Food Allergy Responses in Babies and Toddlers

It is a reaction that the body has to antibodies which are not usually found in the body, usually a foreign substance being introduced causes the reaction. This can be a particular food ingrediant, a medication, chemicals, insect bites, pet hair even dust any many more. It is difficult to determain when someone is allergic to something as most people don't know until they have experienced an unpleasant situation from whatever it is they are allergic to.

Reaction symptons can be everything from skin rashes to stomache cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and even swelling. Some can be hospitalised and possible life thretening if they need medical attention very quickly from their reaction. 

Babies/Toddlers Precautions to Take Introducing food to young babies you can avoid cereals that contain the protein glutten in the first 6 months.Some babies have been known to be allergic to this so it is best avoided for the first six months. Delaying the age seems to help with some foods. Rice, maize (cornmeal and starch) and buchwheat are glutten free. Potato and soy flour, sago and tapioca are suitable as well. Also eggwhite is best avoided until they are atleast 9 months. DO NOT give Peanuts or Peanut Product until they are over 12 months as some babies have been known to severe reactions to peanuts and peanut products.

History of Food Allergy Problems in the Immediate Family Breastfeed for as long as possible and delay solids for atleast 6 months. There has been some evidence that breast fed babies reduced the severity of the allergies. Avoid Cows Milk,cheese, yoghurt, fish, eggs and peanut products unitl 12 months of age. You would best seek advice from a Health Professional who can makes sure that your babies diet is still nutritionally adequate.

Lactose Intolerance Lactose is a sugar which is found in milk form animals, including humans. All babies human and animal produce an enzyme called lactase while they are receiving milk which helps digest the lactose. Once weaning process begins, lactase is no longer produced lactase. There is evidence that People from Asia, Mediterranean countries, Middles east as well as some Australian Aboriginals do not produce lactose after weaning. this means their stomaches may not be unable to digest lactose found in milk products. Ethnic groups rarely suffer from this.

Even though these groups that are lactose intolerant, their babies do not while they are feeding on breast milk. this lactose intolerants seems to only occur as they get older, around the 3 to 4 years age group. There are know of small amounts of babies being lactose intollerant from birth but it is usually not identified until signs of babies crying alot from 3 to 6 months of age after birth. When children pick up stomache bugs it is know that you have to avoid dairy products as your body will reject it. It will prolong the life of the bug bacterial or viral infection, so it is best avoided until treatment for stomache bug is cured. If your child suffers this particular situation. they can usually still have small amounts on cereal and yoghurts as it has culture or bacteria in it  which is good for the stomache.

If you think your child has reactions it is best to seek medical advice who can help you with a special diet for your child.