Introducing baby food is fun for most parents because they get to see their baby attempt to eat new foods and the way that the baby reacts to each one. Baby foods train babies to eat solid foods, and they also provide important nutrients. There are many types of baby food to introduce, and sometimes a particular baby food will cause an allergy in a baby.
Frequency of Food Allergies in Babies
The parenting website BabyCenter.com states that food allergies in babies are not common. While they are rare, food allergies are more common in children and babies than they are in adults. Keep Kids Healthy states that about 5 to 8 percent of young children, including babies, have food allergies. Luckily, many of those babies grow out of their food allergies before they turn 3 years old.
Commonly Allergic Foods
Babies are more likely to be allergic to some foods than they are to others. BabyCenter.com explains that cow's milk, eggs, nuts, soy and wheat are the foods that babies and children are most often allergic to. While these foods aren't usually sold in the form of baby foods, they are sometimes present in small amounts in baby foods. Baby cereal does come in wheat varieties and that can cause allergies.
Symptoms of Food Allergies
The most common symptoms of allergies to baby food include breathing difficulties, rashes and hives, according to Keep Kids Healthy. Digestive problems like vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain can also be signs that the baby is allergic to baby food. The symptoms usually start to show within one to three hours after being given a food the baby is allergic to.
When to Start Solids
Kelly Bonyata, international board-certified lactation consultant, explains on her parenting website that food allergies in babies have a lot to do with how early the foods where introduced to a baby. She states that babies who get baby cereal and baby foods before they are 6 months old are more likely to have food allergies. Breast milk has a protective effect on babies, so giving only breast milk and formula, if necessary, until the age of 6 months can help prevent food allergies in babies.
When to Seek Medical Help
Knowing when to seek medical help is one of the most important parts of introducing baby foods. If a baby shows any sign of trouble breathing or swelling anywhere in his face, it is essential to call 911 immediately. BabyCenter.com states that if vomiting or diarrhea is severe, it is also important to call 911 since babies have delicate immune systems. If a baby had an allergic reaction in the past, such as a rash that has cleared, it is still important to contact the doctor.
