Checking For Food Allergies When You Start Feeding Your Infant Solid Foods

If you have a baby who is just about ready to start solid foods, you will want to be aware of what symptoms may signify a food allergy. Following the proper guidelines when starting the feeding process will ensure you can pinpoint which food may be to blame if you suspect an allergy is present. Here are some instructions to follow when you start feeding your baby solids to help you recognize when your baby may have a food allergy.

Know The Proper Method

When you start feeding your baby, it is recommended you start with cereals at anywhere from four to six months of age. If your baby thrusts the food out of their mouth, they may not yet be ready to start solids. Try again several days later. Most people will start with a rice or oatmeal cereal. When you feed your baby, stick with the same type of food for at least three days in a row so you can watch for any signs of an allergy. If you feed a new food one day and another new food the next, you will not know which food is causing the allergy if one occurs.

After your baby masters cereals, you can move on to fruits and vegetables, allowing them to eat one fruit or vegetable for a full three days before trying another new food. When your baby eats a food for at least three days in a row with no reaction, it can be given whenever you wish, including in tandem with a new food, as it has been eliminated as a risk.

Watch For Signs Of Trouble

When a baby has a food allergy, signs may not show up right away. This is why it is important to feed your baby the same food three days in a row. Some of the more prominent signs your baby has an allergy include:

• Rash or flushing of the skin
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Hives on the skin
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Breathing problems
• Loss of consciousness

If your baby exhibits any of these symptoms, take them to an emergency room immediately to be evaluated. If the doctor at the hospital determines your baby has an allergic reaction to a food, stop feeding them the food you were introducing at the time the symptoms were prominent.

If the problem occurs often with several different foods, or if you cannot determine which food is causing the symptoms, you will need to bring your baby to an allergist for an evaluation. They will be able to test your child to determine which food is causing the symptoms. They may also determine a chemical, such as something used in laundry detergent or soap, may be causing the reaction instead.