Peanut Allergy in Children can be overwhelming for families, especially when it appears early in life. Chrisma Obiniana noticed something was wrong when her daughter, Kalea, was just 3 months old. Despite being exclusively breastfed, Kalea had severe eczema, was constantly crying, and seemed to be in discomfort.
As a nurse in Washington state, Chrisma tried countless remedies. Eventually, her pediatrician recommended seeing an allergist. After a series of skin and blood tests, it was confirmed: Kalea was allergic to peanuts, cashews, and pistachios. At one point, she was also sensitive to dairy, soy, and eggs.
Peanut Allergy in Children and Family Awareness
Chrisma discovered that the foods she consumed were triggering Kalea’s reactions through her breast milk. Determined to help her daughter, she eliminated all allergens from her diet and continued breastfeeding. “She became a completely different baby in just a few weeks,” Chrisma, now 25, shares.
The first holiday season after Kalea’s diagnosis was especially tough. Surrounded by homemade food with unknown ingredients, Chrisma worried someone might accidentally feed her daughter something unsafe.
To empower her family, she began teaching her 3-year-old how to use an EpiPen. Once her older daughter understood, Chrisma started gently introducing Kalea—who was about 1 at the time—to the basics of her allergies and emergency responses.
Peanut Allergy in Children: Building Confidence Early
Peanut Allergy in Children: Chrisma developed a monthly teaching routine at home. She would quiz her kids on Kalea’s “NO foods,” identify safe alternatives, and explain what symptoms to look for. Over time, Kalea began to recognize the importance of asking questions before eating and could even identify her safe foods.
“Each month, I ask them what Kalea is allergic to, what her safe foods are, who to go to if she’s unsure, and how to spot symptoms,” Chrisma explains. They also practice with real food packaging and review where the EpiPens are located in the house and diaper bag.
Though Kalea is still learning, especially when to actually use the EpiPen (she sometimes wants it for simple scrapes), her understanding is growing rapidly.
Chrisma began documenting their journey on social media, hoping to help others the same way she found encouragement online. A recent video showing Kalea correctly using her EpiPen on her own went viral—amassing over 350,000 views.
While a past video drew criticism for teaching young kids about medical devices, this time, responses were positive and uplifting. One comment, in particular, moved Chrisma: a woman shared how her mother had done the same, and it left a lasting impact.
Chrisma’s biggest piece of advice? Include the entire family. “Those first months were terrifying and lonely,” she says. “But once I involved my girls in appointments and education, everything felt more manageable.”
Today, Chrisma feels reassured knowing Kalea is equipped with tools and knowledge. “What once felt impossible—like attending birthday parties or going to the park—now feels totally doable. My daughter knows how to stay safe.”
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Source: www.people.com
