Food Allergy Friend: Teddy

In our food allergy friends series we meet children who are living with food allergies and hear all about their experiences. Our first interview is with Teddy, who is 4 years old. He has multiple food allergies, eczema, asthma – and a winning smile!

At such a young age he is already thinking of others and when asked what he would say to someone who has just been diagnosed he said “I would ask them if they are okay.”

Name

Teddy

How old are you?

4 years old!

What do you love doing?

Cuddling my brother, eating ice lollies and playing golf with my daddy.

What food allergies do you have?

I am allergic to cow’s milk (but I can drink some types of milk like oat milk), eggs, sesame, some nuts and peas.

What does an allergic reaction feel like?

I feel poorly and I get very itchy and hot. My mummy gives me medicine to make me feel better.

Do you have any other allergies/asthma/eczema?

I have asthma. I have a purple inhaler every day. Sometimes I have to go to the hospital for medicine for my breathing.

I have eczema too. At bedtime I wear soft clothes to stop me feeling itchy and I have to put lots of creams on.

What’s the most difficult thing about having food allergies? What do you do to make it better?

Sometimes we can’t pick what we want in a restaurant and we can only have food that is safe. I still like going out with my family to eat. We can always make nice things at home.

What’s the best thing about having food allergies?

We bake lots of cakes together! I like to bake new things but my favourite is lemon drizzle.

What’s your favourite food or recipe?

I love biscuits and my favourite biscuits are Golden Oreos.

We have pizza parties at home and decorate our own pizza with anything we like.

What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed?

I would ask them if they are okay. Don’t be scared about going to the hospital. The nurses are very nice and they will look after you and make you feel better.

You can follow Teddy’s adventures and meet his family @the_freefrom_mummies on Instragam.

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