How will I know if my baby suffers from food allergies?
- Written by Niki Clark
Experts recommend you should start to introduce solid foods around six months of age, and not before four months, and if possible, continue to breastfeed your baby while you are introducing solid foods.
They suggest that when introducing solids, include common allergy-causing foods by 12 months in an age appropriate form, such as dairy, smooth peanut butter/paste, well-cooked egg, wheat, tree nuts, soy, sesame, fish, and other seafood.
“Studies show that this may reduce the chance of developing food allergy in babies with severe eczema or egg allergy,” says Caroline Robertson, naturopath at Flannerys Organic & Wholefood Market.
“Once introduced, continue to give these foods to your baby regularly, about twice weekly, as part of a varied diet to maintain tolerance, as research shows that food allergy development can be caused by trying a food and then not giving it regularly.”
Allergic reactions can occur quickly within minutes, or be delayed, and can present in several ways. The most common reactions are welts or hives on the skin, swelling of the lips, eyes, face or tongue, vomiting, or a change in baby’s well-being, such as becoming unsettled.
“If that happens, you should stop feeding your baby that food and seek medical advice,” explains Caroline, warning to call an ambulance immediately if the reaction is severe.”
Caroline says that if you think your baby may suffer from a few allergies, you should see a dietician or nutritionist to make sure your child is eating enough of the right food groups to nourish him or her from the inside out.
“Babies need to eat a variety of foods from each food group, to ensure they receive important nutrients in adequate amounts – including protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium and zinc,” she adds. “There are always tasty and healthy alternatives.
“For example, if wheat causes an allergy, your baby could probably still enjoy rice (brown and white), buckwheat, corn, quinoa, and millet that can be included in their diet.
“If your baby is allergic to cow’s milk, there are plenty of other milks to try, and a lactose-free one may also work.”
She advises not feed babies small hard pieces of food like nuts, raw carrot and apples in case they choke, and to always cook, puree, grate or mash hard fruits and vegetables.
“Also, when introducing peanut, it’s always better to let them try a small bit of peanut butter or paste,” adds Caroline. “You can also introduce various nuts by baking with nut flour.”
If in doubt, Flannerys Organic & Wholefood Market suggests you should always visit a doctor or health specialist.
Flannerys Organic & Wholefood Market has stores across NSW and Queensland. The stores offer a huge range of products including certified organic and seasonal fruit and vegetables, free naturopath advice, practitioner-only products and great skincare options that are vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic. Pop in-store for a free, no obligation chat with one of the naturopaths today.
Daily Bulletin
