Safe as houses
Avoiding allergens away from home
Being diagnosed with a food allergy needn’t mean your baby is perceived as ‘different’ or exclude them from any activities with their friends. Once you have a good understanding of their allergy, managing it on a daily basis can be relatively easy, especially if you provide your baby’s carers with a protocol, so everyone knows how to keep them safe.
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Diagnosis of an infant allergy may come as a relief to many parents, but for some it can also be the beginning of a lifelong journey, which needs extra thought, care and planning.
Once you know what your baby is allergic to, it can be fairly straightforward to keep them safe in your own home. But protecting them from allergens in the wider world can be more difficult, especially when you’re not there to take charge.
Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step for any parent, but is especially worrying if there's a food allergy to deal with. But spending time with family or new friends is a great way for your baby to become more socially aware whilst giving you the chance to put your trust in someone else.
If your baby has a food allergy, the thought of taking them to a party can be far from fun, but there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be included and enjoy themselves as much as everyone else. It might take some careful planning to make sure their food allergy is catered for and the environment the food is prepared in is allergen-free, but these things can be overcome, even if it means offering to help out in the kitchen.
Party time: including babies with food allergies may take careful planning, but doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the fun
You may find other people’s perceptions of allergy difficult to deal with, particularly where your baby has a visible reaction, such as a skin condition, and they could be excluded from some activities simply as a precaution. Talking to other parents can help them become allergy aware and understand the impact that an allergy can have on a child, so don’t be afraid to share what you know.
Holidays can also present a bit of a problem for parents of children with food allergies, but again these can be overcome with some planning ahead. Whether you’re travelling abroad or staying in this country, there are some basics to take into consideration, like where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there and what you’ll eat.
Wherever you go, it’s a good idea to know where the nearest hospital is, in the unlikely event of an emergency. Self-catering accommodation may be the simplest option if your baby has a severe food allergy. And if you decide to go abroad, you may need to take some translation cards or learn a few phrases if you don’t already speak the language, just in case you need some medical or dietary help.
While living with a baby diagnosed with food allergies can make for a less-than-ordinary daily routine, successful diagnosis is part of the battle won. When you know what the problem is, you can concentrate on managing what your baby eats and avoiding aggravation of their allergy symptoms.
Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch
Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breast milk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using an infant formula should be considered. Improper use of an infant formula or inappropriate foods or feeding methods may present a health hazard. If you use an infant formula, you should follow manufacturer’s instructions for use carefully – failure to follow the instructions may make your baby ill. Always consult your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice about feeding your baby.
