To ask about allergies at a birthday party?

[Lindaful]

My 5 year old is having a birthday party this month. Should I be directly asking the parents of the children invited if there are any allergies, or would you assume if a child has an allergy then the parent would inform me when RSVP'ing?

It hasn't really crossed my mind until now in the rush to get the invites out before the Christmas break. I used an invite provided by the party place that didn't mention allergies.

I normally ask, but dh arranged the parties this year and i don't actually know if he asked...

My dc have dietary requirements, I always advise when rsvping (and offer to bring food).

I'd assume anyone who needs something specific would say.

When they were little I would always ask the parents either a WhatsApp msg closer to the party date or on invites

I would leave it up to parents to tell me. I say that as parent of DS with allergies

I use it as an excuse to message a couple of days before the party to remind them/check they haven't double booked I assume that anyone who has allergies would let me know but it's a useful way of checking in given how flaky some people can be...

its really nice if you ask - it’s easy to feel like a burden when you have to say it so it’s really appreciated if you ask and if you’re able to make a child feel included it is amazing! (Parents don’t expect this - they often just want to know what you’re doing so they can provide the safe option for their kid, but it’s so appreciated!)

I’d definitely ask about dietary requirements. Even if they don’t have allergies there could be vegetarians or a religious reason for not eating certain foods.

I always ask because I want to make sure I have food for everyone and that no small child feels excluded… that’s why I would ask, it’s a pretty normal question when you’re hosting.

The parents should tell you. I always let hosts know and often took food for DS as it wasn't fair on the hosts or (frankly) I couldn't trust them.

If, as the host, I’m planning to cater for all the children, then I’d ask.

My DC used to have a dairy allergy and if the host didn’t ask about dietaries then I would turn up with my own food for her. I felt awkward telling the host if they hadn’t asked as it made me feel presumptuous.

Although having read these replies I realise now I could have said “X is dairy free, shall I bring food for her?”. But that didn’t occur to me at the time 🤣

I’ve always mentioned the intolerance and offered to provide food. Usually the birthday kid’s parents have also asked. I prefer it when they do as it means I don’t feel like such a pain mentioning that my kid needs something special and feel more reassured they take it seriously (mine gets very ill if he has a certain ingredient) .

I always ask, and cater accordingly. In general though the parties are always at least nut free

My son has severe allergies (as do I ), I used to add a note on the bottom of the invite explaining that it would be a Nut free event and to let me know if there were any dietary requirements