Introducing your baby to possible food allergies
Most people are aware of what it means to have food allergies as an adult, but for new moms with a newborn, food allergies can create a whole new source of concern. As food allergies become more and more common, many new parents are feeling the overwhelm when it’s time to start introducing new foods to their baby. How we introduce, and when we introduce new foods can either help or hinder your baby’s risk of developing food allergies.
According to the CDC, children with a food allergy are two to four times more likely to experience other allergic conditions, and even asthma, over children without a food allergy. What’s worse, the number of children reported to have food allergies has nearly doubled over the last ten years. This is of great importance as children with coexisting food allergy and asthma may be more likely to experience anaphylactic reactions to foods and be at higher risk of death. While allergic reactions are typically mild, they can definitely be unsettling for parents, and some reactions can be severe and life-threatening. Allergies can’t necessarily be cured, but doctors say there’s a way they can be avoided during early childhood development.
There are 8 common foods that account for 90 percent of serious allergic reactions: cow’s milk, peanuts, shellfish, eggs, wheat, tree nuts, soy, and fish. Exposing babies to allergenic foods at an early age could help sidestep parental concerns, especially down the line when their kids have to navigate the food options at the school lunch table.
Understanding the guideline for introducing new foods to baby
While a person’s immune system is “very nimble” throughout life, it’s just developing in infancy. This means that a baby relies on his or her mother’s immune system to defend against germs in the first few months of life, which is the best time to figure out if there is a possible food allergy.
When should I start introducing allergenic foods?
Every child, and every family, is so incredibly different and no two ways will be exactly the same. Personally, I started introducing new foods to Enzo & Elio at different stages. When it comes to feeding babies, my approach has always been that there really is no right or wrong way. The Association of Pediatrics suggests introducing new foods anywhere between 4-6 months of age, so that’s a great starting point. From, there, I like to take cues from the baby by noticing if they become interested in what you’re eating. Turns out, neither of my boys were interested very early, so I waited until 6 months. I always like to start with vegetables, avocado and olive oils. Then I like to introduce fruits, meats and then move on to allergens. The pace at which you introduce is up to you. Some people like to do a few weeks on veggies, then a couple weeks with fruits, etc. Others like to just introduce them all at once. Its 100% personal preference!
How to begin introducing your baby to food allergies?
Personally, I think it’s best to introduce one allergen at a time for 3-5 days. Elio was allergic to dairy and soy via my breastmilk, so those are at the end of my list with him. I tend to introduce eggs first because they are so versatile. I usually introduce it at one meal a day, and leave the other feedings throughout the day without. If they don't have any reaction to the new food, feel free to add it into their daily food. Things to watch for are skin reactions, hives, blood or mucus in stool, allergic shiners, ear infections and change in personality. Always contact your pediatrician if you notice any of these. Many times you will be asked to stop that food, wait a few days or weeks and try again. But please always refer to your child's doctor. Before you know it, your child will be eating everything and a variety of food, which is so important!
The bottom line
When it comes time to start introducing new, solid foods to your baby, it’s important to be mindful of possible food allergies. Key things to consider are the timing of how new foods are introduced, as well as the process of not only introducing them one-by-one, but also testing them out slowly. If we take these steps early on, we can really make a positive impact in the development of our children’s systems; ultimately giving their little bodies, and immune systems, an advantage later down the line.
Tips for feeding babies under 18 months
Be prepared when going out to eat as a family, or even traveling on road trips, etc. Having food prepared in advance allows us to make healthier choices in the moment, when the baby is crying and life is happening all around us - it can be overwhelming! Think of the baby in the high chair at the restaurant, eating tortilla chips. The goal is to avoid this all together by being one step ahead!
If you’re feeling the overwhelm when it comes to introducing new foods to your baby, I’d love to help! My Baby Food 101 class is one of the my most requested services and it can even be done virtually! We’ll help you cut through the chaos, and devise a game plan for meal prep and future feedings. Feel free to connect with me over here on the contact page to schedule a complimentary consultation!
Xoxo,
Lindsay