Food allergies in babies

Allergies and intolerances are both abnormal reactions to food, which is why they’re often confused. Knowing what to look out for will make it easier to tell the difference.

Food allergies

A food allergy is the immune system mistaking a harmless food protein as a threat. The body reacts to the perceived threat by producing antibodies that react to the food protein, thereby causing uncomfortable food allergy symptoms.

Signs of food allergies in babies

Babies’ food allergy symptoms may include:

• Wheeziness
• Itchy tongue, throat or eyes
• Swollen lips or throat
• Red, itchy rash
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Runny or blocked nose
• Unshakable cough
• Swollen lips, face, tongue or throat
• Worsening eczema symptoms
• Tummy pain or constipation

It is more likely your baby will have a food allergy if you have a family history of allergies, including asthma, hay fever, and eczema. In these cases, it’s best to speak to your GP or health visitor before weaning.

Most common food allergies in babies

Certain foods can trigger allergic reactions. You should introduce these foods to your baby one at a time.

The major food allergens in children are:

• Cow’s milk
• Foods containing gluten, such as wheat, barley and rye
• Eggs
• Tree nuts and peanuts
• Fish and shellfish
• Sesame seeds
• Soya
• Beans, lentils and peas
• Celery
• Mustard
• Sulphur dioxide (sometimes found in dried fruits and fruit juices)

If your baby has an allergic reaction, don’t panic; contact a healthcare professional as soon as something’s wrong. In most cases, they won’t need medical attention right away. Going forward, your healthcare provider can discuss how you can keep your baby on a healthy, balanced diet while avoiding certain foods. It is also quite common for babies to outgrow their food allergies as they get older.

Severe food allergy reactions in babies

In rare instances, a food allergy can cause a severe reaction that affects the whole body. This is called anaphylaxis and needs immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening if not treated. It normally starts within minutes after consuming the food or drink, but can also develop over a couple of hours.

Signs of anaphylaxis in babies

• Red skin
• Hives
• Swollen mouth or throat making it hard to swallow or speak
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Wheezing
• Drop in blood pressure causing someone to faint
• Unconsciousness

Anaphylaxis is normally treated with a dose of adrenaline that can be administered with an adrenaline auto-injector or EpiPen. If your child is at risk of anaphylaxis, a healthcare professional may prescribe adrenaline auto-injectors and show you how and when to use them.

What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?

A food intolerance is an adverse reaction to a food that usually affects digestion. Intolerances are not as severe as allergies and do not carry the risk of anaphylaxis, but they can be tricky to diagnose.

Signs of food intolerances in babies

• Diarrhoea
• Tummy pains
• Bloating
• Excessive wind

Food intolerances can take a few hours to appear, which is why they are hard to identify. Try to remember what your child has recently eaten and talk to a healthcare professional.

When to seek further support

If you think your baby may have a food allergy or intolerance, the most important step is to speak to your GP, health visitor or healthcare professional before changing their diet or cutting out any foods. They can guide you on safe weaning, diagnosis and keeping your baby’s diet balanced. If your baby ever shows signs of a severe reaction, seek emergency medical help straight away.

For more guidance and tips, explore the Capricare® Parent Support Hub.