Updates throughout to text, information, guidelines, formatting and sources, and new medical review.
If it seems like every other tot you know is allergic to something, there’s good reason.
Is it possible to lower your child’s odds of developing a food allergy?
How can you tell if your baby or toddler is allergic to a certain food or foods?
And what can you do to treat an allergic reaction?
Read on for the answers to these and other questions about food allergies in children.
What causes food allergies in babies and toddlers?
Food allergies in babies and toddlers occur when the bodys immune system treats a food as a potential threat.
That over-the-top immune response causes your babys bad reaction, which can range from mild to severe.
What are the symptoms of food allergies in babies and toddlers?
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Telltale signs usually appear within the first 30 to 120 minutes (i.e.
one to two hours) after exposure to the offending food.
In rare cases, symptoms are noticeable after as many as four to six hours or even longer.
If you spot them, call 911 right away.
If all goes well, you’ve got the option to gradually add allergenic foods to babys diet.
Monitoring can be challenging, considering it may coincide with naps or bedtime.
If he seems like his typical, bubbly, adorable self, he’s in the clear.
If you spot any symptoms of a food allergy, call your pediatrician right away.
One way to introduce peanut butter is to thin a small amount and mix it into yogurt or cereal.
you could also spread it very thinly on bread.
Of course, talk with your pediatrician about your child’s situation and needs before serving him these things.
Testing for peanut allergy is recommended for babies with severe eczema or egg allergy.
Your practitioner will be able to advise you on how and when to get your child tested.
How is a food allergy diagnosed in babies and toddlers?
A positive test doesnt always mean theres a food allergy or show how severe an allergic reaction will be.
It may only suggest that a child is sensitive to a particular food or foods.
Whats the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance in babies?
How can you tell the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance in your baby or toddler?
Intolerance can be affected by how much your baby eats or drinks.
An allergy is an immune response gone wrong.
This causes stomach upset, like gas and bloating.
The tricky part is that food allergies and food intolerances often result in some of the same symptoms.
Can kids outgrow food allergies?
Will your baby or toddler always be allergic to certain foods?
However, allergies to shellfish, fish and tree nuts often last a lifetime.
How do you treat an allergic reaction in babies and toddlers?
Will my baby need allergy shots?
The not-so-good news: The only way to treat food allergies is to avoid the food.
Here are some tips to make it smoother sailing:
Having a child with food allergies can be scary.
