What to do if a Child or Baby has an Allergic Reaction — Tandem

Tandem’s Guide for Parents and Sitters

Many people have allergies to all sorts of things such as different foods, seasons, animals, or bugs. Some allergies are severe, while others are not. One form of allergic reaction that all parents and sitters should be aware of is anaphylaxis. So many people wonder what to do if a baby has an allergic reaction. This blog will help you learn what to look for and how to treat it.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition in which there is a potential for death. A regular allergy is not usually going to result in death. Individuals that are having a true anaphylactic reaction have issues with their respiratory functions and circulation of air.

What Causes an Anaphylactic Reaction?

The two most common causes for an anaphylaxis reaction tend to be bee/wasp stings or foods, often nuts or shellfish. Sometimes, a child may not be aware they are allergic to something. If a child has a food allergy, never leave hazardous food unattended. Make sure not to cross contaminate with foods that a child is allergic too, as well.

Every caregiver needs to know the basics about identifying, managing, and treating a severe medical issue such as an anaphylactic reaction.

What to Look For

When a child is having an allergic reaction, look for rashes, hives, raised areas, and swelling. There may be other symptoms such as respiratory distress, low blood pressure, and an altered mental status. Anaphylactic reactions, even for the same individual, may present themselves differently each time. It is important to know the many different types of reactions, as they can surface in various ways every time.

Families:

It is important to know if your child has any severe allergies. When looking for a child care provider, make sure to communicate beforehand your child’s medical needs. This ensures that you are hiring a provider who is apt to deal with any issues that may arise while your child is in his or her care.

Tandem, the free connection platform for child care will pair your family with sitters who are qualified for whatever requirements you have. However, it is still always a good idea to talk to your care provider beforehand about your child’s specific needs.

Make a list of the specific needs your child has such as nut allergies, certain foods in the house they cannot have, cross-contamination concerns in regards to dishes, etc. It’s always helpful to have your care provider come a little earlier than you need to go over any specifics that are important for your child.

Meeting in person beforehand is great if your child requires an Epi-Pen or another form of treatment, you can show them how and where to use it in person. This will alleviate any confusion, and make you and your provider more comfortable.

Keep these tips in mind when hiring your next sitter through Tandem:

• Only request providers that are qualified for your needs. (Tandem has you covered for this one!)
• Ask your sitter questions specific to your needs during the interview.
• Conduct more than one interview with your care provider if you need extra reassurance.
• Meet with your care provider 10 to 15 minutes before leaving them with your child.
• Leave a note with 3 emergency contacts and notify a nearby neighbor or family member that a sitter will be watching your child.

Sitters

If you are a sitter and see that a family requests a care provider with specific needs in regards to medical issues, make sure to read carefully before applying. Tandem, the local and free child care connection platform will pair you with families that match your qualifications. If you say that you are experienced with severe allergies, for example, you will likely be matched with families who have children who may fit this category.

Make sure to read the description thoroughly and know what types of medical issues are present before applying. Reach out to the family with any questions. Do not apply to a job that you do not feel comfortable completely safely, even if you are paired by Tandem’s custom match process.

Ask well-thought-out questions during your interview. Doing this shows the family you are applying for that you are aware of the seriousness of watching a child with medical conditions. It will make the family feel more comfortable with leaving their child alone with you if they deem that you are taking it seriously.

• Read job descriptions carefully.
• Only apply for jobs you know you are qualified for.
• Ask detailed questions regarding the medical condition.
• Meet with the family in person 10 to 15 beforehand to go over safety procedures and necessary treatments if something goes wrong.

What to do if a Baby has an Allergic Reaction — How to Treat it

The key to managing an anaphylaxis reaction is early recognition so that intramuscular adrenaline can be given. Outcomes are much better when the adrenaline is given as early as possible. That is why it is important to know the different signs so that you can treat the child as early as possible.

Many patients at risk of anaphylaxis will be carrying intramuscular adrenaline in the form of adrenaline auto-injectors such as EpiPens, Emerade, or Jext pens. Depending on the child’s age, they may not have it on them at all times. Make sure to communicate with parents ahead of time on the location of the auto-injector, as well as the part of the body in which it should be applied. This area is usually the outer upper thigh.

According to the American Red Cross, “I always encourage my patients not only to carry them and to ensure that they know exactly how to use them, but if they’re not sure if the symptoms are severe enough to justify using it, they should just get on and give it anyway. If there are two people around while somebody gives the injection the other should be calling for help, but if there’s only one then the most important priority is to give the adrenaline first and call for help second.”

Families, talk to your sitter about treatment beforehand:

• They need to know where the Adrenaline is at.
• They need to know how to use it.
• They need to be able to identify if the child is having an anaphylactic reaction because they may not be effectively able to communicate with you or the child at the time.
• They must be able to handle an anaphylactic reaction without thinking twice about it.
• Make sure they are comfortable before you leave the child with them.
• Have them call an ambulance as soon as the auto-injector is used. Explain to them what to say to the operator, “Hello, the child I am babysitting is having an anaphylaxis reaction. We are located at (address). My name is ____. I will contact the parents as soon as possible. What should I do while I wait for an ambulance?”

What to do if a Child or Baby has an Allergic Reaction — Conclusion

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction and typically involves symptoms in one of two different body systems. The first is respiratory symptoms and the others are cardiovascular.

However, most allergic reactions will start with skin symptoms. For example itchiness, urticaria, or angioedema. Sometimes spreading, and may include things like a runny nose, or abdominal pain.

The symptoms to worry about most are those that involve breathing. For example any difficulty in breathing, wheeziness, cough, stridor, and anything that involves the circulatory system. Early signs of hypotension, such as dizziness, decreased levels of consciousness, or collapse are key indicators of an anaphylactic reaction.

It is important for families and care providers to always communicate, but it is dire that they communicate when there are severe medical issues involved, especially allergies. Anaphylactic reactions can be deadly if not treated properly or managed appropriately.

Parents and Sitters: Talk it Out!

Parents, make sure your sitter is aware of your child’s needs. Make sure they are prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Don’t be afraid to turn down a job offer if you are not comfortable handling certain medical issues. It is better for you and the family if you are honest with yourself about your capabilities. If you are not good under pressure or have little experience in the issue at hand, consider adjusting your preferences/applying for another job.

Remember, although anaphylactic reactions are extremely dangerous, if managed early, quickly, and effectively, the child will be fine. Preparedness is key!