Recognizing Allergies in Babies: Symptoms and Management

Common Allergy Symptoms in Babies

Food allergies and intolerances are one of the biggest concerns for moms and dads when starting the introduction of foods. It is a reaction of the baby's immune system to a substance present in a specific food.

The foods that most commonly cause allergies are eggs, cow's milk, gluten, nuts, fish, shellfish, and some fruits. Being common does not mean they are the only ones; we can be allergic to any food!.

All allergens can be offered from 6 months of age. There is no scientific evidence that foods considered allergens should be avoided; the American Academy of Pediatrics and ESPGHAN concluded that not only is it safe to introduce them earlier, but it may actually help prevent allergies in the future.

Basic Guidelines to Keep in Mind

Do not give new foods before bedtime; it is better to do so when we can watch the baby to identify any reaction.

The reaction usually does not occur at the first feeding; it often happens at the second or third exposure.

For babies genetically predisposed or if an allergy is suspected, wait 3-5 days between introducing new foods.

Many foods cause cross-reactions because they share the same component; it is advisable not to experiment at home and to consult an allergist.

Babies can show allergic reactions within the first 2 hours after consuming the food, so it is important to keep a small record of introduced allergens to identify them if necessary.

There is not much evidence on how to do this explicitly, and it should be individualized for each baby by pediatrics and allergology. For example, if the baby has no family history, no atopic dermatitis, and responds well to the first foods, the process can be a bit faster, but it must be personalized in consultation.

Identifying Allergic Reactions: Key Signs in Babies

Most common symptoms: in babies and young children, hives, nausea, and vomiting are the most frequent.

Mild to moderate symptoms: include swelling of the face, lips, and eyes.

Each baby reacts differently: keep in mind that the same person can have variable symptoms from one allergic reaction to another.

Every reaction should be taken seriously: most importantly, remember that a mild to moderate reaction can sometimes quickly progress to anaphylaxis.

What Should I Do If My Baby Has an Allergic Reaction?

If your baby shows any sign of an allergic reaction, stop feeding immediately and go to the emergency room. Once the allergic episode has passed, visit the baby's pediatrician or allergist for a clear diagnosis and guidance.

How Do I Know If My Baby Is at Risk of Developing a Food Allergy?

Medical opinion is that all babies are at risk of developing food allergies, although babies with eczema have a 1 in 3 chance of developing a food allergy, and babies with a family history of food allergies have a 1 in 7 chance of developing a food allergy.

Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Childhood Allergies

Offer potential allergens one at a time, spacing them 3-5 days apart to observe possible reactions.

Never offer them at night; it is better to do so during the day so we can react quickly and go to the emergency room if necessary.

Be trained in allergies, choking, and first aid to take control of the situation and know what to do.

References

USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020.

“Introduce infants to potentially allergenic foods.”

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), 2020.

“To prevent peanut and/or egg allergy, peanut and egg should be introduced around 6 months of life.”

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), 2020.

“There is strong evidence that early introduction of peanut and egg within the first year of life can prevent the development of food allergy to these respective foods.”

National Institutes of Health (NIH), January 2017.

“Recent scientific research has demonstrated that introducing peanut-containing foods into the diet during infancy can prevent the development of peanut allergy.”

Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), January 2019.

“There is emerging evidence that early food introduction, between 4 to 6 months of age, may have a role in preventing food allergy, particularly for egg and peanut, in high-risk infants.”