Now here is a nifty new form that provides a great outline of things to discuss with a babysitter or care giver: a Food Allergy Drop Off Form (printable in color or with a white background. Being a talker by nature, I’m always trying to find shorter and more direct ways to convey information and I think this form may help with that. It contains quite a bit of information, but…if someone is going to be caring for my precious cherubs, complete with their food allergies and asthma, then this is the bare minimum of data needed.
What I like about this form:
- Prevention an Emergency Preparedness are the highlighted theme–these are truly, to me, the most important basic steps for managing food allergies.
- Prevention strategies address label reading and offer a link to the Food and Drug Administration’s webpage about US labeling.
- Cross contact issues are highlighted using pertinent examples for a babysitter, such as not sharing utensils, hand washing, etc.
- Guidance for emergency planning that includes keeping epinephrine close by, maintaining an Food Allergy Action Plan and reviewing it with the parents.
- An area for basic sitter information such as contact data.
- Direction to call always call 911 after giving epinephrine
When I first saw this form I thought it was an alternative version of a Food Allergy Action Plan, but then once I sat down and checked it out, I realized it was a one page lesson plan for any caregiver of kids with life threatening food allergies. Kudos to the folks who put these form together. It is clear, easy to read and to the point. All the characteristics that I hope to one day call my own!
Hope you enjoy a safe and fun weekend!
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One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
great idea!! my home has always been safe, but all sitters were CPR/1st Aid certified. as long as they knew when to recognize an emergency & how to use an epi pen, i was happy. it is scary to leave the food allergic or asthmatic child for the first time.
This is fabulous! Any parent with a child who has food allergies should have one of these posted in their home for the babysitter or for anyone else that may be caring for their child. Thanks for this valuable information.
Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services, Nanny Services, and Nanny agencies
Having one of these would be very helpful for babysitters in case of an emergency. Because if something goes wrong with the child, then actions may have to take immediately.
Great Article. Thanks for the info. Does anyone know where I can find a blank Form to fill out?
Looks like my links broke! Here ya go: http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/food-allergy-emergency-form-for-babysitters-caregivers-camps-and-more