While introducing new foods to the baby, knowing the symptoms of food allergy is very important. Contact your pediatrician if you suspect food allergy in your baby. The common foods that cause allergies are egg, milk, peanut, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy.
How to Recognize an Allergic Reaction?
Here are the following symptoms which can indicate food allergy in your baby:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Skin rashes
- Runny nose
- Swelling of lips or tongue
- Breathing difficulty after having the food
- Hives
Along with food allergies, baby can also suffer from food intolerance. Food intolerance does not involve the immune system. The symptoms of food intolerance are bloating, gas and sometimes diarrhea.
Introduce New Foods with a Gap:
Introduce new solid foods with a gap of 3 or 4 days between each food. In this way, you will be able to recognize how your baby is reacting to the new foods.
If you suspect any food is causing allergy, try eliminating the food and observe your baby for allergic symptoms. If your baby does not develop allergic symptoms if the food is eliminated, then you can suspect your baby is allergic to that particular food.
Preventing Food Allergies:
Parents can prevent food allergies in the following ways:
- Breastfeeding: Breast milk has rich proteins which may help to reduce the risk of allergies in your child
- Avoid certain foods: While nursing your baby, avoid eating foods which cause common allergies, such as milk, nuts etc.
- Be careful while introducing new foods: Avoid introducing new foods such as wheat, egg white, and cow’s milk till your baby is of age 1
- Work with your Pediatrician: Work with your pediatrician regarding the introduction of solid foods to your baby
If you suspect food allergy in your baby, speak to your pediatrician. The pediatrician may refer your baby to an allergist, who will be able to recognize and treat.
