Food allergies in children can feel impossible. Having to read every label, request substitutions, and be on alert for accidental consumptions are just a few of the challenges parents face.

I have a son allergic to anything made with milk, wheat, or egg and a daughter allergic to peanuts and several other nuts. Managing their allergies has added a great deal of stress to parenthood for me. Thankfully the more I learn, the less daunting it feels.

I have some practical tips and resources to share, but most of all I hope to leave you with encouragement.

>> JOIN TODAY :: Food Allergy Moms of Collin County <<

Three Apps to Help with Food Allergies

Plan to Eat :: This is the best meal planning app. It’s great for saving those tried-and-true allergy friendly recipes you want quick access to. You can access online and it formats it so that in the future you’re only pulling up the recipe, and not a webpage riddled with advertisements.

Here’s a recipe for gluten-free, vegan pancakes that I make for my son frequently!

Shopwell :: After entering in your allergies, you can scan grocery products to see if they’re a match based on your allergy and nutrition selections. The database does not have some common products, but it’s constantly improving and is worth checking out.

Solid Starts :: If you’re introducing new foods to a little one, this app helps you track each food as you introduce it. You can record any reaction that occurs. It gets bonus points for giving helpful food preparation tips! Bright, user friendly, and full of information — I can’t rave about this one enough!

>> RELATED READ :: “So, What Exactly Can He Eat?” Navigating a Child’s Food Allergy Diagnosis <<

Online Resources

It’s easy to get stuck in the rut of making the same safe foods or to feel limited by your child’s allergies when going out. With a little planning ahead and some help, caring for a child with food allergies gets easier.

Food Allergy Research and Education has great info on living with food allergies, emergency preparation, traveling tips, etc.

Kids with Food Allergies has a database of allergy-friendly recipes. Be sure to pay attention to the substitutions! You can also share your own recipes. There’s a tab on the website with allergy-friendly snack products too.

In-Person Expertise

Sometimes, nothing beats being able to talk face-to-face with a real person who can answer your questions.

Allergists :: They can determine the severity of the allergy, if your child needs an Epi-Pen, provide written action plans for daycare/school, and monitor when an allergy is outgrown. Our allergist also treats my son’s asthma and eczema, which are commonly related. These are the experts so take your list of questions!

Nutritionists :: When my son was first diagnosed as an infant, I couldn’t figure out alternatives fast enough to keep up with his growth. Our pediatrician gave us a nutrition referral, and I felt an instant relief that I wouldn’t have to figure it out alone. Having someone sit down and help you figure out how to meet your child’s nutritional needs is incredibly reassuring. Children’s Health and Lemond Nutrition are two local experts in the Collin County area.

>> LISTEN :: Food Fights :: Momfessions Podcast :: Episode 31 <<

Give Yourself Grace

I’ve spent too many hours feeling guilty that my children’s allergies were my fault. That if I had just introduced the allergen sooner, it could have been prevented. Or that it was my poor genetics that contributed. It’s a hard cross to bear. When I take a step back, I remember that there were foods that I did introduce at the recommended time and my son was still highly allergic to them. Not everything is preventable. Your child’s allergies are not a reflection of anything you did or did not do.

It Gets Easier with Time

Thankfully, many children are able to outgrow some of their allergies, at least to a degree. I often like to recall my favorite parenting mantra: This a phase and shall soon pass. Over time, we find more food substitutions and alternatives to try.

New recipes become staples and your child becomes more aware of what they can and can’t have and accept it as normal.

Prior to my daughter starting elementary school, I was worried about her eating in the cafeteria. Leaving the comfort of “nut-free” daycares and preschool was a difficult transition for my peace of mind. Her school offered a “nut-free” table she could sit at, but I didn’t want her isolated from her friends. Ultimately, I trusted that she knew not to accept shared food from friends based on our conversations and her maturity level. I no longer think twice about her lunchtime!

See the Glass as Half-Full

Because of his extensive allergies, my son is actually a very healthy eater. Salmon, brown rice, and any vegetable is one of his favorite meals. He eats a ton of fresh fruits and vegetables. Because it can be harder to dine out with allergies, celebrate your home cooking knowing that your whole family will benefit!

We’ve also bonded with new and old friends with food allergies. It’s really strengthened some mom friendships to share our mutual experiences, and always leaves me feeling encouraged or with new knowledge.

You’re Doing Great

Just remember, your journey is your own and it shouldn’t look like anyone else’s. Everyone is different and no one way is the “right” way. At the end of the day your child is safe, loved and healthy.