She notified the flight crew that there would be a child on board with life-threatening nut allergies (at which point they made arrangements to serve crackers instead of peanuts). As we boarded the plane, we were offered cleaning spray and paper towels to clean off the arm rests and snack tray of the seats in our row. Once on the plane, the flight crew announced that one of the passengers on board had a severe nut allergy and requested that the other passengers refrain from opening any bags of nuts, trail mix, or other nut-containing food items, as this could seriously endanger the passenger.

Needless to say, we are now loyal Southwest fans. It is recommended that you let them know of any allergies at the time you make your reservation or within 2 hours of your scheduled flight. While there may be other airlines that make accommodations for their allergic passengers, I have not experienced such an effort by an airline to ensure the safety of my child. So, if any of you are planning a trip with your allergic child, this might be something to keep in mind as you make your flight arrangements. This was certainly a great start to our vacation!

For more information on Southwest Airline’s peanut allergy policy, click here.

Parents worry: Will the teachers remember my child’s specific food allergy? Will the Epi-Pen® be accessible on the playground or on a field trip? What if substitute teachers cover lunch time and will they be prepared to manage an allergic reaction? The reality is they just don’t know…and that’s not good enough.

I know these fears all too well. My son is severely allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. A couple years ago, before his first day at preschool, I met with the teachers and school director, discussed his allergies, signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and how a reaction should be managed. Two weeks into school, I walked him into class only to overhear the teacher tell another parent that the children would be making trail mix that day. I was astounded, as were the parents of the other two nut-allergic children in the class. At best, the children would have experienced hives and vomiting… at worst, anaphylaxis and death. And the questions followed: How can I make sure the people around my son are constantly alerted to his allergies? And, if there is an emergency, how can I ensure that they will know what to do?

The anxiety is shared by teachers, coaches, babysitters and others who care for allergic kids. They worry too: How will I remember each child’s specific allergies? How will I know if a child is having an allergic reaction? Will I be able to respond appropriately?

To keep your child safer this school year:

1. Clearly identify your child by his/her specific food allergies
2. Clearly label his belongings—lunch bag, backpack—with allergy alerts to prevent exposure
3. Make safe foods available for your child
4. Keep emergency medication available and accessible at all times; make sure that whoever is with your child is prepared to manage a life-threatening emergency

Communication is key… your child’s life could depend on it! Label your child’s lunch bag with his allergies to alert teachers and cafeteria staff. Get a kid-friendly allergy alert wristband that your child will actually wear. Provide the school with safe snacks for your child. Make sure that emergency medication and information is accessible at all times while your child is in school. By alerting others to your child’s allergies, making safe food available and having emergency measures in place, you can minimize the risk of an allergic reaction and maximize the chances of an effective response if one does occur.

Best wishes for a safe and successful school year!

STATkids was awarded the Grand Seal of Approval Pick of the Month for August 2009 from Grand Magazine, the online magazine for grandparents.  Click here to preview this online magazine and to read about the award given to STATkids.

On February 10, 2009, STATkids was named among the “Best websites for managing allergies” on Cookiemag.com. Our wristbands, allergy alert stickers, and lunch bags were all listed as products to help parents and kids get by. Click here to read the full article.

On January 28, 2009, STATkids was featured on Susan Heim on Parenting with a focus on our Lunch Bags. Susan said, “If your child is allergic to peanuts, wouldn’t you feel better knowing that he had a “peanut allergy” lunch bag and wristband so that others will immediately know not to give them a bite of their peanut-butter cookie? These are great products that help to give parents peace of mind.”

Click here to read the rest of the article.

“The Best Backpacks, Age by Age,” Parents.com, July 2008

In July 2008, STATkids was listed among “The Best Backpacks, Age by Age” by Parenting.com. “Does your kid have a food allergy? Make everyone aware with this bright backpack. The display window holds a customized allergy warning, and for a little extra, you can add your child’s initials. Bag is 10.5 x 13 x 5 inches.”

Check out the rest of the list on Parents.com.

On April 7, 2008, STATkids was featured on DailyCandy.com.  Here is an excerpt from that article:

“The colorful wristbands, lunch bags, and backpacks allow you to clearly identify allergies or health issues so kids are protected when they’re out on their own. Cherry red silicone bands are waterproof, comfy, and fit small toddlers. Backpacks and lunch bags have display windows for health info. Travel fannypacks provide easy access to keep EpiPens, inhalers, and emergency medical info.”

Click here to read the rest of the article.