How to offer food allergens to your baby
I’ve been working with parents for years and over those years, the age that you should test out the higher allergen foods has changed. More recently, it has come back around to adding in the allergens early, where as for a while, it was not to add in higher allergies such as tree nuts, until the age of 2.
It can be a confusing and worrying time, to try these foods if you suspect your baby is at risk of having a reaction. I’ve had many parents drive to the ER and test out tree nuts in the carpark, so if anything untoward happens, they can get some help right away.
Starting solids can be both a stressful and exciting time for you and your baby
On the flip side, adding in new foods, can also be a really exciting time. Who doesn’t love to see the faces that our little munchkins pull as we get those taste buds tingling, seeing their little faces contort, and light up or down, as they try things for the first time. Starting off slow though is always best, even if you are tempted to try new foods one after the other. Their little tummies can get overwhelmed and this can actually effect their sleep.
My eldest, had a ton of food sensitives, and had a terrible reaction to eggs the first time I tried them out. It was such a scary reaction, and as a parent, we are so emotionally fuelled that - what you know you should do, goes straight out the window. I went straight into panic mode, I thought my heart was going to jump right out of my mouth and seeing him go from happy to so distressed, so quickly, was gut wrenching. I felt so guilty.
Luckily it wasn’t a reaction that effected his air ways, but he did throw up, broke out in hives and become extremely distressed. He also reacted to bananas and this one required a trip to the ER! My Dr, told me that his daughter reacted to celery, which is 95% water! Crazy.
When your child reacts:
A mild reaction may include a few raised, red, itchy patches of skin (hives). A severe reaction may cause hives all over, swelling in the throat, trouble breathing, nausea or vomiting, or fainting. In some case it can be deadly.
We are certainly more aware of food allergies, then we used to be, and I wanted to share some tips, but also share the work and convenient packs that Lil Mixins offer. The mission is to stop allergies before they start. They have some GREAT information and resources on their website, as well, so I highly suggest you check them out!
Some little ones may be HIGHER RISK of having allergies to certain foods, if they have:
Already had some reactions to previous new foods
2. If they experience or suffer from eczema
3. if there is a history of food allergies in the family
Moderate risk can be linked to those babies who experience or suffer from moderate eczema, and lower risk if no eczema or other allergies to foods to date.
Anytime you are going to offer a higher allergen foods, be prepared by doing the following:
Plan on being home for a few hours after the fact to observe your baby.
Offer only a small amount to begin with, and then what 10 to 15 minutes to see what happens
If all is well, offer another small amount and work up to just a teaspoon of the new food.
Start off small, as with any new food, you only offer a small amount initially and then build off that over a few days so that you are offering the new food a few teaspoons a week.
Want to take the stress away? Look what the products that Lil Mixins offer. Tackle the 7 most critical food allergies with a super easy, guided monthly system. The Daily Mix is Certified Organic with Peanut, Egg, Cashew, Walnut, Almond, Sesame, and Soy in powder form that you can add to your little ones foods. Saves you time and energy as the work is already done for you.
“We have one goal at Lil Mixins — stop food allergies before they start. Our products make it easy for parents to add peanut, tree nut, and egg protein into tiny diets early and often. Early allergen introduction is the only proven way to reduce the risk of developing food allergies”
If in doubt, talk to your Dr and if your child should have a severe allergic reaction to any food, call 911 straight away.
Want to find out more about introducing foods? Not sure of the best placement around milk feeds and naps?
Download my introducing solids and routine guide for 4 months to 3 years for free. click the link and sign up for it to be delivered to your inbox on the right hand side.
