One of the biggest shifts for us was realizing we weren’t alone. There are incredible communities and organizations supporting allergy families. Kids With Food Allergies Community https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org A large, active community of parents sharing advice and experiences. FARE Support Resources https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/support-groups Find local and virtual support groups. Allergy & Asthma Network Support https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/support/ Resources for emotional support and advocacy. These organizations are doing incredible work to raise awareness and improve safety for food allergy families. Many were started in memory of children whose lives were lost to allergic reactions, and their impact continues to help protect others. Red Sneakers for Oakley https://www.redsneakers.org The Elijah-Alavi Foundation https://www.elijahalavifoundation.org/general-4 Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (UK) https://www.narf.org.uk/natashas-army One of the most helpful resources for us has been other parents. Food allergy Facebook groups have been incredibly valuable. There is a searchable history of real questions from families going through the same things you may be navigating right now. Chances are, someone has already asked what you are wondering, and you can learn from their experiences. These groups can be a great place to get practical advice, reassurance, and a sense of community.

Books have been one of the most helpful tools for us as allergy parents. Some have helped us navigate the challenges and decisions that come with food allergies, while others have helped our daughter understand her allergies and feel more confident. Reading together has helped make safety feel more normal and less scary. Here are some of the books we’ve found helpful along the way. For Kids Epi, You’re My Best Friend, by Swapnil Patel We wrote this to help make carrying epinephrine feel like a normal, everyday habit for kids. It’s simple, repetitive, and designed for younger children. A Kids Book About Food Allergies by Ina K. Chung A straightforward, honest introduction to food allergies that helps kids understand what they are and how to stay safe. The BugaBees: Friends with Food Allergies by Amy Recob A story about a group of friends who each manage different food allergies. It helps kids feel less alone and more understood. For Parents The Food Allergy Fix by Dr. Sakina Bajajwala A practical and evidence-based guide that explores root causes, treatment options, and ways to manage food allergies more holistically. All About Allergies by Dr. Zachary Rubin A clear and approachable guide that breaks down food allergies, asthma, and related conditions in a way that’s easy for parents to understand. Food Without Fear by Dr. Ruchi Gupta A clear, parent-friendly guide to food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities, including how to diagnose and safely manage reactions.

Learning when and how to use epinephrine is one of the most important parts of this journey. These resources helped us feel more prepared. FARE: How to Use Epinephrine https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/how-use-epinephrine-auto-injector Clear instructions and videos that are worth revisiting. Allergy & Asthma Network https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/anaphylaxis/ Practical guidance on recognizing and responding to severe allergic reactions. Neffy (nasal epinephrine) information https://www.neffy.com We love the Neffy! It's a newer option that expands how epinephrine can be delivered.

When we were first getting started, we needed clear, trustworthy information. These helped us better understand what was happening and how to respond. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) https://www.foodallergy.org One of the most comprehensive resources for understanding symptoms, diagnosis, and emergency care. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/food-allergies/ Straightforward medical information that helped us better understand reactions and treatment options. CDC Food Allergies Overview https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies/index.htm A helpful high-level overview, especially for navigating school environments. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/food-allergies Straightforward medical information that helped us better understand reactions and treatment options.

Additional resources we've used to build habits, stay current, and learn more to help our daughter feel confident. FARE: Living with Food Allergies https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/living-food-allergies One of the most practical resources we’ve found for everyday life, from meals to parenting tips. Kids With Food Allergies (AAFA) https://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org Helpful guidance for navigating daily routines and situations. SnackSafely https://snacksafely.com We’ve found this especially helpful for navigating safe foods and staying up to date on recalls and product changes.

EpiPen is an injectable epinephrine auto-injector, while Neffy is a newer, needle-free nasal spray alternative. Our book and reminder tools are designed to work for families using either — the goal is building the habit of always having epinephrine on hand, whichever delivery method your family uses.

Framing epinephrine as a friendly character rather than a scary medical device helps young kids feel less anxious about it and more willing to keep it with them. It reframes something clinical into something familiar and reassuring, which is a big part of building a lasting safe habit.

Building the habit early with visual reminders and repetition is what worked for us. That's exactly why we created the 'Hanging With Epi' door hangers — a simple visual cue by the door so grabbing the EpiPen becomes automatic, paired with the board book that reinforces the habit through story and repetition at home.

Most allergy parents start introducing simple, repeated language around ages 2 to 4. That's why 'Epi, You're My Best Friend' is a board book — the sturdy format and short, repetitive text are built specifically for that early age range, so kids can start building comfort and confidence well before they're carrying the EpiPen themselves.

Yes. The book and all of our tools were created by Swapnil Patel, a food allergy parent, inspired by his own daughter's experience, and illustrated by Nick Cook, who has a severe peanut allergy himself. Everything we make comes from lived experience as an allergy family, not a general children's publisher.