Allergy-Safe Tips for Trick-or-Treating
Halloween is a night full of excitement for many families! Dressing up in costumes, participating in spooky fun, and of course, going trick-or-treating are highlights for many of our children. However, for families managing food allergies, trick-or-treating can feel more stressful than fun. Many popular treats contain common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, or gluten, which can make participating safely a challenge.
The good news? With a little preparation and awareness, Halloween can be both safe and magical for every child. Here are some tips to help make trick-or-treating enjoyable for kids with food allergies.
- Talk with Your Child Ahead of Time
Discuss what foods are safe and what to avoid. Remind your child not to eat anything until an adult has had a chance to check the ingredients.
- Inspect All Treats Before Eating
Always read ingredient labels carefully. If the treat doesn’t have a label, it’s best to skip it. Sorting through candy together can even be turned into a fun “candy trade” activity where kids swap unsafe items for allergy-friendly ones.
- Carry Emergency Supplies
If your child has a severe allergy, keep their epinephrine auto-injector and any other prescribed medications with you while trick-or-treating. Being prepared gives peace of mind.
- Offer Allergy-Friendly Alternatives
If you’re handing out treats, consider including non-food items such as:
- Glow sticks or bracelets
- Stickers or temporary tattoos
- Small toys or bubbles
- Pencils or crayons
These are fun, affordable, and safe for all kids.
- Look for the Teal Pumpkin Project®
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a nationwide initiative that helps make Halloween more inclusive. Homes with a teal pumpkin or sign displayed are offering non-candy or allergy-friendly treats. These include things like stickers, glow sticks, pencils and erasers, granola bars, or small pre-packaged snack bags. Participating homes will often place a teal pumpkin alongside their offerings or on their porch as a signal that they have allergy-friendly options!
- Have a Backup Plan
Consider planning a family Halloween activity after trick-or-treating such as a movie night or baking a themed treat they can share with the whole family. This helps shift the focus away from candy alone and adds to the fun of the holiday.
At Augusta Pediatric Associates, we believe every child should feel included and safe on Halloween. With a little planning, parents and communities can make this holiday a happy and safe experience for all trick-or-treaters!
For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
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