Food Allergy Kit: Essential Items to Carry
Are you a food allergy parent? If so, read on to make sure you’re carrying all essential items to keep your child safe and comfortable!
As mothers, we tend to worry about our kiddos A LOT… and for just about everything. From their safety and development, to their overall health and well-being. We want what is best for them. Right? I mean who wouldn’t?
But, for the food allergy mama, that worry seems exponentially higher.
Any time we leave the house or put them in the hands of others, we have to TRUST they will be okay; which, can be a terrifying thought. When it comes to their allergies, there’s a great deal of fear and anxiety knowing that we won’t be able to control everything.
So, what CAN we do about all of this?
Well, in order to help alleviate some of these fears, I have found that being prepared with all essential items is SO helpful. In case an accident does occur and your child experiences anaphylaxis or some sort of allergic reaction (fingers crossed it doesn’t), then they will still have all necessary items on hand to keep them as safe as possible (insert huge sigh of relief)!
And when it comes to your child’s LIFE depending on it, forgetting an epipen or medication is NOT a lesson you want to learn.
So let’s get started!!
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1. EpipenS!
Well, duh! This is an obvious one, but CRUCIAL one. We don’t leave the house without it, and neither should you! This simple device can save a life. Make sure you (and whoever your child might be with) knows how to use an Epipen. Below is a video to to review!
Watch This: How to Use Epipen on Someone Else
2. Other MEDICATION
Talk to your doctor about which medication (whether prescription or over the counter) is best to use if your child has an allergic reaction. We typically carry Benadryl or Allegra (antihistamines), which was doctor recommended. But again, make sure it is approved by YOUR child’s doctor and ask when it is appropriate to use it. Be sure to know the correct dosage to give as well!
3. Emergency card
*Highly Recommended!
This little card is a must for us! It will have all important information regarding your child’s needs, in case of an emergency. And saving those few minutes to search for names, phone numbers, etc., can honestly be the difference between life and death.
Make sure the following are listed on the card:
-Full Name
-Contact Phone Number (ICOE)
-List of Food Allergies
-List of Medication (inhalers, antihistamine, epinephrine, etc. Don’t forget to write the specific dosage for each medication too!)
-Action Plan
4. MEDICAL ALERT BAG/Backpack
A medical alert bag or backpack will complete your allergy kit! Once you have it (and it’s distinguishable) throw in those epipens, medical card, and medication!
I like PracMedic Bag due to its color, size, medical symbol, and clip for easy transport. I also added the *Allergy Alert tag and pin as an additional awareness to his specific Food Allergies (found on Etsy).
The bag has placements to hold two Epipens, along with medication and a contact card. Perfect!
This nifty Allergy Kit goes EVERYWHERE with us!
5. AWARENESS BRACELET (or other wearable item)
As your child ventures out into the big and perilous world, you may feel extra uneasy about someone unknowingly giving your kiddo a food they’re allergic to. Let’s face it, not everyone will know about their food allergy or to not feed them anything without your permission. It’s, once again, a terrifying thought.
Any type of “wearable” item brings awareness to others of your child’s medical needs. They can wear anything from bracelets, necklaces, and pins, to shirts and hats; which, would display they have a food allergy.
Not gonna lie, I got reeeally excited about how many cool products I could buy Jaxson that brought attention to his food allergies (I have to stay positive about it somehow). And when he does wear it, I feel much more at ease about preventing accidents from occurring.
You may not have your child wear something like this every single day (or they may rip it off the second you put it on as my 2 1/2-year-old does), but they’re most useful as he/she starts school, extracurricular activities, attends birthday parties, etc.. Really, anywhere the surrounding people may not be aware of their deadly allergy is enough for me to pop on a pin or put his bracelet on!
And don’t forget to teach your son or daughter about their allergy so they are just as cautious around food.
6. Allergy Safe Card
Ever try eating out with food allergies? If so, you know it’s pretty much a nightmare. Well, the Allergy Safe Card is a HUGE win for any dining out experience! It makes the whole communication process MUCH easier (especially when dealing with multiple food allergies). We use the card every time we eat out and it honestly makes things really easy. Plus, it’s a huge relief knowing that your food is prepared with caution and safety! I highly recommend getting one of these!
Check them out at: https://allergysafe.cards
OTHER ITEMS TO CARRY!
Here’s a few more things I found were very helpful to have close by. I suggest getting a specific allergy backpack for everything and keep it in the car.
- CHANGE OF CLOTHES: During an anaphylactic episode, vomitting is very common. A change of clothes for the hospital (and their comfort) is definitely nice to have on hand!
- ANTI-ITCH OINTMENT: If your child experiences hives, a topical ointment (benadryl, cortisone, anti-itch cream, etc. ) will help relieve some of the discomfort they are experiencing.
- THROW UP BAG/BUCKET: Keep a bag or bowl in the car just in case vomitting does occur. If there’s a chance you can catch some of the vomit, it’s a much easier clean up. It could also eliminate the discomfort or embarrassment of having vomit all over them.
- TOWELS/WIPES: Again, this is something we keep in the car to clean up any messes. Trust me, it helps!
And there you have it! Your very own personalized food allergy kit to have on hand and eliminate some worry (although I know that worry will never full go away because, hey, it’s what we do).
SIDE NOTE!
I would highly recommend getting CPR Certified (or at least know how to perform CPR). If your child is unable to breath or goes unconscious, this is something you may have to do until medical help arrives.
♥ Jax