Introducing Solid Foods to Baby and Avoiding a Food Allergy or a Food Intolerance

When parents begin to introduce their babies to solid foods, they wonder about food allergies and if that new rash around baby's mouth could be an allergic reaction to a new food. It is important to note that there is a difference in a food allergy and a food intolerance. Many parents often assume that their babies have a food allergy at the first sign of a rash or other symptom. The process of any allergic reaction occurs when the body mistakes something like a food or pollen as a harmful and dangerous invader. The body reacts by releasing antibodies called immunoglobulin E(IgE). The IgE in turn prompts the body to release chemicals known as histamines. When the histamines are released, the body reacts by producing symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, a skin rash and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. In a food allergy, the body's immune system is involved whereas with a food intolerance, the immune system plays no part in inducing a reaction.

As mentioned, a food reaction or intolerance does not involve the immune system and often, a food that caused a reaction is easily tolerated at another time. A good example of this is citrus fruits. Citrus fruits may cause a reaction or an intolerance in infants due to the high acidity of the fruit. The infant does not react with an immune response rather the infant reacts with either a gastrointestinal response or a dermatological response. Often times infants who are fed oranges prior to the age of 1 year old will break out in rashes around the mouth or bottom and possibly have tummy cramps.

Another example of a food intolerance is a lactose intolerance. People who are lactose intolerant lack a specific enzyme that helps to digest the sugar (lactose) in dairy products. Infants are often able to digest the lactose in dairy products like yogurt and cheese as the culturing of these products has broken down the lactose. In contrast with primary lactose intolerance, cow’s milk protein allergy affects young infants and usually resolves during the first year.

How to Spot a Potential Allergic Reaction:

Here are several things you might note that may indicate baby has a potential allergic reaction or intolerance to a food.

Sudden loose, diarrhea stools and/or vomiting

Sudden rashes on the skin and bottom

Runny nose

Hives

Irritability and/or gassiness after a new food/meal

Breathing or other respiratory troubles after a new food/meal

Remember, an intolerance to a food is not the same as an allergy to a food and it's symptoms typically involve trouble within the intestines.

When introducing solid foods to your baby, it is best to introduce new foods during the morning or early afternoon. This will enable you to deal with any adverse reactions when your pediatrician is in office. Should an adverse reaction occur during the morning/early afternoon, it will cause the least amount of disruption in baby's fragile routine.

To avoid possible allergies and reactions, it is very important to follow the "four day wait rule" when introducing your baby to new solid foods. This is most important if you and/or your family members have a history of food allergies. When you introduce a new food over the course of several days, you are better able to determine exactly how your baby is reacting to that food. Following the four day wait rule and introducing new foods one at a time will also enable you to easily begin an "elimination diet". If you suspect your infant has had an adverse reaction to a new food, you will have just a few foods to look to as the culprit. And finally, steer clear of the most common high allergens when introducing solid foods to your baby. These include the following:

Milk

Egg

Peanut

Tree nut (walnut, cashew, etc.)

Fish

Shellfish

Soy

Wheat

Always consult your pediatrician with specific health and nutrition concerns!