Food allergies in infants are a growing concern, with certain foods being more likely to cause allergic reactions. Early introduction and careful monitoring are key strategies to manage and potentially prevent food allergies. This article explores the top allergenic foods for infants, how and when to introduce them, and strategies for managing allergies if they occur.
Top Allergen Foods for Infants
The most common allergenic foods for infants include:
- Eggs
- Cow’s milk
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews, walnuts)
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame[1][2][3][4][5]
How and When to Introduce Allergenic Foods
Introducing allergenic foods to infants should be done carefully and systematically to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Timing
- Age: Allergenic foods should be introduced around 6 months of age but not before 4 months. It is recommended to introduce these foods before the infant turns one year old[1][2][3][7].
- Breastfeeding: If possible, continue breastfeeding while introducing solid foods, as this may reduce the risk of developing allergies[2][7].
Method
- One at a Time: Introduce one allergenic food at a time to easily identify any food causing an allergic reaction[1][2][3][7].
- Small Amounts: Start with a small amount, such as a quarter of a teaspoon, and gradually increase the quantity[7].
- Age-Appropriate Forms: Use forms that are safe for infants, such as well-cooked eggs, smooth peanut butter, and finely ground nuts to prevent choking[1][2][3][7].
Testing for Food Allergies
If an infant shows signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, it is crucial to seek medical advice. Several methods are used to test for food allergies:
Skin Prick Test (SPT)
- Procedure: A small amount of the allergen is placed on the skin, which is then pricked to allow the allergen to enter. A reaction indicates a possible allergy[11][12][17].
- Age: Generally not performed on infants under 6 months[18].
Blood Tests
- Procedure: Measures the presence of IgE antibodies to specific foods in the blood[11][12][17].
- Use: Helpful when skin tests are not suitable, such as in cases of severe eczema[15][18].
Oral Food Challenge (OFC)
- Procedure: The infant consumes increasing amounts of the suspected allergen under medical supervision to observe for reactions[11][12][17].
- Use: Considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies[12][17].
Strategies for Managing Food Allergies
If an infant is diagnosed with a food allergy, several strategies can help manage the condition:
Avoidance
- Diet: Avoid the allergenic food and any products containing it. Read food labels carefully to prevent accidental exposure[6][10][19].
- Cross-Contamination: Be cautious of cross-contamination in food preparation areas and when eating out[6][10].
Emergency Preparedness
- Action Plan: Have an action plan in place, such as the ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy) action plan, to manage allergic reactions[6][9].
- Adrenaline Injector: Keep an adrenaline injector (e.g., EpiPen) available for emergency use in case of anaphylaxis[6][10].
Regular Monitoring
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups with an allergist or pediatrician to monitor the allergy and adjust the management plan as needed[6][10][17].
Conclusion
Introducing allergenic foods to infants requires careful planning and monitoring to identify and manage potential food allergies. By following recommended guidelines and seeking medical advice when necessary, parents can help reduce the risk of food allergies and ensure the health and safety of their infants.
References:
- ASCIA – How to Introduce Solid Foods to Babies for Allergy Prevention
- Pregnancy Birth and Baby – How to introduce allergy foods
- Prevent Allergies – What foods should I feed my baby?
- Huckleberry – 9 common food allergies in babies
- Solid Starts – Introducing Food Allergens to Baby
- Raising Children – Food allergies in children and teenagers
- UpToDate – Introducing highly allergenic foods to infants and children
- Healthdirect – Food allergies in children
- KidsHealth – Food Allergies
- Free to Feed – Top 3 Ways To Test Your Baby For Food Allergies
- Lil Mixins – How Doctors Test Your Child for Food Allergies
- Sydney Children’s Hospital – Allergic reactions and allergy tests factsheet
- Royal Children’s Hospital – Allergy and Immunology
- Healthline – Allergy Testing for Children
- NHS – Food allergies in babies and young children
- Mayo Clinic – Food allergy – Diagnosis and treatment
Citations:
[1] https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-prevention/ascia-how-to-introduce-solid-foods-to-babies
[2] https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/allergy-foods
[3] https://preventallergies.org.au/feeding-your-baby/what-foods-should-i-feed-my-baby/
[4] https://huckleberrycare.com/blog/9-common-food-allergies-in-babies
[5] https://solidstarts.com/allergies-babies/
[6] https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/food-allergies
[7] https://preventallergies.org.au/feeding-your-baby/how-to-introduce-common-allergy-causing-foods/
[8] https://www.uptodate.com/contents/introducing-highly-allergenic-foods-to-infants-and-children
[9] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/food-allergies-in-children
[10] https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/food-allergies.html
[11] https://www.freetofeed.com/post/food-allergy-testing
[12] https://www.lilmixins.com/blogs/news/how-doctors-test-your-child-for-food-allergies
[13] https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/allergic-reactions-and-allergy-tests-factsheet
[14] https://www.rch.org.au/allergy/
[15] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/allergy-testing
[16] https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/ascia-guide-peanut-introduction
[17] https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergy-tests.html
[18] https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergy-testing-for-children
[19] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/food-allergies-in-babies-and-young-children/
[20] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355101
