Leaving your allergic child: Tips for parents of food allergic children

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I would share my plan of action for leaving Catherine. My husband and I will be celebrating Valentine's Day early this year. Our childcare will be available tomorrow and I would like to avoid the huge crowds Thursday night.

Tomorrow night will be the first time My husband and I have been on a date since Catherine was diagnosed with multiple food allergies. I must say I am excited to spend time with my love alone, but I am nervous about leaving Catherine, even if it is only for a few hours.

To combat my nerves, I have put together a list of tips and advice I am sharing with our caregivers. We are lucky to have family caring for Catherine in our absence. Best of all, Gram and Aunt Bonnie are both registered nurses.

Listed below are my tips. If you have an allergic child, what advice do you have for leaving your child? Please comment and share.

Emily's Tips For Leaving Your Allergic Child

• Find a caregiver who is familiar with food allergies.
• Find a caregiver who is certified in CPR and first aid.
• Make time to explain signs of a reaction or anaphylaxix in your child to caregivers.
• Make time to demonstrate how to use an epi-pen and explain dosage for any other medications.
• Post all emergency contact information in an easy place to find.
• Prepare all food to be consumed in your absence and give specific instructions on how to warm and store. 
• To reduce incidence of cross contamination, make sure no know allergens are brought into the house by the caregiver.
• Most of all, find a caregiver who you and your child both trust.

Catherine with Aunt Bonnie