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Food allergies in babies and toddlers are fairly common. About 1 in 18 children will be diagnosed with a food allergy by the time they are three years old. Recognizing food allergies in children can range from mild symptoms to immediate life threatening reactions normally within a few minutes to several hours after ingestion. As a parent, you know your child best. If something seems wrong, it probably is.

A food allergy is a broad term used to describe how our immune systems may react to certain foods. Most common in families that have a history of allergies or asthma. About 90% of food allergies found in babies are in one of these five categories of food: cow's milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, and wheat. The most common allergy is milk.

Recognizing food allergies in babies can range from a child that has colic, to a life threatening attack. First, let's analyze some subtle symptoms that you may want to keep an eye out for. The best way to recognize a food allergy is if your child has diarrhea after eating certain foods, excess gas, is nauseous or vomiting. If you notice blood in your child's stool, or your child is suddenly constipated, analyze a pattern of what they are eating.

Other symptoms that are common with food allergies are hives, rashes, coughing, running nose, eczema, watery or red eyes, or ear infections. If the symptoms are mild, be conscious of when they flare up and try removing that food from your child's diet. If you are breastfeeding, you may have to remove the offending food from your diet. If you are concerned, consult a doctor.

The most aggressive food allergies, usually associated with nuts and shellfish, are apparent. Sometimes with very little contact with the food in question, a child will experience swelling of the throat, lips or tongue which can cut off breathing if not watched carefully. If you notice your child swelling, breaking out in excessive hives or becoming extremely fussy, itching or clawing at their neck or face seek help immediately.

Food allergies can seem to spring up out of nowhere. A baby may have a certain type of food a number of times before she has an adverse reaction. Some evidence suggests that if food allergies are inherent in your family, breastfeeding may help your child's immune system combat them. There have been studies, but no firm results on whether postponing introducing solid foods has any result on your child's immune system.

If your child is diagnosed with a food allergy realize that they are fairly common. Most children outgrow food allergies to milk and soy by their first birthday, and most outgrow the rest by their third birthdays. If your child has a severe allergy be sure to let all daycare providers and health care providers know about your child's specific situation.

Sources:
http://www.d rgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&act ion=detail&ref=1093
http://www. babycenter.com/0_food-allergie s_12409.bc?Ad=com.bc.common.Ad Info%403ea1ab97

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