so make sure you check with your child's teacher or the school before bringing in any treats just to be sure you're following all necessary guidelines. And you should know, our team at Modern Allergy is always here for you. Have a happy and safe Valentine’s Day, everyone!
Dr. Greg Bennett is board certified in both Pediatrics and Allergy/Immunology and has over 10 years of experience in the field of medicine.
