Guide for Introducing Allergens in Your Infant's Diet
Managing Food Allergies in Infants: A Guide for Parents
Feeding a baby can be a joyous experience, but it's also a critical phase that requires caution and knowledge, especially when it comes to high-allergy foods. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of common food allergens in infants and how to manage them.
High-allergy foods that parents should be aware of include milk, eggs, wheat, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame seeds. These foods can trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur in babies, causing difficulty breathing, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure. It's essential to seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms are observed.
To reduce the risk of developing food allergies, it's recommended to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding while gradually introducing solid foods. This approach can help build the baby's immune system and potentially prevent food allergies.
When introducing high-allergy foods, it's crucial to do so one at a time. Start with small amounts, and monitor the baby for any signs of allergic reactions. Common signs include digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, swelling, skin rashes or hives, and difficulty breathing.
Fish, such as salmon, tuna, catfish, and cod, can trigger allergies, as can shellfish like shrimp and lobster. Tree nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, etc.) should be approached with caution. Milk allergy is common in infants and young children, while wheat allergy is tied to most food allergy cases, affecting about 1% of young children.
Peanuts are a common food allergen for babies, and sesame seeds are also among the common food allergens for both children and adults. Eggs can cause problems for some babies, and most often, this allergy shows up in young ones and fades as they grow older.
In the event of an allergic reaction, it's important to get medical help straight away and avoid the allergenic food in the future. Consult a healthcare professional for further guidance on managing food allergies in babies.
Israa Saeed, a physician specialized in allergies and pediatrics, was engaged in 2025 for consulting on a book about food allergies in infants due to her expertise in the field. This underscores the importance of understanding and managing food allergies in infants to ensure their health and wellbeing.
Remember, every baby is unique, and their reactions to foods may vary. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice on managing food allergies in your baby.
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