Allergy alert!

When we found out our "baby" had allergies, we went into a bit of a panic. As a 15 month old, he was still crawling and eating everything on the floor (he's our second). We were very nervous facing peanut, egg and milk allergies, but knew it was something others live with daily.

Our first stop was CVS for the Epipen, in case of a peanut reaction.

We also like to have the single dose of Benadryl on hand for non-peanut reactions. It's handy, as the dose is sealed individually.

Mabel's Labels has a fabulous product called Allergy Alerts. They are dishwasher safe, so you can put them on your kid's cups, plates, lunchbox - whatever you want to label! I like this idea when you send the non-verbal ones off to Parents Day Out.

We have so many things to learn, but have found the following sites helpful: Kids With Food Allergies, Allergy Kids and FAAN Kids. I'm sure there are many other helpful sites and tips out there. Also, be sure when you buy your Halloween candy this year, you remember all those kids with nut allergies - they want to trick or treat too!

If you want to get involved and are in the Kansas City area, FAAN is having a walk this Saturday, October 25, 2008. Check-in begins at 12:00 noon; Walk begins at 1:00 p.m. Location: Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee Mission, KS 66219, distance 2 miles. Check your local area for similar events!