gStories: How this gDad learned of his son’s food allergy

August 30, 2016

Babies, by nature, are sensitive and need special care. As parents, we provide them with healthy products to keep them safe. So what happens when your baby has a severe allergy? How do you protect them? To find out, we sat down with gDad Mike (and gDiapers team member!), whose son, Quinn, has a food allergy:

Tell us about your son’s allergy.

My wife and I have always been conscious about living a healthy lifestyle. We used gDiapers from day one. We loved that they are hypoallergenic and don’t have latex, lotion, or fragrances. But mostly we loved that you could flush the inserts (and of course, because I worked at gDiapers). We used the newborn gPants from the start with Quinn at the hospital, and the nurses were so impressed!

Baby Quinn wearing tiny newborn gPants from Day 1.

When Quinn was a year old, we gave him some cashews at home. We didn’t think anything of it since we always had them in the house, but this was the first time he tried them. He immediately started coughing strangely and gagging. We gave him children’s Benedryl, which we had for our older son, and rushed him to the ER.

The hospital confirmed his allergic reaction and that the Benedryl helped. Then we saw an allergist, who did a prick test. That’s where they insert tiny amounts of allergens into your skin and measure the reactions. We learned that Quinn is allergic to cashews and pistachios (but not peanuts or almonds!).

Quinn being brave for his pin prick test.

How has it affected your life?

It continues to be something we pay attention to. We always have an EpiPen (epinephrine shot). We have to practice using it and cycle them out every six months. We follow up with his allergist to monitor him.

And we are always training and reminding people. We tell everyone. When we go to birthday parties or daycare, we remind people. We ask questions in restaurants.

What does your son think?

It’s been kind of a blessing in disguise. For Quinn, his allergy is just matter of fact. He speaks up for himself now and always asks, “Are there nuts in that?” He takes charge of his own health already. He has an open mind about food—he has a more open palate.

Proof that Quinn isn't allergic to cats!

Any advice?

Allergies are mysterious. Talk to your pediatrician about how to introduce new foods. Be aware of environmental elements like latex and fragrances. And remember other people’s children. Ask parents (and kids) if they are allergic to anything. Be aware—it’s easy to forget.

We are so glad you and your family are taking charge of your health, Mike! We are conscious of healthy babies, which is why our Disposable Inserts are free of latex, fragrances, and dyes, and they are hypoallergenic.