Introducing solid foods can feel stressful for parents, especially when food allergies are a concern. While some babies may be more likely to develop allergies because of family history, others can experience reactions even without known risk factors.
Understanding common allergy symptoms and knowing which foods are more likely to trigger reactions can help parents feel more prepared when starting solids. Here’s what to know about allergenic foods in babies, possible allergy symptoms, and how to approach food introductions more confidently.
Key Takeaways
- Some foods are more likely than others to trigger allergic reactions in babies
- Symptoms of food allergies may include hives, eczema, vomiting, swelling, or digestive issues
- Babies can react differently to foods, even if they are considered lower-allergen foods
- Introducing solids slowly can help parents monitor for possible reactions
- Always contact your pediatrician or allergist if you suspect a food allergy
Is My Baby Allergic to Certain Foods?
So, maybe you have been suspecting a food allergy due to certain symptoms your little one is experiencing. Many mommas just have a gut feeling when something isn’t settling well with their child. For some moms, the first indication of a food allergy starts in infancy. If your baby is breastfed and experiences reflux, eczema, blood in their stools, or fussy behavior, there’s the potential for an underlying cow’s milk allergy if dairy is part of the mom’s diet. The dairy can pass through breast milk and cause allergic symptoms in a baby with a cow’s milk allergy.
Other babies don’t develop symptoms until their moms start introducing solid foods.1 Again, gastrointestinal symptoms can arise, as can fussiness and irritability, eczema, and even some life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis shock. There’s also a condition called FPIES, which stands for Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. This is a rare but severe food allergy that affects the gastrointestinal system.
An FPIES reaction can cause intense vomiting, diarrhea, and even shock.
If your baby is experiencing any of these serious, potentially life-threatening allergic symptoms, it is crucial to get immediate medical attention and then follow up with a pediatric allergist to help identify the exact food or foods causing the symptoms.
Some other commonly seen symptoms of food allergies in babies include:8
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling or itching of the lips, tongue, or mouth
- Itching or tightness in the throat
- Eczema
- Hives
Related: How To Recognize a Milk Allergy in Your Baby
Introducing Solid Foods to Babies with Food Allergies
If you suspect your baby suffers from food allergies or your baby has already been diagnosed, introducing foods can be challenging. Working with a pediatric allergist can help you develop a safe plan for introducing solid foods.
It may also help to know which foods are generally less likely to trigger allergies in babies, as these are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Keep in mind that every baby is different, and a baby can be allergic to any food, whether it’s on this list or not! This is especially true for babies suffering from FPIES, so always speak with your doctor first.2
Current feeding guidance often encourages introducing common allergens early and consistently once a baby is developmentally ready for solids, unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
Many babies tolerate new foods well, especially when introductions happen slowly and one at a time.
Keep reading, as we will take a look at some of the least allergenic foods and those more commonly associated with allergic reactions in babies.
Related: How to Introduce Solids to Your Baby
Food Allergy Facts Parents Should Know
Before we jump into the foods you will want to watch out for, there are some surprising statistics about infant food allergies that are important for every parent to know. According to the Food Allergy Research and Education organization, 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, and 30% of those are allergic to more than one food.3
Food allergies in children have also increased significantly in recent decades. The CDC has estimated that food allergies in children have jumped up by 50% from the years 1997-2011.4 That’s a massive jump and something we need to be paying more attention to.
Many parents also wonder if their babies will outgrow their allergies. While many pediatricians tell parents that babies generally outgrow milk allergies, FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) states that allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, and soy are generally resolved in childhood.5 Still, children are starting to outgrow these allergies at a much slower rate than what had previously been documented. This means that many children over the age of five have still not outgrown these allergies. Allergies to foods like peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are generally not outgrown, and the child will likely have these allergies lifelong.
Another interesting area of research shows that the season your baby is born in may also play a role in their risk of developing a food allergy. Interestingly, a study found that babies born in Boston in the fall or winter were more likely to have food allergies.6 So, what does this have to do with? It was hypothesized that this was likely due to low UVB exposure rather than insufficient vitamin D. One study suggested that changes in sunlight exposure and vitamin D levels may play a role in childhood food allergies.6
Related: What Is Baby Eczema and How to Treat Your Baby’s Skin
Foods Less Likely To Trigger Allergies
While no food is completely allergy-proof, some foods are generally less likely to trigger allergic reactions in babies. According to Dr. Sears, some of these foods include:7
Apples
Homemade applesauce is often the very first food for babies. It is full of vitamin C and naturally sweet, so babies tend to love it! You can try using different varieties of apples to introduce new flavors. Homemade applesauce is also great for mixing with other fruits, such as mangos and peaches.
Peaches
Another great fruit to start with is peaches. They are very sweet and can easily be made into a purée. They are also high in vitamin E, K, folate, and potassium.
Avocados
Avocados are another great first food. They are very high in monounsaturated healthy fats, rich in magnesium and fiber, and can be mashed for babies. Babies generally enjoy the mild flavor.
Broccoli
Broccoli makes for a great first veggie. You can purée broccoli with some chicken broth for added flavor, providing your little one with fiber, folic acid, vitamin K, and vitamin C.
Carrots
Carrots are often a go-to veggie for parents. They have a mild but sweet flavor that most babies enjoy. Carrots can be puréed for little babies and then steamed and served with chicken or turkey for older babies ready for finger foods. They are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K, and potassium.
Squash
Butternut squash is a delicious vegetable to introduce your baby to. It makes a yummy purée and is packed full of fiber and vitamin B6.
Sweet Potatoes
If your baby likes butternut squash, they will likely enjoy sweet potato, too. Sweet potatoes are rich in calcium, selenium, and B vitamins, making them an excellent addition to your little one’s diet.
Rice and Oats
Many parents start with rice or baby oat cereal when starting solids. They are often fortified with iron and folic acid, but rice and oats are great additions in their whole and natural state when baby is older. Rolled oats mixed with banana and molasses are a great breakfast option for an added fiber and iron boost, and rice served with a protein like chicken or turkey also makes for a well-balanced meal for older babies who are ready for more solid foods.
Proteins
Chicken, turkey, and lamb are generally considered to be low-allergenic foods for babies. If tolerated, these proteins can be alternated in your baby’s diet and served with a veggie and carbohydrate for a balanced meal.
Related: The Best Way to Expose Your Baby to Allergens
Foods More Likely To Trigger Allergies
Certain foods are responsible for the majority of food allergy reactions in children. According to Dr. Sears, some of the most allergenic foods for babies include:7
- Peanuts
- Nuts
- Coconut
- Eggs and egg whites
- Dairy
- Soy
- Wheat
- Shellfish
- Yeast
- Citrus fruits
- Corn
- Peas
- Tomatoes
- Pork
- Mustard
- Cinnamon
- Chocolate
- Berries
- Buckwheat
If your child has a known or suspected food allergy, speak with your pediatrician or allergist before introducing highly allergenic foods.
Related: When Can Babies Eat Eggs for the First Time?
What to Do If You Suspect a Food Allergy
If you suspect your baby is reacting to a food, it’s important to pause and seek medical guidance before continuing introductions.
A pediatric allergist can also perform specific food allergy tests to pinpoint what foods are causing issues. These tests include a skin-prick test, often combined with blood work.
Food allergies in babies can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re trying to introduce solids safely. Fortunately, many families successfully navigate food allergies with the help of their pediatrician or allergist. Introducing foods slowly, watching for reactions, and creating a thoughtful feeding plan can help make mealtimes feel much less stressful.
