Food allergies in infants and newborns their symptoms and treatment

Food allergies in newborns and infants are among the most worrying issues for any mother, especially when the baby shows unexpected symptoms after breastfeeding or trying a new food. Recognizing the early signs and understanding the causes of these allergies can help you protect your child from complications and handle the situation calmly and safely. In this Dalily Medical article, we’ll explore together the symptoms of food allergies in babies, the most common allergenic foods, and the safest treatment methods—whether at home or under a doctor’s supervision—in a clear and simple way for every new mom.

What Is Food Allergy in Infants?

Food allergy in infants is an abnormal immune system reaction to a specific food. In this case, the body treats the food as a harmful substance and tries to fight it off, leading to allergic symptoms that vary in severity from one baby to another, such as skin rashes, swelling, or digestive problems.

Should a Breastfeeding Mother Change Her Diet?

A breastfeeding mother should maintain a healthy and balanced diet that supports her needs during breastfeeding.

For most infants, foods the mother eats are safe since only a very small amount passes through breast milk.
In cases of food intolerance, it’s best to consult a doctor, as even trace amounts of certain foods might cause symptoms in the baby.

When Does Food Allergy Appear in Infants?

Immediate Allergy (Fast-Onset)
Appears within minutes to two hours after eating.
Common symptoms: Skin rash, swollen lips or eyes, sudden vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
Delayed Allergy
Appears hours or even days after eating.
Common symptoms: Diarrhea, gas, bloating, or intermittent skin rash.

⚠️ Important Notes:

Some babies may have a severe, immediate reaction that needs urgent medical care.
Delayed allergies can look like common digestive issues, so it’s essential to monitor any changes after introducing a new food.

Types of Food Allergy in Infants

Immediate (IgE-mediated) Allergy
Occurs within minutes to 2 hours.
Symptoms: Skin rash, facial swelling, vomiting, wheezing, or breathing issues.
Can be severe and may require emergency medical attention.
Delayed (Non-IgE-mediated) Allergy
Appears hours or days later.
Symptoms: Digestive issues like diarrhea, gas, bloating, or skin rash.
Monitoring after food introduction is crucial.
Mixed Allergy
A combination of immediate and delayed symptoms.
May involve both skin and digestive symptoms.
Requires close medical monitoring.

Risks of Food Allergy in Infants

Severe Reactions (Anaphylaxis):
Life-threatening in some cases.
Symptoms: Breathing difficulty, facial swelling, extreme weakness or paleness.
Needs urgent medical intervention.
Frequent Digestive Problems:
Persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or gas.
Can lead to poor nutrition or weight loss.
Chronic Skin Issues:
Ongoing rashes, itching, or skin peeling.
Can disturb sleep and affect behavior.
Impact on Growth and Behavior:
Food aversion due to allergy discomfort may lead to nutritional deficiencies and slowed growth.
Worsening of Existing Conditions:
Like asthma or eczema—food allergy can intensify symptoms.

Types of Allergy Testing for Infants and How They’re Done

Test Type	How It’s Done	Notes
Blood Test (IgE)	A small blood sample is taken to check for specific allergy antibodies	Shows immune system response to certain foods
Skin Prick Test	Small drops of suspected allergens placed on skin, then lightly pricked	Redness or swelling indicates allergy
Oral Food Challenge (in clinic)	Baby is fed tiny amounts of suspected food under supervision	Most accurate but must be done carefully and only by professionals
Patch Test	Patch containing food proteins is placed on skin for several hours	Rarely used in infants, especially for delayed allergies

✅ Tips for Parents:

Always do allergy tests under a specialist’s supervision.
Track and report any symptoms after testing.
Logging reactions after new foods helps in more accurate diagnosis.

Most Common Allergenic Foods for Infants

Cow’s Milk and Dairy
The most common infant food allergen.
Symptoms: Rash, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Eggs
Especially egg whites.
Can cause rashes, bloating, or digestive problems.
Nuts and Seeds (e.g., peanuts)
Can trigger severe reactions.
Introduce with care and medical advice.
Wheat and Gluten Products
May cause bloating, diarrhea, or skin reactions.
Fish and Shellfish
Less common in infants but can cause strong allergic reactions.
Certain Fruits
Like strawberries, kiwi, and citrus fruits may cause rash or itching in some babies.

What Food Allergy Looks Like in Infants

On the Skin
- Red rash or small bumps, usually on the face, chest, or back
- Swelling, especially around the lips or eyes
- Itching or peeling skin

2. Digestive System Symptoms

Frequent vomiting after feeding or eating
Diarrhea, mucus, or blood in the stool
Bloating or excessive gas

3. Respiratory System Symptoms

Coughing or wheezing
Frequent sneezing or runny nose after eating allergenic food

4. General Behavior Changes

Constant crying or unexplained discomfort
Refusal to breastfeed or eat

Severe Food Allergy Signs in Infants (Emergency Situations)

Immediate attention is needed if you notice any of the following:

Sudden swelling of the face or lips
Difficulty breathing or continuous wheezing
Paleness or extreme weakness

If any of these signs appear, go to the doctor or emergency room immediately.

Home Treatment for Food Allergies in Infants

✅ Avoid the Allergenic Food

Stop giving your baby any food that triggered a reaction.
If the baby is breastfeeding, the mother should adjust her own diet and eliminate suspected foods.

