Halloween 'Switch Witch' A 'Great Idea' For Kids With Allergies, Says Nurse

It can give parents “greater peace of mind”.

Parents editor at HuffPost UK

If you’re heading out trick-or-treating with the kids this evening, a health expert wants you to consider trying out the ‘Switch Witch’ if your children have allergies.

For the uninitiated, the ‘Switch Witch’ is a Halloween tradition where parents give their children the opportunity to swap most of their trick-or-treat haul for a toy.

Kids leave their sweets out in a designated spot, and the ‘Switch Witch’ comes along overnight to take the treats, leaving a new toy in their place.

While some describe the character as a “thief of joy”, Hannah Kramer, clinical nurse specialist at the Allergy Centre of Excellence (ACE), thinks it’s a great shout for parents of children with food allergies.

In the UK, 5-8% of children live with a food allergy, according to Allergy UK.

Why the ‘Switch Witch’ can be a great idea for toddlers and kids with allergies

The ‘Switch Witch’ means your child could either swap their Halloween stash for safe food treats (ones you’ve approved and know aren’t dangerous), a toy, book or craft activity, Kramer suggested.

“The concept is simple, and this is a great idea for children with food allergies but can also be enjoyed by non-allergic children too,” she said.

“It’s also a useful way to remove any sweets that you’re unsure about, contain ingredients that aren’t safe for your child, or may be a choking hazard for younger children,” said the allergy nurse.

“This way, children can still enjoy the excitement of collecting treats at Halloween, while parents can have greater peace of mind about what they’re eating.”

Sarah Remmer, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, suggested the concept is also a good idea for young........

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