Food allergies in kids: facts and what you can do!
Food allergies are terrifying and sadly they are more common than ever. To help reduce your child’s chance of developing food allergies they need to exposed to the most common allergy causing foods early. Here are some facts about food allergies:
90% of food allergies are caused by milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, fish and shellfish
3 million Americans have a peanut and/or tree nut allergy! Peanut allergies are second to eggs in the most common food allergies. Peanut is the most likely food to cause anaphylaxis and death.
Studies have shown that introducing the common allergy causing foods by 12 months may reduce the chances of developing an allergy to that food.
The sooner you introduce these common allergy producing foods the better and here is how you do it .You can start introducing solids around 4-6 months of age but never before 4 months. Interesting fact: babies that are exclusively breastfed for the first 3-4 months are less likely to develop food allergies and eczema in the first 2 years of life. This is because moms who consume peanuts regularly pass on small amounts of the peanut protein in their breast milk.
Bring on the baby food! Here are 4 signs your baby is ready to start solids!
Your baby has good head and neck control and can sit upright when supported.
Shows interest in food and watches you eat.
Reaches out for food.
Opens there mouth with offered food on a spoon.
When introducing common allergy producing foods, only introduce one food at each meal. This helps the problem food be easily identified. If your baby has a reaction to the food the stop giving that food and seek medical advice. If your baby does not have an allergic reaction, continue to give that food twice a week as part of a varied diet. Trying a food and not giving it regularly may result in developing an allergy. Be sure sure to offer foods that are the right texture and consistency for your babies age. Never feed your baby whole nuts or nut pieces!!!
How to know if your baby is having a food reaction? Watch for these signs:
Swelling to the lips, eyes or face.
Hives or welts.
Vomiting
Fussiness
Signs of anaphylaxis include all of the above and:
Difficult or noisy breathing
Baby becomes limp or pale
Anaphylaxis can be life threatening! If you believe your child is having an anaphylactic reaction, call 911 immediately or if your child has a prescription epipen, use it accordingly.
If you are ever concerned your child is having an allergic reaction seek medical advice right away. It’s also a good idea to always have Benadryl on hand!