Toddler with Severe Dairy Allergy Hospitalized After Eating Chocolate Cake at Childcare Center

A West Australian mother, Chloe Pike, shared her distressing experience after her daughter, Willow, who was diagnosed with severe dairy and egg allergies as a baby, was accidentally fed chocolate cake containing dairy at her childcare center. Despite informing the Bluebird Childcare Centre of Willow's allergies upon enrollment, Willow suffered from bleeding and swelling in her arms, legs, and feet, prompting a visit to Bunbury Health Campus where doctors voiced concerns about a potential severe infection that could impact Willow's ability to walk.

The concerning incident led to Willow being admitted to the hospital twice, with the second visit prompting positive responses to antibiotics and steroid creams, mitigating the initial fear of long-term consequences. Chloe Pike discovered the trigger for Willow's allergic reaction was the dairy present in the chocolate cake consumed at the daycare, prompting her to communicate her concerns to the childcare center and seek ways to prevent such incidents in the future, including requesting broader training for the staff to handle food allergies more effectively.

Following the incident, Willow's mother requested a meeting with the area manager of the childcare center, expressing the need for proper measures to avoid similar occurrences. Pike's decision to unenroll her daughter from the facility was accompanied by a formal complaint to the Department of Communities. The National Allergy Council co-chair, Maria Said, highlighted the need for more comprehensive training on anaphylaxis for all staff in childcare centers to prevent allergic reactions, emphasizing the importance of open communication with parents of allergic children to ensure their safety and well-being.