Halloween is a fun and exciting time for all ages but one that can be particularly perilous for those suffering from food allergies. To a parent of a food-allergic child trick or treating may seem like an obstacle course from hell but it needn’t be all trick and no treat.
Here are some ways to have a safe Halloween whatever your dietary restrictions.
1. Host a party
The ultimate way to control the food your child will be consuming on Halloween is to host a party yourself. Instead of trick-or-treating have a treasure hunt around your house or garden ensuring that all treats are suitable for your child's dietary requirements.
2. Get there first
If trick-or-treating is something you want to do then try talking to neighbours and friends before the day arrives. Explain your child's allergies and the foods they must avoid, education is so important. You could even go one further and offer them a goody-bag of allergy friendly food to hand out to your child when you come by.
3. Enlist the help of the switch-witch
If your child comes home with unsafe foods then tell them they can leave them out for the switch-witch. The switch-witch trades Halloween sweets for non-food items or allergy-friendly treats, find your switch-witch poster at the end of this post!
4. Lead by example
Hand out allergen-free treats at your home or even opt for non foodie treats such as colouring packs or spooky halloween arts and crafts.
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Things to remember
- Some halloween treat size bars are not manufactured in the same processing plants as their full size counterparts. Always read the labels.
- Make sure your child's medicine (such as an EpiPen) accompanies your child wherever he or she goes.
- Remind your child that they can say “no thank you” if they are offered unsafe candy
- Finally - Remember Halloween isn’t all about food, have a fantastic time decorating your home and costumes and get creative with arts and crafts.
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