Doctor Justin Greiwe, MD from the Cleveland Clinic approached the International Nanny Association several months ago and asked INA nannies to participate in an on-line survey assessing nannies knowledge of food allergies in children. As the “Authority on in-home child care”, the INA is an important resource to the Cleveland Clinic and others, as the INA has direct reach to thousands of nannies. The INA is delighted that its members participated so generously in this invaluable research.
At the conclusion of the Cleveland Clinic study they stated, “As more and families have 2 working parents, the need for reliable, trustworthy child care is becoming increasing important. Despite the cost, many parents are turning to in-home child care for these needs. Parents are drawn to the flexibility, personal relationship and the one-on-one care that nannies provide and according to the International Nanny Association, the number of nannies in the United States has increased 25% in the past five years to more than 1. 2 million.”
Recent data from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) shows that food allergies affect close to 15 million people in the United States, which includes 1 in 13 children. Young children with severe food allergies are often cared for in their home by nannies, as they are at risk in a general population childcare or pre-school environment. Considering this information, it is extremely important that nannies are knowledgeable and prepared to handle any allergic reaction should one occur.
The study went on to state that food allergies in children are increasing in severity and that it is important that nannies are knowledgeable about food allergies and prepared to handle an allergic reaction. Unlike employees of daycare centers where they are governed by required regulations and provide specialized education, nannies may not receive formal food allergy preparedness training.
A total of 153 INA nannies participated in the on-line survey and following are some of the results pertaining to the understanding of food allergies and how to manage them:
- 99% of nannies recognized food allergies as a potential fatal event
- 37% reported caring for a child with food allergies and of those 71% had a food allergy action plan and 63% had epinephrine available (EpiPen)
- 71% said they knew how to use an EpiPen, however nannies had concerns about accidental ingestion and discomfort in administering epinephrine
- 36% were uncomfortable with recognizing a food allergy emergency
- 46% stated they were uncomfortable administering epinephrine
- 6% thought that a sensitized child could safely eat a small amount of allergic food
- 14% believed that dilution with water might reduce an allergic reaction
- 66% desired additional information about recognizing food allergies in children
- 71% of nannies agreed that food allergy training should be required for all nannies.
The conclusion of the survey stated the following, “Nannies demonstrated gaps in knowledge with regard to food allergies in children, which reflects the need for more stringent training and education. Increased communication among parents, nannies and physicians is needed to protect children with food allergies.”
This on-line survey identified gaps of knowledge within the nanny community regarding food allergies in children and how to handle an allergy emergency should it occur. As professional nannies we are charged with the well-being of the children in our care, which means being prepared to handle any emergency, including a food emergency. Perhaps this is a good time to talk with your charges’ parents to learn if there are allergies in their family and, if so, how they would like you to handle any such food related emergencies. Nannies who work with children with severe food allergies should obtain necessary training on how to avoid exposure, recognize the onset of an allergic event, and how to treat the child in their care in an allergic emergency.
Education is key to being a successful nanny, learning should never stop, nor should being prepared for anything that could potentially happen while your charges are in your care.
Click here to read the entire study by the Cleveland Clinic.