Eight Tips to Handle Playdates for Kids with Food Allergies

Hosting a playdate can be a fun and memorable experience for kids, but when food allergies are involved, it requires extra attention and planning. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring that every child feels safe and included while having fun. Whether your child has a food allergy or you’re hosting a child who does, following these guidelines will help make the playdate an enjoyable and worry-free experience.

1. Communicate Early and Clearly
   Before the playdate, reach out to the other parent to discuss any food allergies their child has. Ask for specific details — what foods to avoid, how severe the allergy is and whether cross-contamination is a concern. Some kids have airborne allergies, while others may only react if they ingest a certain food. Knowing these details upfront allows you to plan accordingly and prevent potential risks.
2. Keep Snacks Simple and Safe
   The safest approach is to keep snacks minimal or opt for universally safe choices like fresh fruits, vegetables or allergy-friendly crackers. Avoid processed foods unless you’re certain they’re free from common allergens. Some parents prefer to pack their children’s snacks to ensure safety, so be sure to ask if they’d like to do so.
3. Always Read Labels Carefully
   If you do provide food, check ingredient labels meticulously. Many packaged snacks contain hidden allergens or are processed in facilities that handle common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy or soy. Look for clear allergen warnings, and when in doubt, choose an alternative or consult with the child’s parent.
4. Teach Your Child Allergy Awareness
   Even if your child doesn’t have food allergies, it’s important to educate them about the importance of not sharing food with friends who do. This simple lesson can help prevent accidental exposure and foster empathy. Encourage them to ask an adult if they’re unsure about what’s safe.
5. Make Handwashing a Habit
   Handwashing before and after eating is a small but powerful step in reducing the risk of allergen exposure. Provide soap and water or allergen-safe wipes to ensure hands are clean after meals or snack time. This also helps prevent the spread of germs!
6. Be Prepared with Emergency Medications
   If the visiting child has an EpiPen or other emergency medication, make sure you know where it is and how to use it. Have the child’s emergency action plan on hand, along with the parent’s contact information. A quick review of the signs of an allergic reaction can make a big difference in handling an emergency calmly and effectively.
7. Plan Activities That Don’t Involve Food
   The best way to avoid food allergy risks is to focus on non-food-related activities. Crafts, outdoor play, building forts or scavenger hunts are great options that ensure everyone stays engaged without worrying about allergens. If you do a baking or cooking activity, check with the child’s parent to ensure the ingredients are safe.
8. Stay Informed and Proactive
   Food allergies are serious, and being informed helps create a safer environment. Stay current on food allergy safety guidelines, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from parents. Resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food Allergy Research & Education provide excellent guidance on managing allergies in social settings.

With thoughtful planning and awareness, playdates can be fun and inclusive for all kids — food allergies or not. Taking simple precautions will help create a safe, welcoming space where children can play freely and parents can feel at ease. And of course, if you need any guidance, your Allergy & ENT Associates allergists can help you with a gameplan so your kids can keep playing — safely!