⚠️🌰 Understanding Baby Allergies

A Complete Guide for Safe and Confident Feeding

Food allergies are a growing concern for many parents as they begin introducing solids. While most babies tolerate new foods well, some may react to certain ingredients — especially common allergens — with symptoms that range from mild rashes to severe, life-threatening reactions.

This guide will help you understand what baby food allergies are, how to introduce allergenic foods safely, and what to do if your baby shows signs of an allergic reaction.

🧬 What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy occurs when your baby’s immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food protein as harmful and reacts against it. This reaction can cause a range of symptoms and may occur within minutes to a few hours after eating.

Important: Food allergies are different from food intolerances, which are not immune-related and usually cause digestive discomfort (e.g., lactose intolerance).

🌍 Why Baby Allergies Matter

• The first year of life is a critical window for teaching the immune system how to tolerate new foods.

• Introducing allergenic foods at the right time — not too early, not too late — may reduce the risk of developing lifelong allergies.

• Delaying introduction, especially in high-risk babies, can increase the chances of allergy development.

🌰 Common Food Allergens in Babies

Here are the top 9 foods that cause over 90% of allergic reactions in babies and children:

1. 🥚 Eggs

2. 🥜 Peanuts

3. 🐄 Cow’s Milk

4. 🌾 Wheat (gluten)

5. 🌰 Tree Nuts (cashew, walnut, almond, etc.)

6. 🐟 Fish

7. 🦐 Shellfish (shrimp, crab)

8. 🌱 Soy

9. 🫘 Sesame

⚠️ Note for Ghanaian parents: Local common allergens also include groundnuts, egusi, cow milk powder, and some seafoods like shrimp or crab.

🧒 Who is at Higher Risk?

Your baby may have a higher risk of food allergies if:

• There is a family history of eczema, asthma, hay fever, or food allergies

• Your baby has moderate to severe eczema

• Your baby already has another food allergy (e.g., cow's milk allergy)

If your baby is high-risk, consult a pediatrician or allergist before introducing allergenic foods.

🕒 When and How to Introduce Allergenic Foods

✅ Ideal Time: Around 6 months, but not before 4 months

Introducing common allergens early (between 4–11 months), alongside other solid foods, can help your baby build tolerance to those foods.

💡 How to Introduce:

1. Introduce allergenic foods one at a time.

   • Wait 3–5 days before trying another new allergen.

2. Start with a very small amount.

   • For example: ¼ teaspoon of boiled egg or diluted peanut butter.

3. Watch your baby closely for 2–4 hours.

   • Most allergic reactions appear within this time frame.

4. If tolerated, gradually increase the amount over the next few days.

   • Regular exposure (e.g., 2–3 times/week) helps maintain tolerance.

🚨 Signs of an Allergic Reaction

🤏 Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

• Red rash around the mouth or on the body

• Hives or welts

• Swelling of the lips, eyes, or face

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Runny nose or sneezing

• Irritability, fussiness, or refusal to eat

🚨 Severe Symptoms (Anaphylaxis):

• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing or coughing

• Swelling of the tongue or throat

• Pale or bluish skin

• Loss of consciousness

• Sudden drop in alertness

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If your baby shows any severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately and administer epinephrine (if available).

🥄 Baby-Friendly Ways to Introduce Allergens Safely

🧾 What to Do If Baby Reacts to a Food

• Stop feeding immediately.

• Note the exact food, time, and symptoms.

• Seek medical advice — especially if symptoms worsen or appear quickly.

• Keep a food diary to help your doctor identify and test for allergens if needed.

✅ Final Tips for Allergy Prevention

• Continue breastfeeding if possible — it helps protect against early food allergies.

• Don't delay allergenic foods past 6–8 months without medical advice.

• Introduce allergens in the morning or when healthcare is available — not at bedtime or when alone.

• Do not give honey, whole nuts, or cow’s milk as a drink before 12 months — for reasons beyond allergies (e.g., botulism risk, choking, nutrient imbalances).

❤️ In Summary

Introducing allergenic foods can feel intimidating, but with the right steps, it becomes a safe and empowering part of your baby’s feeding journey. Knowledge, patience, and observation are your best tools. If in doubt, always seek professional guidance.

You're not just feeding your baby — you're helping their immune system grow strong, wise, and resilient.