Does your daycare have rules about peanut products?

Question

Mine doesn't, and it kind of concerns me. My son is allergic to peanuts, and so is one of the other girls in his group. But I see the other kids in his group bring PB&J sandwiches for lunch all the time. All his caregivers are aware that there are a couple of allergic kids in the group, and watch over them at lunch time, but I still worry, cuz kids trade lunches and steal bites all the time, don't they?

I should add that my son is 2 and doesn't "get" yet that there are things that he's not supposed to have.

The question IS: does your day care have rules. Thanks.

Wow, didn't mean to ask a "controversial" question. Thanks for the thoughtful, useful responses. As for the others.... *what*EVAH!

Answer 1

Our center just implemented a "no nuts" policy. I work at a center for children with disabilities, and about 60% of our kids have either a disability or allergy of some kind. Our center has operated for 26 years, always being very observant of our children's allergies- they are posted in every classroom, as well as in the kitchen. Staff were well aware of the children's allergies, and separated children who had peanut allergies from students who had pb&j sandwiches at lunch. Snacks were checked to see if they included peanut traces (or wheat, or eggs, or whatever else may be an issue for someone). Children who needed epi-pens had them available with the school nurse. Luckily, in all that time we have never had a student have an allergic attack to any foods given at school (although quite a few who had something happen at home). Anyway, just this year, our director (who started the facility all those years ago) decided that peanuts are just too risky a factor. We have since eliminated all peanut products, as well as anything (like M&Ms) that are made in factories containing peanuts. When it comes to something as life-threatening as anaphalactic shock, I feel that you need to be responsible to the children you serve and eliminate the risk. Children who attend the center are still allowed to bring their own sandwiches, etc which contain peanut butter, and I feel that this is an adequate compromise. I understand that other parents (whose child does not have an allergy) shouldn't be infringed upon to have to follow a regimine that is not intended for their child, but the child with an allergy should also be accommodated. I think our center has struck a good compromise... we will not offer nut-containing foods as snacks, and children who are not allergic to nuts may bring them. We have some students who are not allowed to eat anything while they are at school because they have so many allergies/foods that need to be avoided because of a special diet, so at our center, it isn't a big issue. It's what's in the CHILD'S best interests that we are concerned with.

Answer 2

My 3 1/2 year old has a severe allergy to all nuts. She is starting pre-school soon. I contacted the school with my concerns. The school informed me that they have a strict policy about snacks (no nut products allowed) and that the teachers all know how to administer and EpiPen,they are re-trained when an allergic student attends there class. Also,the school nurse is on the premises during school session and keeps the Epipen and emergency plan in her office. Without the above conditions,my daughter WOULD NOT attend this school. I've also inquired with the public school where she will attend and they follow the same guidelines..they also send home periodic notices to the parents informing them of what the children can/cannot eat at school because of allergic children. There is also a seperate eating table and the children all must wash their hands after eating.

There is a standard that schools are suggested to follow for these types of allergies. Try going to www.foodallergyinitiative.org to find out more.

In the meantime it would be in everyone's best interest if your son goes to a daycare that will accomodate a child's peanut allergy.

Answer 3

I would be concerned too.I teach preschool and we didn't for years. We had a child start 3 years ago who was severely allergic to peanuts. We decided to go peanut free from then on.

Children who know they are allergic to something won't even get near it. But, it sometimes doesn't matter if they don't eat the peanuts. If a child who touched peanuts touched your son he could have a reaction. Some people cannot even be in the same room with peanuts.

I'm sure you have already but make certain your son knows that he is allergic to peanuts and that many foods contain peanuts (some you wouldn't even think of).

I thought it would be a pain for our school to go peanut free. I thought a lot of parents would complain as well. It was much easier than I thought it would be and the parents were find with it. I would bring up your concerns with his daycare provider. Maybe they would be willing to go nut free.

Answer 4

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At this age, NO! I work at an Early Learning (Daycare) Center.
We do NOT allow the children to "steal bites" and "trade lunches". It's unsanitary.
As long as the caregivers are aware of the situation then he will be fine.

Do you have an EpiPen that they can keep at the facility? That may help ease your mind. I had a child in my class once that was allergic to peanuts and also had severe allergies to certain pollens, grasses and animals. The parents gave us an EpiPen that we kept in our office *just in case* he ever had an severe allergic reaction to something. Fortunately we never had to use it, but having it gave everyone peace of mind.

Answer 5

Talk to the owner and explain that your child could die if he gets any peanut residue in his mouth. The daycare should be peanut free. You'll learn that parents can be understanding when you tell them how guilty their child would feel if your child died because of his PB sandwich. You can also get the public health nurse to come in to the daycare and train the staff on how to use an epi pen if your child carries one.

I've done it all - my son is anaphalactic to peanuts. His pre-school and now public school are peanut free because of him. Do a search and check out some of the sites for peanut allergies - lots of support out their!

Answer 6

Well they say children under 4 really shouldn't have peanut butter any ways but my son is nearly 3 and loves it. But I don't believe his school does. Obviously they have noted that your son has an allergic reaction to p.b which is a good thing. But I don't think it would be right of you to expect somebody else parent not to pack what there child likes just b/c your son or the other children have an allergy. That's why the people get paid to watch what the kids are doing. That would be like saying your son loves bananas but someone else is allergic so your son can't eat them that wouldn't be right.

Answer 7

i am a teacher at a daycare. we have a 6 year old who is severely allergic to all kinds of nuts. when we are having any kind of nut or peanut oil for lunch or snack we let him come sit with us at the table so there is no chance of him getting into it. he is also very aware of what he is and isnt allowed to eat. also the children at our daycare are aware that they are not allowed to share their lunches because of germs and so on.

Answer 8

<> Not if their parents have made them aware that they can not eat certain things or they will get very sick. If you are so worried then pull him out of that day care and put him into one that suits your needs better.

Answer 9

research shows that when a child enters day care before age 1, the mother is far less attached to the child. your son has a life-threatening condition and you let him out of your sight? it makes it seem like the day care research is right!

did you know that day care is extremely bad for children - emotionally, intellectually, socially, and physically. peanuts, it's only the icing on this nasty cake.

Answer 10

The daycare that I work at only serves "soynut" butter sandwichs....