Eating Out...

Here are some tips for your little munchkin's next outing. If you're heading to a restaurant, call ahead and speak to the manager and/or chef. Let them know that you may need to bring a few food items to supplement or enhance your meal. Ask the waiter questions about how the food is prepared. Be aware of any potential hidden sources of your child's allergen. Always carry a safe snack in case there is nothing on the menu that is suitable. I prefer to choose meals that are as basic as possible. If ordering pizza, I will request that the cutters are cleaned before slicing our pizza (just in case the previously sliced pizza was topped with egg, e.g. an Aussie pizza). Try to avoid buffets because they tend to use the same utensils for a variety of foods.

Before going to a friend's house where food will be served, let your friend know about your child's allergies as early as possible, and offer to bring some tolerated foods with you. Give your friend examples of foods to avoid. Don't feel like you’re being rude by mentioning this information to your friend. It's better to tell them before they put all of their effort into preparing a particular meal, only to find out that it may cause harm to your little one. I've found that all of my friends tend be very understanding when they're informed of reactions that can occur if my little munchkin eats certain foods.

Educate your friends and family about the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and what needs to be done should one occur. Have directions in your emergency kit on how the medicine should be administered in case you are unable to do so yourself.

Regardless of where you're going, or how little time you think you may be spending at a destination, always make sure that you carry an emergency treatment kit containing an EpiPen, Zyrtec, and any other medications your doctor has prescribed. With proper planning, outings can be both safe and enjoyable!