Not the Fashion

There’s a growing and alarming trend out there (and no, we’re not talking about the skinny stovepipe jean). 

According to the Allergy Asthma Information Association, 2 – 4 % of Canadian children are affected by food allergies, with the same number being at risk for anaphylaxis due to allergies, and it’s an increasing public health issue.

While this trend is clearly not desirable, we’ve found two stylish solutions that we think give kids with allergies their own distinct cool factor. They also pass the savvy ‘safe factor’ with flying colours (in fact, in whatever colour you like). 

The mom-inventors at Blue Bear Aware have developed a fun and fashionable line of allergy alert t-shirts and bibs that raise awareness (in English and French) of a child’s allergy in an entertaining AND effective way.

With tres amusant expressions such as ‘Raise the Alarm – Dairy Can Harm’ or ‘No Fish on My Dish’ on the front, and the Allergy Alert Symbol™ on the back, they get the message about your child’s specific health needs across clearly, accompanied by beautiful (for the girls) and cool (for the boys) images. So styling, even the kids without allergies will want one.

For those at risk of anaphylaxis, a definite fashion step up from the usual black (which does not work with your average princess dress), the KozyEpi is a handmade pouch designed to hold two auto-injectors (and nothing else) and keep them as close as they should always be.

Light, durable, washable and stylish, the Kozy Epi can be worn around the waist, across the shoulder like a messenger bag (better with dresses) or looped through a belt. The strap can be ordered in five different adjustable lengths to fit any member of the family. Inside there is a label that allows parents to write in their child’s name, medication and a contact phone number.

Since they’re ‘one-of-a-kind’ created by artist Helen Yamashita, the design and colour is limited only by your child’s imagination. The real benefit: kids involved in designing their own pouch feel like it is their work of art and experience shows that significantly increases the likelihood of their wearing it all the time, which makes them more safe and healthy.

Which, after all, is the most fashionable thing of all. 

The Blue Bear Aware line can be ordered online.

KozyEpi can be ordered online.