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How to identify food allergies in babies
As you begin transitioning your baby to solid foods, you might notice unusual reactions during or after feeding. By feeding your baby new foods one at a time, it can be easier for you to identify if food allergies exist. Some allergies can go away as your baby grows older, but even mild allergies can develop into serious ones. Keep track of any changes that occur during this time and discuss them with your health care professional if you suspect your baby has a food allergy.
Baby food allergy symptoms
Allergic reactions usually appear within a few minutes to several hours after eating, and can take many forms. Typical and extreme signs of a true food allergy are:
- Skin rash or flushed skin
- Blood and/or mucus in the stool
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or lips
- Excessive spit-up, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
Treating a food allergy in babies
Your health care professional might recommend switching to a baby formula that is easier for babies with milk allergies to digest. Talk with your health care provider before switching baby formulas.
When should you call your health care professional?
Call your health care professional if your baby:
- Is crying excessively and you have ruled out hunger, wet diaper, exhaustion, being overly warm or cool, or external pain
- Has a rectal temperature higher than 100.4°F (for infants younger than 2 months)
- Refuses food for longer than is typical
- Vomits excessively or has excessive diarrhea
Listen to your instincts and talk to your health care professional about any concerns.
Did you know?
Nutrition is key to all of the ways your baby develops in her 1st year of life. Find out about how her brain and bones are developing.
