Allergies are a confusing topic even for pediatric clinicians. Basically, an allergy is a hypersensitivity and you can be hypersensitive to anything! It is true that allergies run in families, but even a baby with two allergy-free parents can have allergies. Introduce one new food a week to easily identify a food that your child might be allergic to.
The most common "allergenic" foods are:
Your baby may have allergies if you notice:
If you notice any of these symptoms after your baby eats one of the above foods, stop the food and try it again in two to three weeks. If the symptoms return call your baby's pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner to get help.
How can I tell if my baby is lactose intolerant?
Lactose intolerance, caused by an enzyme deficiency, results in an inability to digest milk protein properly. If your baby is lactose intolerant, she will have loose stools or diarrhea after eating milk and milk products. If your baby is sensitive to milk-based formula or if you yourself are unable to eat milk products while breast-feeding, see your baby's pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner before starting her on solid foods.
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011