Managing food allergies is a team effort, and nannies, babysitters, extended family members and other caregivers are often important members of that team. Educating caregivers and planning ahead will help ensure that your child is safe and included while you are gone. Here are some important steps you can take to prepare caregivers:
1. Explain the allergy, which foods to avoid, and the safety precautions you follow at home. Be sure to provide enough time for the caregiver to absorb the information. You may want to set up a meeting in the days or week prior to when they will be caring for your child to ensure you have enough time to review everything and they have enough time to ask questions.
2. Carefully explain to the caregiver the symptoms of a food allergy reaction and what to do if a reaction occurs.
3. Refer them to the food allergy reaction symptoms as described in your
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan4. Show them how to use an epinephrine auto-injector, and make sure they are comfortable using it.
5. Using expired pens or trainers, let them practice on an orange to get a feel for it.
6. Tell the caregiver to act first and call you later. Let the caregiver know that the most important thing they need to do in case of a severe reaction is to inject epinephrine and call 999. Let them know that, when in doubt, they should choose to use epinephrine and that you will not be upset with their decision.
7. Make it easy to reach you. Leave your mobile phone number with the caregiver, as well as the number of at least one other person in case you are away from the phone.
8. Explain the dangers of cross-contact and how to avoid it.
9. Leave a list of approved foods or a tray of safe foods that they can give your child.
10. With babysitters, have them arrive after your child has eaten and is ready for bed. This strategy is probably the least stressful until you feel comfortable leaving your child with someone else.
11. Put it all in writing. Keep all important information and instructions together in an easily accessible place, such as a brightly colored binder in the kitchen, and make sure to update it as needed.
