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Allergies and intolerances

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Original poster

Allergies at nursery

22 replies

melonribena · 07/08/2013 09:47

Hi, my dairy/egg allergic 12 mth old ds is starting nursery 1 day a week soon.

I'm sending in alpro +1 for him to drink, plus suitable spread and yogurt when needed, but they intimated that sometimes I might need to send in a meal if what they are having is unsuitable.

Is this standard with nurseries? Can I insist they provide something or should I be providing alternative food?

Obviously I want him to fit in and have as much as possible what everyone else has.

I would be grateful for anyone to share what they do with regards nursery.

OP posts:
Original poster
melonribena · 07/08/2013 19:10

Anyone?

OP posts:
Original poster
melonribena · 08/08/2013 09:26

Oh we'll

OP posts:
ukey · 08/08/2013 18:28

my main concern would be keeping him safe, that would be my top priority. Making sure the nursery has procedures in place to prevent reactions, cross contamination, accidental exposure etc.

BeerTricksPotter · 08/08/2013 18:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ukey · 08/08/2013 18:39

my concern would be that they understood the risk of cross contamination, as they would almost certainly have both egg and dairy within the nursery. Only after speaking with who ever prepares the meals would I trust them to provide meals for an allergic child.

Original poster
melonribena · 08/08/2013 19:05

Thanks! Food is all included in the daily cost so that's why I'm quite keen, unless of course they want to offer me a discount!

Cross contamination is my major concern as well. They've said that they will provide egg and dairy free meals for all children on the day that he's on, which is good of them really.

Should they have an allergies policy? I will ask to see it if so.

OP posts:
Original poster
melonribena · 08/08/2013 19:07

I'm sorry to be really dense but where do you think cross contamination is likely to occur? Obviously during meals if ds has something different to the other children but is there any other times you think I should be querying?

OP posts:
lemonpuff · 08/08/2013 19:09

why are you providing anything? My friend cooks in a nursery, quite a few allergies, milk and egg are fairly standard. she does gluten, wheat soya etc free and makes them look as much like everyone elses as possible.

3boys3dogshelp · 08/08/2013 19:12

No personal experience, but my son's best friend has dairy allergies, he has attended nursery and now is at school (on school lunches) and has always had food provided by nursery or school. He had his food on a different colour of plate when he was too little to know for himself, so all staff could see which food was for him. He often eats here and it's no problem to adapt things, I would be concerned about a nursery who couldn't cater for him tbh, especially if you're paying for food.

ukey · 08/08/2013 19:45

how severe are your wee one's allergies? does he react on contact, and to trace amounts of dairy/egg, does he react to foods being cooked? eg if other kids were having pizza or omelette ?

contamination can happen anywhere/everywhere

most obvious place is kitchen, preparation of food, separate area, with separate utensils, cups, plate etc.

though also have to think about, the other children's hands, toys, surfaces, snack area, table, high chair, being near other children who will have had milk, yoghurts etc. kids who have dripped food down themselves, junk materials, like old milk cartons and egg boxes for making things.

ukey · 08/08/2013 19:51

if they are doing dairy and egg free meals on the day ur child is in, that reduces the risks, though obv kids coming in from home will have had allergens, and will the other children still be provided with milk.

Original poster
melonribena · 08/08/2013 20:20

Thanks everyone! All very useful stuff! I've made a list of things to discuss with them. It sounds as though most nurseries should take this in their stride and cater fine for him.

He reacts on contact with hives on his face. Other children will be having milk and I think that's the big worry for me.

OP posts:
ukey · 08/08/2013 22:05

if ur on fb there are a few facebook groups that would b good for u x

Original poster
melonribena · 08/08/2013 22:17

Thanks ukey, i am on Facebook, can u point me in the right direction?

OP posts:
mikkii · 08/08/2013 22:24

My DD2 is lactose intolerant. I can be relaxed about it as she is only intolerant, not allergic. The worst we get is diarrhoea or vomiting which are no the end of the world.

DD2 is provided with alternatives when the meals do not suit her.

One of the children in DD2 room has a serious allergy to egg. On her days the meals are egg free.

In the room they have A4 signs for the 2 children with severe allergies, including a photo, the allergen, symptoms and required treatment if exposed.

In addition there is a further list (extensive!) of dietary requirements, such as no pork, no puddings, etc.

I have had to stay on top of what they think DD2 has a problem with as they seem to think she has soya milk (I have repeatedly explained it is lactose free milk and due to potential asthma diagnosis she must not be given soya as this could impact on the asthma) and cannot have ice cream but anything else is ok. After determining that she had been fed macaroni cheese for lunch I again explained no cheese sauces, no milk products, no yoghurt (although forage frais is ok as it is a different bacteria which alters the mik).

I have now spoken to the chef and I would certainly advise ths.

TheDetective · 08/08/2013 22:31

To be honest, I would have thought it would be easier to just send his own food?

It's what I am planning to do when my DS goes to childcare settings.

I found it very hard to get my own head around what dairy and soya were in. I wouldn't expect it of someone else.

But I know childcare providers do cater for allergies etc.

I'd just be worried too much. So for my own peace of mind, I would send in meals.

Especially if it is just 1 day a week.

ukey · 08/08/2013 22:37

CAN - for children with food allergies and issues

Allergy Buddies Group - who also do lovely allergy bracelets, stickers etc

I am sure there is also a CMPA group on fb too tho not a member of that personally.

SimLondon · 08/08/2013 22:44

most nurseries i think are good about providing alternative.

ukey · 08/08/2013 22:47

yes they may b good at providing an alternative, but what you have to ensure is no traces or cross contamination which can be more difficult.

SurvivalOfTheUnfittest · 08/08/2013 22:51

CMPA support group on Facebook is ace.

Pitmountainpony · 17/08/2013 04:39

You want to watch out for when they bring in birthday cakes...that is a risky day for your son...I would personally not have him go there if there are ever milk cartons about or sippy cups.....too risky.

We just had to withdraw from a lovely pre school as although they would make his class dairy free the other classes would not be and if he got hold of a sippy or got on him it would be anapalactic......I will not take that risk and have found another school which they will make totally dairy free till lunch and I will join him for his lunch before taking him home to keep him safe. If it is a serious allergy, be very careful and take as few risks as possible.

NothingsLeft · 20/08/2013 22:41

I now send in all food for DS. He's full time, food is included in the price but its a lot to get the hang of. He's been ill three times in three months.

It not just catering for lunch, it's snacks, sippy cups, storage, hoovering up other kids left overs. It's obviously too much to have a blanket ban on dairy so it's tricky.

They should have a care plan in place before he starts on how they intend to keep him safe.

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