✅ Monitor Mild Symptoms

For mild skin rashes or gas, monitor the baby at home.
Dress the baby in comfortable cotton clothing and moisturize the skin to ease discomfort.

✅ Use Anti-Itch Creams or Moisturizers

For rashes, apply a baby-safe anti-itch cream or moisturizer after consulting the pediatrician.

✅ Continue Breastfeeding or Use Suitable Formula

Breastfeeding remains very beneficial.
If the baby is allergic to cow’s milk, the doctor might recommend partially hydrolyzed formula or one free of cow’s milk protein.

✅ Keep Tracking Symptoms

Record any new symptoms or repeated reactions.
If severe symptoms like facial swelling or breathing problems occur, seek medical help immediately.

How to Prevent Food Allergies in Infants

Breastfeed as Much as Possible

Breast milk is the best nutrition and may reduce allergy risks.
If the mother is allergic to certain foods, avoiding them may help the baby too.

Introduce New Foods Gradually

Start with a small amount when offering a new food.
Wait 3–5 days before trying another new food to observe any reactions.

Monitor Your Baby Closely

Watch for any skin, digestive, or respiratory symptoms after introducing a new food.
Keep a record of reactions for better diagnosis.

❌ Avoid High-Allergen Foods Early On

Avoid foods like cow’s milk, eggs, nuts, fish, and wheat early without medical advice.
Introduce them later and in small amounts, with doctor guidance.

Talk to a Pediatrician First

Especially if your baby has a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema.
Professional guidance can help prevent serious reactions.

Safe and Healthy Food Introduction for Infants

Serve well-cooked and mashed foods.
Avoid processed foods or those high in preservatives.

Difference Between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance in Infants

Point	Food Allergy	Food Intolerance
Cause	The immune system identifies a specific protein as harmful	The digestive system can’t properly digest or process a certain food
Response	Immediate or delayed; involves the immune system	Slower; usually only digestive symptoms
Symptoms	Skin rash, lip or eye swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, wheezing	Gas, bloating, mild diarrhea, nausea, discomfort after eating
Severity	Can be very severe; life-threatening in some cases (anaphylaxis)	Rarely dangerous; mainly causes discomfort
Diagnosis	Blood tests, skin tests, oral food challenge under medical supervision	Monitoring symptoms and food correlation; sometimes digestive tests
Treatment	Avoid the allergenic food, allergy medications, emergency care if needed	Adjusting diet; sometimes using digestive enzyme supplements

Key Psychological Tips for Introducing Solid Foods

✅ Start Gradually with Small Portions

Offer a teaspoon of the new food the first time.
This reduces pressure on the baby and encourages acceptance.

Repeat Patiently

Babies may need 5–10 attempts before accepting a new taste.
Avoid forcing—try again calmly.

Make It Fun

Use colorful and playful food shapes.
Smile and create a positive environment during feeding.

Mix New Food with Familiar Ones

Offer a small portion of the new food alongside a favorite.
This reduces anxiety and promotes curiosity.

✋ Encourage Self-Feeding

Let the baby touch and explore food, even if it's messy.
It builds independence and willingness to try new things.

Avoid Pressure or Threats

Phrases like “You must eat this” may increase food refusal.
Try: “Take a small bite, you might like it!”

Be a Role Model

Babies imitate parents—eat a variety of fruits and veggies yourself.

Medicinal Treatment for Food Allergies in Newborns

Antihistamines

Used to relieve itching, skin rash, or swelling.
The type and dosage depend on the baby's age and weight—must be prescribed by a doctor.

Topical Corticosteroids

Applied to severe rashes or inflamed skin.
Usually for short-term use to avoid side effects.

Asthma or Breathing Medications (if necessary)

Like bronchodilators for severe respiratory symptoms.
Prescribed only by a pediatrician or allergy specialist.

Hypoallergenic Milk Alternatives

If the baby is allergic to cow’s milk, doctors may recommend:

Partially hydrolyzed formula
Extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid formula

These formulas can help improve digestion and reduce symptoms.

Important Advice for Mothers

Never give any medication to the baby without consulting the doctor.
Keep monitoring your baby’s reaction to treatment.
Record any new or recurring symptoms to help the doctor adjust treatment properly.

Herbal Remedies for Infant Food Allergies (with Extreme Caution)

⚠️ Important: Do not give herbs to infants without your pediatrician’s approval. Herbs can cause serious reactions or toxicity.

Chamomile

Sometimes used to soothe colic or stomach upset linked to food allergies.
Should be given as very diluted tea in tiny amounts, and only after medical approval.

Fennel

Helps relieve gas and bloating in infants.
A very diluted amount can be given after feeding, but avoid giving high doses directly.

Mild Peppermint

May help soothe the stomach and relieve colic.
Should not be given to babies under one year old without consulting a doctor, as it may cause breathing or digestive issues.

Ginger or Other Strong Herbs

Not safe for young infants and should only be used under the supervision of a pediatrician.

Important Tips When Using Herbs for Infants

Always consult a pediatrician before using any herbs.
Start with a very small amount to watch for any reaction.
Do not replace medical treatment with herbs, especially in case of severe or serious symptoms.
Always monitor your baby after using any herbal remedy. If any allergic symptoms appear, stop immediately and see a doctor.