Tips and tricks for children

Before the challenge

Preparing your child for their visit to the hospital will help them to understand what is happening and can improve your child's willingness to cooperate. Talking to your child in advance will give them time to answer any questions or voice any concerns they may have. 

Use familiar words that your child will understand and give truthful, factual information. Explain that your child will meet the doctors and nurses and that they should only have to stay in the hospital for half a day (though occasionally a few hours longer).

Please let your child know that they will not be able to do any sports the evening after a challenge.

On the day of the food challenge:

• Your child should have a light breakfast or lunch that day as we need them to eat all of the food we provide them with during the food challenge. 

• Bring fun drinks with you for your child. Water and squash are provided in the clinic. 

• Bring food that your child enjoys to have alongside the food being challenged. 

• It is not helpful to bring a food that your child knows the exact texture, smell, and taste of, as mixing it with the challenge food is often unsuccessful.

• You can encourage your child to eat their food allergen by using their favourite foods.

• Use fun foods to motivate your child.

• Do let your child know that repeat skin prick testing may well be needed before starting any food challenges.

• Avoid language around hiding food when in the clinic. 

• Bring a packed lunch for when the challenges have been completed.

• Bring quiet activities to keep your child entertained.