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We don't have a nut allergy (that we know of), but Xander is allergic to milk. The first time we gave him a dairy product (yogurt), he immediately broke out into hives and spiraled down from there (coughing, sneezing, trouble breathing). It was really scary! He's still young (9 months), so we haven't had to worry too much about what foods to give him yet, but it's definitely scary! So I can relate, though I have no advice.

How scary! So glad he is ok!

DD has a tree nut and peanut allergy, but it doesn't seem severe. She's just had a small rash around her mouth that went away on its own, but we had her tested by an allergist anyway and it was confirmed.

I really limit the amount of nuts in the home. I love peanut butter, though! So I keep a jar way out of reach in the pantry and only eat it after she has gone to bed! We also read food labels very carefully, ask lots of questions when eating out, and carry an epi pen where ever we go. She goes to school so they keep one there as well. The school is a nut free zone so I don't worry too much about that, but of course accidents can happen anywhere. I just have to trust that the teachers could handle it ...

It's also important to educate your child. I'm not sure how old he is? But I've drilled into her head that she cannot have nuts and she can never ever accept food from someone without asking if it contains nuts. Because at some point they grow up and are not with you 24/7. I drop her off every week at a 45 min ballet class. What if someone brought in some food? They say that no food is allowed, but you never know. She needs to be able to handle this kind of stuff as she grows up as it's unlikely she will outgrow the allergy.

My husband has a major peanut allergy and I have nannied for a few kids with peanut and tree nut allergies. It is scary and tricky. Like @Mrs. High Heels: said, one of the odd things is how slow it is, his last reaction took about 25 minutes to become obvious, by the time the ambulance arrived he was in really bad shape.

With the little girl I watch we administer benadryl and then go to the er with every exposure.

One of The craziest things we have run into is that even if they don't have a soy allergy some types of GMO soy had protein chains that are identical to peanut protein which causes reactions. When my husband went into anaphylactic shock it was from soy. I wool try to add an article about it later since it isn't working on my phone.

@Clementine: is your LO in daycare? Do they know about his allergy?

@Baby Boy Mom: http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-dangers/health-risks/articles-about-risks-by-jeffrey-smith/Genetically-Engineered-Foods-May-Cause-Rising-Food-Allergies-Genetically-Engineered-Soybeans-May-2007

It is crazy stuff, my husband now avoids soy with the occasional exceptions of soy sauce, soy lecithin, and organic soy (since it can't be GMO). He has had blood tests though and they still show up as negative for soy allergies even though he had a very severe reaction on at least two occasions and minor reactions on other occasions.

I have a severe Tree Nut allergy. I am supposed to carry an epi-pen and inhaler everywhere with me. I am not 100% good at it. I am talking the whole she-bang, endangered air way and all. I learned to read labels.

DS is allergic to cows milk. luckily it isn't as severe as my nut allergy but it is nerve racking. It is a learning curve but after a while it really does get easier. I haven't had an trouble in a long time (knock on wood).

I agree with other posters, make sure your child care and anyone that comes in contact with your LO are made completely aware of the allergy. They will need to learn too!