Two years on, and Paige is eagerly anticipating the big leap into primary school.

This may seem like a fairly standard progression for most children.

But not for Paige.

The four-year-old’s life has been complicated by food intolerance, chronic asthma, eczema and anaphylaxis – a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction to certain foods.

Paige’s parents Belinda and Shannon had never heard of anaphylaxis until they found themselves having to personally deal with it – and have devoted a great deal of time to learning more and helping spread awareness since their daughter’s arrival.

“It would only take a well-meaning person to give sufferers like Paige an ‘unsafe’ food to trigger a severe allergic reaction,” says mum Belinda

“Paige is touch sensitive, even other children who like to share toys or food could bring on a reaction.

“If they have eaten something like peanut butter and touch her without washing their hands, she could have a reaction.”

Paige’s low-chemical diet mainly consists of a special Neocate formula, and she wears a special medi-alert bracelet wherever she goes, advising of her allergy and containing emergency information.

The Tullipans also carry with them an Epi-pen, a form of syringe containing adrenaline which is the only life-saving emergency treatment should Paige suffer an anaphylactic attack.

“We have to plan ahead wherever we go,” says Belinda.

“Paige needs constant supervision – we can’t go anywhere without planning ahead so Paige doesn’t come in contact with her allergens.

“We take lunch and snacks with us if we go out for the day, and I make two dinners a night – one for us and a safe one for Paige.”

Paige’s daycare teachers have also taken on preventative measures – a strict no-nut policy

already in place and no milk served to her classmates on the days she is there.

Despite her condition, Paige has blossomed into a bright young child and will start at Oxley Island Public School next year.

“I think it will be harder for me than it will be for her,” laughs Belinda.

“After being Paige’s constant carer since she was born it’s going to be a challenge to let her go every morning.

“But she is making progress. Her asthma is now controlled and there is still hope she will grow out of a lot of her allergies

“Plus, she’s beginning to reach an age where she is learning for herself what she can and can’t eat. For her, it’s now a matter of trusting the people she is with.”