Does your Baby Show Weird Reactions to Certain Foods?

Food Sensitivity is Hard to Identify

Food sensitivity is seen across the population, from babies to the elderly. Some babies are sensitive to some foods but, the main concern here is to know which foods. Reactions such as a rash, diarrhea or vomiting are indicative of food sensitivity in your infant. Please understand that food allergy and food sensitivity are two different issues and one needs to understand the difference between the two, especially in the case of children, as it can have important nutrition implications in growing children. A food allergy is when the immune system reacts to a food that it finds to be threatening. On the other hand, a food sensitivity is hard to identify as it has a delayed response in the body. Also, there is no crystal-clear test to pin point a food sensitivity. But, the good news here is that most babies grow out of these food allergy/sensitivity issues once their digestive systems mature. It is also the parents’ responsibility to monitor the baby for food reactions.

·         Maintain a food journal noting down everything your baby eats. Keep a detailed log of symptoms encountered such as rashes, tummy aches, headaches and bowel movements. Until you are sure about the foods that upset your baby, feed your baby on single-serve infant cereals, plain fruits, vegetables and meats instead of mixed varieties. If you feel that your baby has a reaction to a specific food, stop feeding that food immediately.

·         Introduce one new food at a time and wait for any reactions before introducing another new food. This way, you are sure to become aware of the problem-causing food, if any.

·         If you find any food to cause significant problem, it is better to talk to your baby’s doctor and come up with a plan that is best for your child. After consulting your pediatrician/ allergist, seek the help of a registered dietitian nutritionist. An RDN at www.firsteatright.com can recommend the foods safe for your child’s consumption and design a meal plan avoiding the problem-causing foods to fulfill your child’s nutritional needs.