by Sharon Rose
Incorporating solid food into Baby's diet is an exciting milestone for parents. However, there are so many questions, especially about food allergies. Parents want to know how to avoid them. Having three children with food allergies, that surfaced when they were babies, I learned that it is best to avoid food allergies rather than have to deal with the effects. The effects can vary, from a rash (including hives, blisters, and eczema), congestion, asthma attack, fever, swelling, to breathing difficulty.
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Eczema and hives are rashes that can result due to food allergy. Keep baby healthy and happy by introducing foods one at a time when you start solid food.
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When parents start baby on solid food it is best to do it gradually in case there are food allergies. Start by introducing one food at a time. Do not introduce 2 or 3 foods in one day. For instance, start with the one food and do not introduce a second food for another 4 to 5 days. If there is no allergic reaction to the first food you introduced, keep it as a part of baby's diet and add a second food. Continue, adding a third, fourth, and fifth food, testing each for 4 to 5 days. When there is no allergic reaction to a food, keep that food as a part of baby's diet as you continue testing food after food. Eventually, you will have a healthy menu of foods to serve your baby that you can feel confident presents no danger of an allergic reaction to your baby. If this sounds like a lot, believe me, it's worth it if it prevents illness or a trip to the doctor or ER for your baby. My voice is the voice of experience, as I was once a new parent stuck in the revolving door of the ER with issues related to my baby's food allergies. Allergies are often looked upon frivolously, but can be a very dangerous health issue for anyone. It will pay off to introduce foods one at a time when baby starts solid food. You will be happy and Baby will be happy, comfortable, and healthy!
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Introduce foods to baby one at a time to make sure you are aware of any allergic reactions to food.
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| No rashes make a happy baby! |
Copyright, "Feeding Baby: How to Avoid Food Allergies," Parents Want to Know 101, Sharon Rose, June 5, 2014. All rights reserved.
