Weaning to Solids: Food Allergies
It is importance to be able to distinguish the difference between an allergic reaction and intolerance. An allergy is when the immune system over-reacts and causes several physical symptoms. Swollen eyes and lips, a runny nose, sneezing, itching, hives, dermatitis, diarrhea or constipation, and vomiting are some of the common physical allergic reactions.
Intolerance, on the other hand, is when the body is physically unable to digest something. Some symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation, and vomiting are similar to those of an allergy, but the important thing to remember about an intolerance is that the immune system doesn't over-react. It is only the digestive system that shows signs of trouble.
When you wean your baby to solid foods, one of the speed bumps you may encounter is a food allergy or food allergies. Baby's have delicate stomachs and immune systems, and not every baby's system will take to solids right away, especially foods that are highly allergic. This is why most doctors recommend you begin solid food feeding at six months of age, and that it should be done alongside a diet of breast milk. Breast milk has natural immunizing qualities, and babies who are given breast milk till they're six months old are less likely to be allergic to foods.
As you begin to feed your baby solid food, introduce each food to them gradually so that you can monitor your baby's reactions. Start with foods that are not highly allergenic or foods that almost no one has allergies to, such as rice, quinoa, apples, and pears. Hold off feeding your children highly allergic foods. If there is a history of allergies in the immediate family, your baby is at higher risk for developing a peanut allergy (which is very serious). You will have to talk to your doctor before giving your baby anything containing peanuts for the first time.
Bad allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis, the signs of which are severe wheezing and difficulty breathing. This is a very serious reaction because the airways are closing, and you must seek immediate medical attention.
If your baby exhibits an allergic reaction to solids, it will take you some time to figure out which foods they can and cannot eat. Be sure you familiarize yourself with the label on baby foods and their ingredients so you are sure you are not giving your baby something they may be allergic to. Better yet, make your own baby food.
Here is a list of foods that are known to cause allergies:
These foods should be introduced one at a time and in small amounts and not till your baby is much older. |
