Allergy Friendly Childcare in Karana

With allergies becoming more and more common within children, it’s rare to find a child care in Karana that isn’t an allergen-free centre. However, for parents who don’t have first-hand experience with allergies, it can be challenging to adapt your child’s lunch box to fit within these requirements. Whether your child is a picky eater or has a favourite food, substituting their favourite foods can sometimes be a tough compromise although, there are still plenty of delicious and nutritious options that fit within the allergy-friendly category.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune response to certain types of food, and can be specific to each individual. For some children, merely touching the allergen can provoke a reaction whereas for others, they have to consume it to have a reaction. Even a miniscule amount of the allergen can trigger an allergic reaction, and can result in symptoms such as digestive upsets like vomiting and diarrhoea, hives and rashes, swelling, and in some children a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction can occur. Allergic reactions can progress very quickly, or have a delayed response, making them incredibly dangerous for any children with allergies. The most common food allergies within children include eggs, milk and peanuts, however other tree nuts, fish and shellfish, and soy are also very common.

Why do centres ban allergens?

The best treatment for an allergic reaction is prevention, and for young children who are still developing their understanding of safety and their allergy and who cannot make safe decisions for themselves, limiting any exposure to allergens is crucial.

Children quite commonly will trade food from their lunchboxes or share snacks with one another, making it dangerous if anything shared contains the allergen. Moreover, for children with extreme sensitivities who are touch-sensitive, the potential for contamination throughout the centre is very high and can result in an allergic reaction. For example, if a child has had a peanut butter sandwich for lunch and then proceeds to touch all of the pens and pencils, the allergen could potentially be covering these and could expose another child. By banning these allergens from entering the centre, the likelihood of these issues arising is significantly lower, and ensures the safety of all children attending kindergarten in Karana.

How to explain allergies to your child

For some children, it can be confusing as to why they can’t bring their favourite foods to child care in Karana, so spending the time having a conversation with them about food allergies can help them understand. Explaining to your child that they can still eat all of the foods they enjoy on the weekends, in the afternoon, or before school can help minimise any feelings of restriction and having these foods on offer regularly can help make them less novel to your child. Explaining to your child what happens during an allergic reaction is important, as it not only can help them identify an allergic reaction if it should occur in one of their friends, but it can also help them understand that by not eating certain foods they are keeping their friends healthy and safe. Finally, explaining how exciting it is to try new foods and flavours at kindergarten in Karana, and getting them involved in making their lunch box can make it more fun and exciting, without having to include certain ingredients.

Allergen Alternatives

With so many alternatives available for your child’s lunchbox, try some of these swaps to ensure their food is allergen free and ready to go to kindergarten in Karana.

Nuts

Peanut butter: Hummus or tahini, sunflower butter
Granola: Rolled oats with dried fruit and seeds
Muesli bars: Nut-free options at the grocery store or even homemade muesli bars
Assorted nuts: Seeds or dehydrated chickpeas

Eggs

Fried or scrambled Tofu
Salad and hummus sandwich

Milk

Coconut yoghurt
Oat milk drinks
Avocado as an alternative for butter
Veggie dips
Dairy-free cheese slices (just ensure these are not nut-based if this allergen is banned)

Whilst it can seem challenging to find alternatives for common allergens, keeping all children safe is the number one priority for any day care in Karana. By having regular discussions with your children about allergies, getting them involved in making their lunchboxes, and offering any allergen-containing foods outside of school hours you can keep a balanced diet full of their favourite foods, whilst keeping everyone safe and happy. If you have any questions about the rules at your kindergarten in Karana, all of the staff are trained and can help make lunch box suggestions or answer any and all questions you may have. By following these guidelines, you’re guaranteed to have the coolest, and safest, lunchbox around!