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Preparing Those Who Care for Your Allergic Child
When your child has allergies, several safety nets must be developed and implemented to allow for a pleasant routine. This includes making sure that those who will care for your child are up to the task and well-informed. Your efforts will allow you to take a well-deserved break.
Here is a list of instructions to help keep your child safe while you are away.
- Meet with the person in advance, in a quiet place, and allow enough time for them to ask you questions.
- Prepare written instructions that you can leave with them.
- Explain your child’s allergy and the precautions you take at home.
- Describe the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- Show the person how to use an epinephrine auto-injector using a practice device (available at epipen.ca).
- Emphasize that in an emergency, it is essential to use the auto-injector first, then dial 911, then call you.
- Be easily reachable. Leave the person your phone number and that of another trusted person.
- Prepare safe, well-identified meals and snacks for your child.
- Provide information on cross-contact (and the procedures to avoid it), as well as on guidelines for identifying allergens using nutrition labels.
- To reduce stress, you can schedule your nights out after your child’s last meal of the day.
- See our webpage for another crucial step in ensuring your child’s safety: Develop your child’s autonomy.