Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby's Food Allergies & Sensitivities

Has your child ever experienced an allergic response to something they ate? Perhaps you're just starting solids and want to know how to introduce allergenic foods properly? It might be difficult to correctly detect your child's reaction to particular meals.

The words ``food sensitivity" and "food allergy" are sometimes used interchangeably. This is due to the fact that they have some overlapping symptoms, giving them simple to mislead.

However, they each need significantly different care, which means that the measures you take for an allergy are substantially different than the ones you take for sensitivity, both in the short and long term.

Common Food Allergens

Certain foods have a higher likelihood of causing allergic reactions than others. These are known as the "Big Eight," and they are the most common allergens in children. The eight most prevalent food allergens in children are:

• Dairy
• Egg
• Fish
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Tree Nuts
• Wheat

Detection Of A “Food Allergy” - Immediate Or 2 Hours

A food allergy reaction occurs immediately, sometimes within minutes, although it can occur at any moment within two hours of ingesting the trigger meal. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. If your kid experiences symptoms after this two-hour period, it is unlikely that he or she has a real food allergy.

Benefits and Drawbacks of “Food Allergies”

• Benefits - Because of the short reaction time, allergies may be simpler to detect.
• Drawbacks - Severe anaphylactic allergic responses can be fatal. Additionally, certain allergies endure a lifetime, which can have a significant and long-term influence on your child's life.

Detection Of A “Food Sensitivity” - Immediate Or 2 Hours

Detecting a food sensitivity might take anywhere from 2 to 3 days. Food sensitivities have a longer reaction time, with symptoms developing ranging from a few hours to three days.

Benefits and Drawbacks of “Food Sensitivities”

• Benefits - Food sensitivities are a telltale indicator that your gut isn't working correctly, which might be a benefit in disguise because sensitivities usually go away once your digestive and immune systems are adequately maintained.
• Drawbacks - Food sensitivities are more difficult to diagnose due to the delay in symptoms.

Introducing Foods That Are Allergic

Introducing allergenic foods is a vital component of beginning solids, and it's essential to know how to proceed. Previously, it was recommended that high-risk meals be introduced after a baby's first birthday. However, a recent study indicates that early exposure is crucial. In fact, introducing allergenic foods between the ages of 6 and 12 months reduces your baby's risk.

While any meal can induce an allergic reaction, there are eight high-risk allergenic foods that account for 90% of all allergy reactions in children. They are:

• Dairy
• Egg
• Fish
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Tree Nuts
• Wheat

When introducing allergenic foods, the following precautions should be taken:

• Introduce one food at a time and wait a few days before introducing the next.
• Start with small amounts and gradually increase.
• Watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

Conclusion

Being aware of your child's food allergies is crucial for their health and happiness. Detecting, managing, and preventing allergic reactions is important. Introducing allergenic foods early can reduce the risk of allergies. Follow these guidelines to help your child develop a healthy relationship with food and prevent future allergic reactions.

Get expert medical advice from our team of experienced pediatricians within 15 minutes or emergency-consultation for your child's health and development. Sign up for Babynama's care plans today to get unlimited access to chat with a pediatrician directly on WhatsApp to get answers to your child's health-related queries and the best possible care. Babynama's aim is to provide fast, reliable, and quality healthcare support to parents. Be a part of Babynama today!