If you’re a parent of a child with food allergies, you know how challenging it can be to attend birthday parties. You worry about the food, the cake, and the snacks, and you never know what to expect. As a parent of two children with food allergies, I can relate to these concerns. In this blog post, I will share my experience and provide tips for attending birthday parties with food allergies.

First, let me tell you a story about my kids’ birthday party experiences. When we were invited to a friend’s house or venue for a birthday party, and I knew I had to pack my own food. My daughter had a dairy allergy and still has a peanut and tree nut allergy; my son a peanut and tree nut allergy. They couldn’t eat pizza or cake from the party. I had to pack my own pizza, which I made at home with dairy-free cheese and nut-free ingredients. For the cake, I made a homemade cake that was free from dairy and nuts. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it to ensure my kids” safety. I always felt a bit awkward bringing my own food to the party however.

One of the biggest challenges of attending birthday parties with food allergies is finding safe food to eat. Many commercially baked cakes and pizza contain dairy and nuts, which are common allergens. The cake itself may be nut-free, but can easily become cross-contaminated from other bakery item containing nuts. Even if the host tries to accommodate your child’s allergy, there’s always a risk of cross-contamination. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead and bring your own food. We also always travel with our epinephrine injectors just in case.

When attending a birthday party with food allergies, it’s important to communicate with the host. Let them know about your child’s allergy and offer to bring your own food. Most hosts will be understanding and grateful for your help. They may even ask you for advice on how to accommodate other guests with food allergies.

Another tip for attending birthday parties with food allergies is to bring snacks. When you’re unsure about the food at the party, having a stash of safe snacks can be a lifesaver. Pack some fruit, popcorn, candy or crackers that your child can enjoy. This will also help ensure your child feels included if no safe snacks are available. Once my kids got a little older, I didn’t have to worry as much about them feeling left out. They understood that certain food items were not safe for them.

Lastly, it’s important to educate your child about their allergies. Teach them how to read food labels and identify common allergens. This will help them make informed decisions about what they can and cannot eat. It’s also important to teach them how to speak up for themselves and ask questions about the food at the party. My kids have been self-advocating since about first grade. They know not to eat anything without asking and especially not to eat anything without a label.

In conclusion, attending birthday parties with food allergies can be challenging, but it’s possible to have a fun and safe experience. Planning ahead, communicating with the host, bringing safe snacks, and educating your child are all essential steps. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your child can enjoy the party without worrying about their allergies.