Morning frost, warm afternoons, fall foliage, and specials on candy all add up to one thing – me loving this time of year. As one of my favorite times, the only downside for me is those oaks in the front yard that are going to begin dumping leaves for the next six months. With Halloween, and likely a steady stream of candy-seeking children, nearly on my doorstep, it is a good idea to go over five basic food safety tips for kids, specifically for children with food allergies or sensitivities.

_I have one general rule when it comes to handing out candy. I always give out things that I will want to eat if there's any left over. As I've gotten older, my sweet tooth has gotten larger, and this means not only stocking full-size candy bars but also suckers and gum balls. Having worked at AchooAllergy for several years, I've gotten into the habit of keeping things on hand that lack the nuts or dairy ingredients that can cause many food allergic kids problems. Some years I've also taken a handful of two dollar bills (the novelty never wears off on me) and put one each in a plastic Easter egg. On the big night, I bundle three suckers or six gum balls together, since in my mind, those are about equal to one candy bar. I keep each of these different types of things in different bowls and make up a little sign for each, i.e. ‘Diary-Free,’ ‘Dairy & Nut Free,’ and ‘Cavities Ahoy!’

_This doesn't cover everything, but it does touch on some of the major food allergens. For me, it's not only important to have food allergic alternatives, but also for any kid who shows up at my doorstep not to feel slighted simply because they have a food allergy. Halloween is supposed to be fun, not disappointing!

_Not everyone is going to take the time or effort to be so accommodating, and for many people food allergies are not something with which they have experience. So despite efforts that people do or do not take, here are a list of helpful tips that any parent of a food allergic child can keep in mind.

• Wait to Eat – As the most basic tip, try to avoid letting your child eat the candy while trick or treating. Wait until you get back home to not only tally the evening's sweet plunder but also sort out any potentially dangerous candy or sweets.

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• Keep Your Own Stash – I like this tip! This is like your currency that you can use when the evening is over. As you sort and pick out any potentially dangerous treats, trade your child for a safe one from your stash. It's a win-win!

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• Always Read the Label – Even treats that have been safe in the past can change, so always, always check the label. Avoid candy that is unlabeled, and if unsure, use the trade-in technique from above.

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• Have Fun – Halloween is particularly loved by candy makers, but it isn't all about the sweets. Being in costume, visiting neighbors, and just spending time together can make the evening more fun and sweeter than any candy. If candy, and the possible problems from this, just seem like too much, go to party or host your own! There are always fun alternatives if you're willing to put in a little effort.

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• Keep an Auto-Injector Handy – It always bears repeating, but keep epinephrine on hand when out and about.

Halloween can be such a fun time for everyone. And though food allergies can put a wrinkle in the usual routine, with a little vigilance and effort, you can help make sure the evening is fun and safe. As for me, it's time to dig my penguin costume out of the closet!

_Author: KevvyG