Finding out that your child has a severe peanut allergy can be a very stressful concern. You find yourself worrying about what kids are bringing to school in their lunches, what you are ordering at a restaurant or what your neighbour may be offering for a snack.
Generally, kids with allergies come from allergic families. In my family, both my mother and I had sensitivities to peanuts as children but we both grew out of it.
As for my daughter, at the age of two, she saw a very yummy looking cookie and took one bite. She then had her first peanut reaction and it was somewhat mild. Her lips went bright red like she was instantly wearing lipstick, with her bottom lip slightly swollen.
The second time she got a bite of toast with peanut butter on it. Again, within seconds she had bright red and swollen lips, with hives all down her face and trunk of her body. My wife took her to the doctor immediately and she left with an EpiPen. These types of allergic reactions happen faster and faster each time there is contact.
If you know that there is a peanut allergy in your family, it is recommended you wait until your child is at least two years of age before giving them their first sample. The reason for the wait is because, if a child is having a reaction, by the time they are two they can better communicate that they are chocking, can't breathe or feel sick. Before then they don't have a lot of ways to communicate they are uncomfortable.
Also, if you don't want to chance it at home, tell your doctor about the family allergy and your concern about giving your child peanut butter and ask for an allergy test. It's a simple prick that will save you a possible trip to the emergency room.
Once you learn that your child has a peanut allergy, the stress begins as you learn what contains peanuts and what doesn't. Here are some tips (while tedious) to help get you started:
Teach your child that, when they are at a friend's or neighbour's home, if they are offered a snack to ask if it is peanut free.
Carefully pay attention to labels on foods. While most do have warnings indicating contact containing or made on the same tray as peanuts, some may not.
If you find a certain brand of food that says peanut-free, just remember that it may be a specialty item and it's not that all of their products are peanut-free. For example, Chapman's is an ice cream brand that has a specialty ice cream that is peanut-free, but their other ice cream and desserts do have peanuts or traces of. So be label safe! Check everything.
Let schools, babysitters, day cares, nurseries and so on know of your child's allergy. Some locations understand and become peanut-free zones. Also supply these caring individuals with your contact information and (if prescribed) an EpiPen. Show them how to use an EpiPen and what the signs are.
Try alternatives to peanut products. Something like SunButter, made from sunflower seeds, is delicious! However, be aware so as to not create a false sense of security or confusion for your child. They may not understand that an item is being substituted for peanut products.
As stressful as it may seem, you will make it and you will establish a new routine that is peanut-free.
