We are moms. I know we act as doctors, feeding therapists, dry cleaners and chauffeurs to our children, but when it comes to anything related to their health - please do all of the research you want/can online, but always consult your family's doctor as it pertains to allergen introduction. It's important to follow the guidance of medical professionals and take into consideration any personal or family history of allergies. BUT...since we eat, sleep, breathe all things food and have the strongest desire ever to mitigate food allergies in America, here are some general tips for introducing allergens to babies.
- Start with small amounts: begin with a tiny amount of the allergenic food and gradually increase the dosage over time.
- Introduce one allergenic food at a time: after the first introduction, wait a few days before introducing another. This way, you can easily identify which food is causing a reaction (if applicable!).
- Cooked versus raw: cooked forms of allergenic foods may be less likely to cause a reaction than raw forms, so consider heating the food before introduction.
- Monitor for allergic reactions: keep an eye out for any signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- Seek medical advice: it's always a good idea to discuss introducing allergenic foods with your pediatrician or an allergist to determine the best course of action for your child, especially if you have a family history or your child suffers from eczema.
- This is 100% advice from a neurotic mom: when I introduced allergens to both of my children - and I wasn't messing around; we started with peanuts first - I did it during the work week so that I knew my pediatrician would be open and I could head there right away if needed.
