How to deal with Food Allergies in Babies?

Time to read 5 min

Babies can experience food allergies at a younger age, especially if they haven't developed the right digestive enzymes for a range of foods. They can also have an immune response to normal foods that shouldn't generally cause one. That is why it is important to understand the different symptoms that babies can experience, and how to deal with immune function issues.


You can carefully monitor solid foods being introduced for your baby, and review whether they are experiencing classic allergy signs. If they are having difficulty breathing, wheezing, rashes, or other critical signs, then it is important to get a complete blood test done to know more. You should start by introducing a wide range of food so that your baby is able to digest it in a phase-wise manner.

Knowing the right symptoms

The right way of tracking food allergies in babies is to review the symptoms that they may be experiencing. It is also important to identify groups of food allergy symptoms as well, so that you can take the right action. If your child has a food allergy and has shown these symptoms then it is important to get them tested immediately.


Let us explore the most important symptoms of food allergies that babies can experience.

Redness or flushing of skin

The colour changing of the skin can be a key sign of a food allergy, especially if they have just consumed a potential allergen. The risk of symptoms escalation rises if the symptom isn't detected immediately as well. Redness can also fade away after sometime, which is why it is important to measure the symptom regularly.

Swelling of mouth, lips, or tongue

One of the most common signs of food allergies is swelling in the mouth, lips, and tongue region. This swelling could also emerge sporadically after the consumption of certain types of foods. You should assess whether the swelling is lasting or disappearing after consumption.

Vomiting after consumption

Reflux or vomiting after consumption of food can be an important symptom that you should be careful of. Babies shouldn't immediately vomit after consuming different types of foods, and this could be a sign that they may be allergic to certain foods.

Wheezing and difficulty breathing

If your baby starts to experience signs of difficulty in breathing, then you should get them tested immediately. Difficulty breathing could be a clear sign that the immune system is becoming active after consuming certain types of foods.

Fainting or loss of consciousness

This is a severe sign of a food allergy, especially if it happens right after consuming something. If your baby is allergic to peanuts or meat, then they may experience loss of consciousness as a result of exposure. Their immune system may also be affected long-term.



Common food allergies in babies

There are a range of foods that can cause allergic reactions within babies, which is why you should be mindful about introducing them slowly. Babies should be able to digest different types of foods across different stages, instead of being introduced to them all at once. There are several common food allergies that you can learn more about.


Shellfish and seafood of different types are a common food allergy in babies. Many babies aren't able to digest seafood, leading to various digestive issues, diarrhoea, rashes, and break-outs. You should be careful when introducing seafood to children as these are common allergens. Soy is another common allergen, which is why many baby food manufacturers provide a disclaimer for soy within their packaging.


Peanuts are one of the most common food allergies in babies. You should also be careful when introducing eggs, especially if they already have another type of food allergy present. Cow or buffalo milk should also be targeted if you suspect that it may be causing an allergic reaction in your child.


You should monitor the symptoms of your baby when they consume these potential allergens, to understand whether they fade away or emerge suddenly when consumed. You should also track multiple allergens, so that your baby is completely protected from all potential allergens. You can improve their health outcomes by ensuring that they are not exposed to any type of allergen through food sources. 

How to test for food allergies in babies

The best way to approach food allergies in children is to get a complete allergy blood test done. This should help you in understanding the different types of foods that you should avoid completely for your baby's health. Instead of using trial and error, you can get a concrete medical diagnosis about the types of foods you should avoid.


An immunoglobulin test will be able to provide the right insights for your child, so that you can reduce their exposure to potential allergens. You can test for a wide range of foods, so that you are sure about what foods to avoid for your baby. You can also substitute them to ensure that they're receiving the right nutrients. 

Understanding the effects of long-term exposure

A key reason why it is important to get a complete food allergy test done is because of the complications that can arise as a result. Your child could be at risk of developing chronic digestive issues, such as painful gas, bloating, ulcers, etc. It is important to get the right testing performed so that they're protected from potential long-term effects.


If your baby is also constantly dealing with food allergies, then their immune system can be negatively affected as well. This can reduce their ability to deal with other minor illnesses, and can lower their quality of life. Babies can become more irritable, have lower quality sleep, and feel constantly uneasy because of long-term immune function issues.



What is the right strategy when dealing with allergies?

The best way forward is to identify the right eating strategies according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and other thought leaders in the domain. An allergic reaction can occur if your baby is exposed to potential allergens or if the baby doesn't have the right digestive enzymes.


The early introduction of common allergens can be a viable method of understanding whether your baby can handle common allergens, such as peanuts, eggs, dairy, etc. If you have a family history of different allergies, then it is a good idea to test your child against a range of potential allergens through a blood test.


It is also important to eliminate the potential allergens from your child's diet. You can focus on complete removal of allergens that could be present in baby food, such as soy, dairy, gluten, etc. You can also ensure that they are not exposed to these allergens outside or from other food sources as well.


The right substitutes should also help in ensuring that your baby has a balance of the right nutrients. You can perform research and consult with a paediatrician about the right types of foods that you should consume and avoid. You can also review the labels of different types of baby food to ensure that they don't contain the potential allergens within them.


 *Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s)

Tests to consider

Supplements to consider