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“Although any child can develop a food allergy, the risk is higher in allergic families, particularly those with food allergic parents and siblings.” - this is according to FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network).

The advice to prevent a food allergy in high risk babies tends to be exclusive breast feeding for at least six months and delaying the introduction of certain foods including dairy, eggs and nuts (both peanuts and tree nuts).

Having food allergies confirmed can often leave parents feeling either relieved or upset. Relieved that a diagnosis has finally been made and that an action plan for going forwards can be put in place or upset, and perhaps overwhelmed, by what the future may hold.

In either case, the following five points can be of great help when food allergies are first confirmed:

1. Think positive, be positive!

It’s a bit of a cliché I know, but I’m a great believer in positive thinking. Not only will being positive about the situation help you but it will help your child – don’t forget even babies and toddlers can pick up on your mood and feelings. So if you begin to dread mealtimes, it can have a negative effect on your little one.

2. Get organised, be in control!

One of the key aspects of successfully managing food allergies is being organised – this will give you a sense of control and you won’t find yourself stuck in a situation of a hungry baby/toddler and nothing suitable to eat! Being organised includes meal planning, batch cooking and freezing, and advanced planning for outings, special occasions and holidays.

3. Be proactive, not reactive!

This is another great slogan that really does apply to managing food allergies especially if dealing with stubborn toddlers! Try to anticipate what might happen in certain situations and be prepared for them. Encourage your little one to have a varied diet within the food types that they can eat so they can enjoy the maximum choice.

4. Be consistent!

This point is all about helping your little one to learn. All young children seem to go through a phase where everything goes into their mouth…and when out and about this can include the half eaten biscuit that’s been discarded on the floor by another child!! Of course, for an allergic toddler this could be extremely dangerous. By being consistent and having consistent rules, even the youngest children can learn what they are and aren’t allowed to eat.

5. Enjoy!

And finally make sure you still enjoy food and mealtimes. Don’t turn food preparation into a chore or mealtimes into a battlefield. You can still have fun - eat together as a family, enjoy colourful meals, make homemade biscuits in exciting shapes or animals.

This article was written by Lucy Chahil, author of Feed me allergy free ( www.feedmeallergyfree.co.uk ) . This article is not intended to provide any professional / medical advice. For advice, please always consult your GP or dietician.

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