Allergies, breastfeeding, or formula feeding
Exclusive breastfeeding or the first infant formula should be considered for the first six months of life.
If your child has an allergy to cow’s milk and is not fed breastmilk, consult your GP about the best formula you can give your baby.
If you’re nursing or pregnant there is no need to stay away from foods that could cause an allergic reaction (including peanuts) in the event that you’re not allergic to them.
Introduce foods that can trigger an allergic reaction
As you begin to introduce food items to your infant starting at 6 months start introducing food items that may cause allergic reactions slowly and in small amounts to ensure you are able to spot any reactions.
If your child already suffers from an allergy, for example, a recognized food or chemical allergy or when you have any familial history of allergies to food, such as eczema asthma, or hay fever, you should be extra cautious when you introduce food items. Discuss the issue with your physician or health professional first.
The foods that cause an allergic reaction include:
- cows’ milk
- eggs (eggs that do not have a red lion stamp must not be consumed raw or cooked lightly)
- products that contain gluten, such as barley, wheat and Rye
- peanuts and nuts (serve the nuts crushed, or grinded)
- seeds (serve them ground or crushed)
- Soya
- seafood (do avoid serving raw, lightly cooked or)
- Fish
They can be introduced in the first six months of age as a part of your baby’s food routine, similar to other meals.
After being introduced, and if they are able to be accepted, these foods can be incorporated into the diet your baby is used to minimize the risk of developing an allergy.
Research has proven that delay in the introduction of peanuts and hen’s egg past 6-12 months can increase the likelihood of developing an allergy to these food items.
A lot of children grow out of their sensitivity to eggs or milk however, a peanut allergy is typically a permanent condition.
If your child suffers from an allergy to food, make sure you take note of the food label carefully. Do not eat foods if you’re certain if they contain the food item your children is allergic.
How do you tell whether your child is suffering from an allergy to food?
Allergies usually manifest within a matter of minutes following the exposure to an allergen.
They may be the cause of:
- Snorting
- a blocked nose or a runny nose
- Red, itchy, and eyes with watery watery eyes
- coughing and wheezing
- A red, itchy skin rash
- the severity of the symptoms of asthma or worsening of eczema symptoms
The majority of allergic reactions are mild however, occasionally a serious reaction known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock may be observed.
It is an emergency medical situation that must be treated immediately.
Be careful not to try something new by removing one of the main foods like milk as this could result in your child not receiving the nutrition they require.
Contact your health professional or doctor, who could suggest you to an accredited dietitian.
Children and food additives
Foods are enriched with additives for a variety of reasons like to keep it fresh and keep it safe for longer, and also to add some color or texture.
Food additives undergo strict safety tests before they are allowed to be employed. Food labeling must clearly identify the additives listed on the ingredient list including their name “E” number and their purpose, for example, “colour” or “preservative”.
Some people experience negative reactions to certain ingredients in food, such as sulfurites, but reactions to foods that are commonplace like soya or milk are much more common.
