INFANT NUTRITION: CHECKING FOR ALLERGIES OR INTOLERANCES Food Allergies: What to Look for Though the majority of babies will never develop a single food allergy, if your baby has a sibling or parent with a food allergy or allergic condition, your pediatrician may recommend delaying the introduction of certain foods just in case. The most common food allergens are: wheat, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts. Whether you are waiting on certain foods or not, be sure to observe how baby tolerates new foods so that you can identify any potential issues. Introduce foods one at a time, waiting three or four days before starting another new food. Don’t be concerned if the color and texture of your baby’s stool changes during this time. These changes are normal and usually do not indicate a problem.
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF ALLERGY OR INTOLERANCE:
a new
SKIN RASH
VOMITING or DIARRHEA
BLOOD
in the stool
If you think Baby is allergic to a food, eliminate it from her diet and see if the symptoms disappear. Ask your pediatrician about any new symptoms or if you suspect a food allergy. * If baby has a severe reaction, seek medical attention right away.
Foods to Avoid or Delay
Though the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend delaying the introduction of common allergens (for most babies), one food remains on the
NO-NO LIST FOR BABIES UNDER 1: HONEY.
Need help? Chat with our team of nutritionists or visit our resource center at happyfamilyorganics.com
Honey may contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which can cause BOTULISM. Adults’ immune systems can handle a small amount of these spores, but babies under 1 year are susceptible to a life-threatening reaction to the toxins the bacteria produce.