Food allergies in babies are one of the most common sicknesses for infants. This is because they are exposed to allergic foods like cow’s milk and soy. This is very common especially in the first three years of life especially those babies who came from families with food allergy background. Food allergies occur when the body doesn’t have enough enzymes to digest the food. Most babies are just allergic to one food, but there are rare instances that one is allergic to multiple foods. Most, if not all, food allergies can be outgrown over time.

 

Types of Food Allergies in Babies

Milk Allergy – Most babies have milk allergy, they are specifically allergic to the protein found in cow’s milk, which is the basis of most, if not all, commercial baby formulas in the market. This occurs when the baby’s immune system mistaken the protein as a harmful substance, then the body tries to fight it off. This starts the allergic reaction and may cause your baby to be irritable, and can get their stomachs churning.

 

Egg Allergy – This is also common in children; the three proteins in the egg white (ovomucoid, ovalbumin, and conalbumin) are the cause of egg allergy. Cooking can destroy these proteins; however it is not the case for all eggs. Most children can outgrow egg allergy by the age of three.

 

Fish Allergy – This type of allergy can cause severe reactions which might lead to anaphylaxis. This isn’t as common to children as it is for adults. Because adults eat fish more than kids do.

 

Soy Allergy – This is fairly common among infants. The allergic reaction begins when the infant is fed soy-based baby formula. You might ask why there are infant formulas made of soy. This is actually an alternative to the milk-based baby formulas, because most babies are allergic to milk. The same thing happens as to with other food allergies. The body is reacting negatively to soy proteins (soy is rich in protein) then the immune system fights it off.

 

Peanut and Tree nut Allergy – Peanut allergy is a type of allergy that cannot be outgrown, you’re in it for life. That is why it is more common in adults but not limiting to the younger kids who has this allergy. People who are allergic to peanuts are most likely to be allergic to tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamias, pistachios, pecans, and cashews. This is because their allergen component is quite similar.

 

Symptoms

• Diarrhoea stools

• Vomiting

• Runny nose

• Hives

• Flatulence

• Problems in breathing after meal consumption

• Swelling of the face/ tongue, and lips

• Closure or tightening of the throat

 

One serious symptom of food allergy is eczema. This is a skin condition which makes the skin red, dry and severely itchy. Almost ten to twenty percent of babies have eczema. If you have another child with the same condition then your baby is at low risk of having eczema. If your or your partner has the same condition, your child is at moderate risking of getting eczema. If you and your partner have it, then your baby is at high risk of acquiring eczema. As a parent there is something you can do to at least reduce the risk of your baby being allergic to foods. Like breastfeeding your baby up until the sixth month, it is said that babies that are breast from four to six months has a lesser chance in acquiring food allergies. Introducing solids at the sixth month definitely helps in preventing allergies. The four-day wait rule is also advisable, you give your kid a solid food then wait three to four day how he’s going to react on the food.

 

Things to do when your Baby has Food Allergy

• Stop giving your child the food that is causing the reaction

• Seek medical attention if your child is experiencing breathing problems during allergic reactions

• If you suspect that your child has food allergy, go to your doctor immediately

• Be aware regarding the avoidance of food

• Be aware about the type of food allergy

• Prepare a first-aid plan

• Make sure you child gets a well-balanced diet

• After a year or two, challenges to the food should be arranged with the aid of the doctor

• For other cases of allergy, like peanut allergy, your kid may need to carry adrenalin for emergency use.

 

Kids with food allergy have a different than other kids in school. You, as a parent, should be very responsible. You have to inform your child about his condition and the precautions he has to take in order to be safe. They should always have home-prepared lunch, they shall refrain from sharing any food, utensils, container and the like. You should inform the school or the teachers about your kid’s condition so they can prepare something on their side to help you like removing the food in the canteen, labelling ach lunchbox with the kid’s name, asking other parents not bring foods that might cause allergic reaction to others. Cleaning of the utensils in the cafeteria to prevent cross contamination of allergens.

 

Ask your Doctor

It is very important to ask your doctor about your child’s condition, ask about the condition and the diet you and your child must have. You can ask the following questions;

• Ask about first-aid plans.

• Ask about the tests that can be done to accurately figure out your child’s allergy

• Ask about the symptoms

• Ask if your child might need to wear a medical bracelet or carry any dose (adrenaline, epinephrine)

• Ask what allergic reaction might require the aid of the doctor

• How often should you go to the doctor

 

Food allergies in babies have been parent’s dilemma ever since. Either babies get it after they are born or it’s something that they are born with. They are different types of allergies that parents should know; each type poses a different threat to the baby or the parents. Not all allergies can be outgrown over time, others like peanut allergy stays in the system for life. Some food allergy types might just give your child a little rash, a little itching and that’s fine, but there are food allergies out there that can cause death. It is very important to educate yourself and your child about his condition, because you can’t keep an eye on your child every time, and you don’t know when his allergic reaction might attack. It is of great importance to consult with your doctor, and inform the school about your child’s allergic reaction, so they can help you.