3 Things You Know About Your Child And Food Allergies
Food allergies are becoming more and more common. There are many people who deal with allergies daily, including children. In fact, it is normal for a young child to show an allergy to something like milk or eggs and then grow out of it over time. This is why it is so important that parents know what to do to keep their children safe from food allergies. Here are some things that parents need to know about food allergies and their children.
1. Carefully Introduce New Foods Into Their Diet
When you start adding foods into the child's diet, it is important that you only do one single food at a time. For example, if you are introducing yogurt, you should never give them strawberry yogurt. Both strawberries and dairy are common allergies. Thus, if the child has a reaction you don't know if it was the dairy or the strawberries that caused the problem. Instead, give the child a plain strawberry then wait a day or two. If no reaction comes, then give the child plain yogurt, once again if no problems occur, you can try strawberry yogurt in the future.
Casseroles and meals that have multiple potential allergens should be avoided in the beginning, until you have determined that the child can safely tolerate all those foods.
2. Look For Delayed Responses Not Just Immediate Ones
Don't be fooled by thinking that all food allergies have an immediate response. Some have delayed reactions and show themselves hours, or even days later. The child may eat a scrambled egg and seem to have handled it fine. But then the next morning they have a rash, diarrhea and are irritable. This could potentially be a delayed response allergy. This is when the allergen makes it all the way to the digestive tract before causing the reaction.
This is why it is vital that you wait a couple days before introducing new foods. If you know the child can handle rice cereal and sweet potatoes, give them that for their meals, and then add an egg. Wait a day or two before adding pears or
3. Talk With An Allergist If You Suspect Problems
Allergies can escalate. Just because the problem was minor the first time doesn't mean it will be minor the second or third time. If you suspect any problems talk to an allergist. They can help you determine the safest way to feed your child and they can also come up with a good allergy treatment.