10 Food Allergy Safety Tips for Kids at Home, School, or While Traveling -

7. Pack Your Child’s Epinephrine Injectors in Your Carry-On

If you’re traveling by air, make sure your child’s epinephrine auto-injector is stored in your carry-on, so you have easy access to it in an emergency. Pratt recommends storing it in a clear plastic bag to make it easier to go through security. “You usually have to separate it from your other items, since it does have a needle,” she notes.

8. Choose the Right Restaurant

Depending on your child’s food allergy, some restaurants will be riskier to eat at than others. For example, if your child has a peanut allergy, it’s wise to avoid certain Asian restaurants, such as those serving Thai, Chinese, or Indian cuisine, because nuts are frequently used in their dishes.

Buffet-style restaurants and bakeries should also be avoided. The risk of cross contact and accidental exposure is high at these eateries.

9. Review the Menu Ahead of Time

Many restaurants have their menus online, so you can take a look and figure out which foods will be on the safer side, Codispoti notes.

If you’re traveling within the United States, consider dining at chain restaurants where you know which foods are safe for your child. (The ingredients and preparation at chain restaurants are usually the same at every location.)

10. Talk to the Waitstaff

Nowadays, many restaurants ask if anyone has a food allergy. But if they don’t, it’s important to let them know. “Be really clear with the waitstaff or even the manager about your child’s particular allergy,” says Pratt.

Don’t be afraid to emphasize how important it is to avoid cross contamination. And be sure to ask for a list of all of the ingredients in the dish and exactly how it’s prepared. If you don’t feel satisfied or comfortable with their answers, find another restaurant.

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