Feeling overwhelmed by food allergies? I’ve been there. After my daughter’s first reaction, I realized how important it is to be prepared—especially when you’re away from home. In this post, I’m walking you through everything you need to build a simple, effective emergency kit for food allergies. Whether you’re just starting out or want to double-check your setup, this guide is here to help you feel calm, confident, and ready for anything.
As a mom and grandma of kids with food allergies, I know firsthand how stressful it can feel to navigate this new reality. When my daughter, Vicky, had her first allergic reaction, I was caught completely off guard. Over the years, I’ve learned that preparation is key—and having an emergency kit can provide so much peace of mind. Whether you’re new to the food allergy world or just looking to get more organized, this guide will walk you through the essentials of building a food allergy emergency kit.
What to Include in Your Kit
1. Medications
Your child’s medications are the most critical items in the kit. Here’s what to pack:
- Epinephrine Auto-Injectors: Always have two on hand. Allergic reactions can escalate quickly, and having a backup is a lifesaver (literally!).
- Antihistamines: Liquid or chewable options are great for kids. These can help manage mild symptoms while you’re seeking medical help.
- Other Prescribed Medications: Include any additional allergy-related meds your child needs, like inhalers or corticosteroids.
Helpful Tip
Set a reminder on your phone to check expiration dates monthly. Keep everything labeled and easy to grab in a pinch.
2. Medical Information
In an emergency, having everything clearly laid out makes all the difference:
- A laminated card with:
- Your child’s name and allergies.
- Emergency contacts.
- Step-by-step instructions for using the epinephrine injector.
- Your doctor’s contact info.
- A copy of your child’s allergy action plan (if provided).
When Vicky was younger, I carried copies of this card everywhere—in my purse, her backpack, and even with her soccer coach. It made communication smoother and reduced the pressure on me to explain everything over and over again.
Want to make it easier? I created a free printable template you can customize and laminate.
How to Use Your Food Allergy Emergency Card Printable
Filling out and using your card is quick and easy! Here’s what to do:
- Click the link to open the template in your PDF reader or Canva.
- Customize the card by filling in your child’s name, allergies, emergency contacts, doctor’s info, and action plan. You can fill out the card directly in Canva, use a PDF editor, or simply print it and write the details by hand—whatever works best for you!
- Double-check everything to make sure the information is accurate and up to date.
- Download the card as a PDF (we recommend using the “Print PDF” option for best quality).
- Print and laminate it so it stays clean, durable, and easy to wipe down.
- Make extra copies to keep in your purse, car, emergency kit, your child’s backpack, and anywhere else it might be needed.
That’s it! It’s a small step that can make a big difference in an emergency. 💕
3. Cleaning Supplies
Accidental exposure is one of the biggest risks, especially when you’re away from home. Keep things clean with:
- Wet Wipes: Great for cleaning hands, eating surfaces, or even toys.
- Hand Sanitizer: Choose a gentle, allergen-free version.
These two live in every bag I carry. They’ve saved us more times than I can count—from wiping down restaurant tables to quickly cleaning hands before a snack.
4. Miscellaneous
These thoughtful extras can make your kit even more useful:
- Small Insulated Pouch: Helps keep medications at the right temperature, especially on hot or cold days.
- Notebook or Notes App: I like to quickly jot down anything unusual—possible symptoms, foods eaten, or exposure situations. Super helpful during doctor visits.
- Comfort Items: A small toy, fidget, or book can be a big help in calming your child during a stressful moment.
Where to Keep It
It helps to have more than one emergency kit ready to go. Here’s where I keep mine:
- At Home: In a specific spot everyone in the family knows.
- In Your Bag: I never leave the house without it. It goes everywhere with us!
- At School or Daycare: Make sure staff are trained and know where it is.
Tips for Hot Weather Storage
If you live in a hot climate or are heading out during summer, storing your emergency kit properly is super important:
- Use an insulated pouch: Especially for epinephrine auto-injectors, which can lose effectiveness if exposed to extreme heat.
- Never leave the kit in a parked car: Even for a short time. The temperature can spike quickly and damage medications.
- Look for cooling packs: Some insulated pouches come with reusable, non-freezing cooling packs specifically made for medication transport.
- Keep it in your bag: If you’re out and about, carry your kit with you indoors where temperatures are more stable.
This is the case we have been using for years! PracMedic Bags Epipen Carry Case– Insulated
Traveling with Your Emergency Kit
Taking your emergency kit on the road? Here are a few tips to keep everything safe, accessible, and ready to use:
- Pack it in your carry-on or personal bag if you’re flying. Never check medications in luggage.
- Bring extra meds in case of delays or emergencies while you’re away from home.
- Use labeled bags or pouches so TSA agents and security staff can clearly see what’s inside.
- Keep copies of your allergy action plan and emergency card in your luggage and hotel room.
- Store medications at the right temperature. In severe hot weather, use insulated pouches and/or cooling inserts.
Pro Tip: I always prep a smaller version of our kit just for travel days—less to carry but still fully prepared!
Stay Prepared, Stay Confident
Building an emergency kit might feel overwhelming at first, but trust me—you’re doing something amazing for your child. Once your kit is ready, you’ll feel so much more confident tackling whatever comes your way. Food allergies are tough, but you are tougher. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey—I’m right here with you, cheering you on every step of the way.
More Food Allergy Resources
- Mastering Food Allergy Label Reading
- My Favorite Egg-Free Pasta Brands: Safe Options for Allergy-Friendly Meals
- How to Navigate Birthday Parties with Food Allergies: A Parent’s Survival Guide
- Navigating Food Allergies: Our Family’s Story
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