Testing for Food Allergies in Babies

Introducing your baby to solid food is a memorable and exciting milestone in the first year as a parent. This is a time of adorable messes and funny facial expressions. It’s also a time to discover new flavours and textures. Along with the joy, many parents also share a concern: What if my child has a food allergy?

It’s perfectly normal to be a little anxious about starting solids, as food allergies are on the rise in children. With expert guidance and a measured, thoughtful approach, you can navigate this phase with confidence and safety. This blog, whether you’re a new parent or just looking for the latest best practices, will guide you through all you need to learn about testing for food allergy in babies. It features expert insights from Heidi Young. She is a clinical nurse specialist and founder of The Nest.

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Why are Parents Worried about Food Allergies?

Food allergies are becoming more common. According to current Australian data, one in ten babies aged under one has a food allergy. These numbers are in line with the global trend of developed countries.

Heidi Young explains:

Between four and eight per cent of children with food allergies still exist after the age of one. Some children will not grow out of food allergies by age five.

This means that early intervention and careful observation can make a big difference in managing–or potentially even preventing–long-term allergic conditions.

When should you introduce solids to your children?: Testing for Food Allergies in Babies

Some health organisations recommend starting solid food at around six months. However, some babies are ready even earlier, as early as four months.

Signs that your baby is ready for solids:

• Ability to sit up without support
• Head and Neck Control
• You’ll be more interested in your food
• Opening the mouth to eat and showing a desire to chew
• The tongue-thrust reflex is lost (the urge to push food out of your mouth).
• It’s important to introduce foods slowly, including allergenic foods.

Why is early allergen introduction important

Recent research shows that introducing food allergens early (between 6 and 12 months) can prevent the development of food allergies. The older advice recommended delaying some foods. The best practices of today are based upon studies such as the LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy – trial), which showed that early exposure to peanuts can reduce the risk for peanut allergies in children at high risk.

Heidi says, “We recommend introducing them between 4 and 6 months.” Honey is the only food that should be avoided in the first year. This is completely different–it’s about botulism, not an allergy.

Common allergenic foods to be introduced

9 key foods cause the most allergic reactions among children. should be introduced gradually and early.

• Egg
• Cow’s Milk (only in baked or processed forms)
• Wheat
• Soy
• Peanut
• Tree Nuts in Butter or Paste Form
• Sesame
• Fish
• Shellfish

Note: Cow’s milk is unsuitable as a beverage for babies under 12 months, but it can be introduced to them in the form of yogurt, cheese or baked goods.

How to introduce allergenic foods safely: Step-by-step

Heidi Young suggests a structured and slow approach to testing new foods. This is especially important for known allergens. Here is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Select the Right Time

• Choose a time when your baby is alert and healthy.

• Try to avoid introducing new foods while your baby is sick, whether it’s a fever, a digestive upset or if he has a cold. This can make it difficult to recognise the symptoms.

Step 2: Begin with a Small Amount

• Start with only 1/8th of a teaspoon. You can use a small amount of peanut butter mixed with breast milk, formula or cooked egg.

Step 3: Watch and wait

• Wait for 30 minutes following the first taste. Watch for signs of reaction.

• If there is no reaction, give 1/4 teaspoon again and continue to observe for 30 more minutes.

• After 30 minutes, continue to wait and offer 1/2 a teaspoon.

• Offer 1 teaspoon if everything is fine.

Step 4: Continue regular exposure

• If your baby is able to tolerate the food, you can continue to offer it several times per week.

• It is essential to expose yourself regularly. Removing food from the body for prolonged periods may cause future sensitivities.

Heidi warns: “We see a lot of children who are re-allergic because they have gone home and not eaten the food.” If you give them something they like and then take it away for six weeks, their body may see it as an enemy.

What is an Allergic Reaction?

Mild to moderate symptoms:

• Raised red welts or Hives anywhere in the body
• Swelling in the lips, face and eyes
• Vomiting and abdominal pain
• Rashes
• Inconsolable crying or irritability

While these reactions are concerning, they are not life-threatening. They can be treated at home using the correct treatment and medical guidance.

Anaphylaxis: Severe Allergic reactions

Medical emergencies are those that affect the cardiovascular or respiratory systems. Symptoms can include:

• Swelling in the throat or tongue
• Respiratory problems, persistent cough, or difficulty breathing
• Paleness or floppiness that appears suddenly (especially in infants).
• Trouble speaking or hoarse voices
• Feeling dizzy or faint

Heidi says that anaphylaxis occurs when the respiratory and cardiac systems are involved.

What to do if you have a reaction

Mild to moderate Reactions

• As directed by your child’s pediatrician, administer an antihistamine that is appropriate for the age group.
• Watch your baby for between 30 and 60 minutes.
• For more information, contact your healthcare provider.
• Do not eat the food before you consult an allergist

Anaphylaxis:

• Call an ambulance right away.
• If you are trained to use an EpiPen (adrenaline injector), then do so.
• What symptoms does your baby have?

I suspect a severe allergic reaction. The breathing may be compromised.”

Even if the symptoms disappear before help arrives, you should still take your child to the hospital for observation.

What Happens after a Reaction

You should consult an allergy specialist if your child has displayed any allergic reactions, no matter how mild. They can run diagnostic tests such as skin-prick tests and blood IgE test in order to confirm an allergy.

Heidi says that if there is swelling and hives, then you should consult an allergy specialist. It’s not an emergency, but I recommend seeing a specialist if you have these symptoms.

Tips for parents: How to manage the allergen introduction process

Here are some tips that will make the process safer and easier:

1. Introduce New Foods One at a Time

• You can use this to identify the exact cause of any reaction.

• Wait 2 to 3 days before adding another allergen.

2. Keep a Food Diary

• Keep track of what your baby is eating and any symptoms you notice.

• Include the date, time and quantity of food prepared.

3. Start your first attempts in the morning

• Try new foods as early as possible in the morning when your baby’s alertness is high and there are more medical services available.

4. Always Have Antihistamines on Hand

• In case of mild reactions, ask your pediatrician about the brand and dosage.

5. Inform Caregivers

• Make sure anyone who feeds your baby–grandparents, babysitters, daycare providers–understands what foods are safe and what symptoms to watch for.

High-Risk babies: Should you take extra precautions?

Your baby may be more at risk of food allergies if they have a history of skin allergies or a strong allergy history in the family. It’s important to take the following steps in such cases:

• Consult an allergist for children before introducing allergens.

• In a medical environment, consider supervised feeding for allergens with high risk, such as peanuts and eggs.

Conclusion

It’s not necessary to be scared of the process of starting solids. When you plan carefully, observe your baby, and take a calm, relaxed approach, introducing new foods to your child can be a fun, safe part of their development.

Even though allergic reactions are serious, they can be managed if you know what to watch for and how to react. Remember that early exposure to the right conditions can help avoid allergies.

Take a deep breath, grab your teaspoon and prepare to share the joys of food with your baby.