Baby Food Allergy

 Baby food allergy happens when your babys immune system reacts to an otherwise harmless food protein that
it has identified as a foreign substance, "allergen".  An allergic reaction will normally happen not the first time
but the second time that the body is exposed to the same food again.

If you are concerned about whether or not your baby might have an allergy and  maybe you or  your  partner
 have a family history of food Allergies, it may be a very good idea to you consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby.

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The 4 Day Waiting Rule

When your baby is ready for solids, introduce the foods one at a time waiting 4 days before introducing a new food. This will make it much easier for you to notice which foods your baby does not tolerate well.

If  you introduce your baby to different kinds of foods all at once and the baby has a reaction, you will find it
very hard to tell exactly which food caused the reaction.

Feed your baby new foods one at a time waiting 4 days before another  new food is introduced.

Baby Food Allergy - Diagnostic Testing

The most commonly used method done by Doctors to diagnose Allergies involves a test know as The skin
prick test. In this test a known allergen is applied to the patients skin (this might be on the arm or on the back). The skin is then pricked with a tiny needle so that the allergen goes in, under the skin. The area is then
monitored for any allergic reactions. Blood tests can also be done. 

Baby Food Allergy -  signs or Symptoms to look out for

If you notice any of the above signs, call your pediatrician and voice your concerns.

Note: Some conditions  other than food allergies may also cause similar symptoms!

   A Few foods that commonly cause food allergies include...

           Is this Food Intolerance or An Allergy?

  Food intolerance is different from an allergic reaction. Its common to confuse food intolerance for an allergy.
 With an allergic reaction the immune system is involved. With food intolerance the immune system is not
 involved, but instead the body just overreacts to a food and this may even led to a lot of tummy discomfort, e.g wind . Food intolerance is less serious than food Allergies.

 Baby Food Allergy - Cases of Severe Allergic Reactions 

Though rare, some people can get a very severe allergic reaction, this is known as Anaphylaxis or Allergic
shock. This may include symptoms such as swelling of the throat, a drop in blood pressure, difficult in breathing and even loss of consciousness. Call for an ambulance immediately if you notice any of these signs.
 Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal.

Protecting Your Baby From Food Allergies

The best thing one can do from start is to try and delay the introduction of solids until the baby is about 4 to 6 months of age. If you can, breastfeed your baby exclusively from birth to 6 months of age.

More ...

Foods to avoid giving to your baby

Baby Soy Allergy

Baby Milk Allergy

Baby Constipation

Baby egg allergy

Go From Baby Food Allergy To Introducing Solids To Babies