What to do if your child is allergic to complementary foods

If your baby is allergic to complementary foods, don't panic. Many parents face this problem.

Why does allergy appear?

1. Lack of enzymes in the stomach and intestines.
2. The kid is weakened or has recently been sick, his teeth are teething.
3. Heredity: If the parents are allergic, it can be passed on to the child.
4. Incorrectly selected complementary foods and their amount.

How to minimize the risk of allergy to complementary foods?

1. Start complementary foods with low-allergenic foods.

For skinny babies, it is better to start complementary foods with gluten-free cereals - buckwheat, corn or rice (but the latter can cause constipation). You need to cook it without sugar, salt and milk, but you can add breast milk or formula.

For plump babies, it is better to choose vegetables as the first complementary food: zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, chopped into liquid puree.

2. Choose the right fruit for complementary foods

The most low-allergenic fruits are green, yellow or white.

3. Take your time with meat

Meat puree (turkey, rabbit) is best given when the baby is at least 7-8 months old.

4. Some products should not be given until 1 year

This applies to the introduction of chicken, eggs, fish into the diet. Sweets should be given as late as possible.

5. If the child has an allergy, we postpone the product for a month

You also need to wait a week before introducing another product.

6. It is better to give complementary foods in the morning.

So it is easier to track changes in behavior, stool, various manifestations of allergies, if any, during the day.

7. No violence

If the baby does not want to eat complementary foods, there is no need to force. Try other product variations, offer the same product later. Gradually, he will start eating anyway.

How does allergy to complementary foods manifest?

• rash, rough skin, redness on the cheeks, inner folds of elbows and knees, on the abdomen and buttocks, it may also be itchy
• frequent regurgitation long after eating
• bloating, abnormal stool
• reaction to mucous membranes: tears, cough, runny nose (if any swelling appears, you need to urgently call an ambulance).

If such reactions occur to the introduction of a new product into the child's diet, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician.

Does the allergy go away?

There is no definite answer here, because it depends on the cause of the allergy. To certain foods, this reaction can last a lifetime, but most often the red cheeks fade over time, when the baby learns to process new foods.

You will also be interested to read:

• How is diaper allergy manifested?
• Top myths about infant milk allergy
• Complementary feeding: how to help a child fall in love with kefir