Making Trick-or-Treating Safe for Every Child
When you’re a kid, there’s nothing better than dressing up in a fun costume and collecting a bag full of candy! Halloween is a magical time of year, but for children with food allergies, it can quickly turn from sweet to scary. Common allergens—like peanuts, dairy, and gluten—are found in many popular treats, turning trick-or-treating into a bit of a nightmare.
One of the best ways to reduce Halloween stress is by creating an allergy-friendly Halloween! With a bit of help from neighbors and community members, you can make the holiday safer and more inclusive for every child. A great place to start is by participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project.
The Teal Pumpkin Project
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a nationwide initiative that promotes safe trick-or-treating for kids with food allergies.
How to Participate
- Place a teal pumpkin outside your home or hang one of FARE’s signs near your front door. This signals to families that you’re offering allergy-friendly or non-food treats.
- Provide non-food or allergy-friendly treats to trick-or-treaters.
- Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Map to help local families find safe stops in their neighborhood.
Allergy-Friendly Halloween Candy
To be considered “allergy-friendly,” treats should be free from the top 9 allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
For a comprehensive list, visit AllergicLiving.com, but here are a few favorites from the team at The Nanny Authority:
- Free2b – Sunflower Butter Cups
- No Whey! Foods – Chocolate-Coated Cookies
- Ring Pops – Hard Candy
- Skittles – Sours
- SmartSweets – Lollipops
Non-Food Allergy-Friendly Halloween Treats
Non-edible treats are a fun, safe, and creative way to celebrate Halloween. They’re perfect for children with multiple allergies or dietary restrictions. Here are some festive ideas:
- Glow sticks
- Temporary tattoos
- Halloween-themed pencils and erasers
- Small toys (like Slinkies or slide puzzles)
- Stickers and stamps
- Spooky-themed bracelets
Creating an Inclusive Halloween
Creating an inclusive Halloween helps every child enjoy the magic of the season. A little planning can go a long way in making everyone feel safe and welcome!
If you’re looking for experienced childcare professionals who understand allergies and functional needs, contact us at info@nannyauthority.com or call (973) 466-2669 to get started.