5 ways to protect your peanut-allergic child at school

Discovering that your child has a peanut allergy can be a stressful experience. Before heading back to school, make the transition to a peanut-free lifestyle easier, and safer, with these tips.

One of the most important steps to keeping your child healthy is letting the school know that your child has a peanut allergy.

• This will ensure that your child is not given any cafeteria food or treats that contain peanuts.
• Also, if your child requires medicine to treat an allergy, make sure the school keeps the proper medicine on hand in case of emergency.

An epinephrine auto-injector can help save your child's life should they consume peanuts.

• Make sure to give your child the right medications, and check and make sure they carry it at all times.
• Ensure the school has a supply of the medication in case of emergency, and explain to your child and the school how to use it, should it be needed.

One way to help ensure that your child doesn't ingest something they shouldn't is to provide him or her with a wide menu of options they can eat.

• Test out certain foods that are safe, and learn what your child loves.
• This will ensure that their go-to foods are always things that are safe and healthy.

Peanuts aren't just in things like packages of peanuts or jars of peanut butter.

• In reality, traces of peanuts can be found in many food items, and many food items indicate that they've been in contact with peanuts on their labels.
• Make sure to educate yourself about what foods are risky.
• Teach your child to recognize these foods, too.

Many people will be a part of your kid's life, so it can help to teach everyone about the severe allergy.

• Instruct people about what foods contain peanuts, what happens if your child consumes them and how to handle an emergency situation. This ensures that your child will always be in the safest hands possible.

A severe peanut allergy is a scary thing, but by taking a few precautions ahead of back-to-school time, you'll feel safe knowing your child is in good hands should an emergency occur.