Planning a Feast for your Children’s Birthday Party – But What About Allergies!!

These days which food allergies seemingly on the increase, chances are that one of the guests invited to a kids birthday party Perth could have some form of food allergy.

The 3 most common allergies are to cow’s milk, eggs and peanuts, others include but not limited to tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish and wheat. 5% of children have a food allergy which reduces to about 1% of adults.

When you are planning your child’s birthday party menu, be clear about which foods have what ingredients so you can advise your guests what they can and can’t eat. Food labels should show all the ingredients for store–bought products so read the labels carefully.  Consider replacing cows milk with rice milk, replace peanuts with popcorn, pretzels, or vegan chips and an eggless birthday cake!

You could include “please advise re food allergies” on the birthday party RSVP, although most parents should advise you of their children particular needs. Some parents may even provide their child with their personalised party food if the food allergy is life threatening.

If one of your guests has an allergic reaction to a food, it will show as a hive-like skin rash, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or breathing difficulties. This is the body’s immune system reacting by producing antibodies, which then cause these symptoms.

The correct course of action is to use an EpiPen if you have one on hand and if you know how to use it. It will usually take about 5 minutes to reduce the symptoms. If however, you don’t have an EpiPen or if you aren’t experienced in its use, then call an ambulance, call the parent if they are not at the party, lay the child down with legs raised and keep warm. If the child is vomiting, sit them up or turn them on their side.

Being prepared and your children’s birthday party will be remembered for the right reasons.