How to handle Halloween if your kids have dietary issues

Katie O'Sullivan, a Senior Paediatric Dietitian at Children's Health Ireland, shares a few simple tips on navigating Halloween for children with special dietary requirements such as coeliac disease, diabetes and allergies.

1. Plan ahead

As Halloween fast approaches, parents should consider their children's treats carefully in advance. Ensure you have suitable alternatives on hand such as allergen free, gluten free foods etc. depending on their specific needs. Contact your local healthcare team if you have any queries or need individual advice.

2. Educate your child

Teach your child about their special dietary requirements and the importance and rationale for not consuming certain foods. Be open and encouraging in your communication with them and focus on foods that they can have.

3. Trick-or-Treat with care

When going trick-or-treating it may be useful to implement a colour-coded system for categorising safe and unsafe treats. Ensure they eat a nutritionally balanced meal before heading out with friends to prevent over-consumption of treats. Encourage them to pick their favourites and agree on a set amount to be spread out and enjoyed over the course of the night.

4. Offer non-food treats

Consider giving out non-food items such as stickers, toys or mini board games as part of your Halloween treats. This can be a fun and inclusive way to involve all children in the Halloween fun without focusing on food ingredients.

Some online parenting boards have suggested that kids leave their sweets out for the 'Switch Witch' who will magically replace their haul with a non-edible treat for the next day.

5. Host a Halloween party

If your child has specific dietary requirements hosting a Halloween party can be a good idea as it provides you with the opportunity to offer treat foods in a safe and familiar environment.

6. Read food labels

Always read nutritional labels carefully. European manufacturers are required to clearly highlight the 14 common allergens in the list of ingredients including cereals containing gluten, making it easier to identify safe options. If it states 'may contain traces of' or that it is 'produced in a factory handling’ an allergen, avoid this food product. If in doubt, leave it out!

7. Communicate with others

If your child will be attending a party communicate with the host about your child’s dietary needs. Offer to send safe treats in advance.

If your child requires blood sugar monitoring and insulin or carries an EpiPen®, ensure these are brought with them if going to a friend or relative’s house. Give the host your contact number and explain what to do in case of an emergency.

8. Get creative

There is an abundance of recipes for allergy-friendly, gluten free as well as low sugar and sugar free Halloween treats that your child can enjoy making available online and via social media platforms. Bring your child along to do the food shop and get them involved in the cooking and baking at home so they can bring their treats to life.

9. Focus on fun

Lastly, remember that Halloween is all about enjoying the night with friends and expressing oneself. Emphasise the excitement of dressing up, trick-or-treating, hosting or attending a party while being mindful of your child’s special dietary requirements.