How to Tell if Your Baby has a Food Allergy

Is your baby difficult to console? Does she cry all the time? Does she awake frequently at night? Have you considered the possibility of a food allergy? Sometimes it can be difficult to know if your child has a food allergy. In fact, your child may even have a food allergy that you're not aware of. This article will help you decide if your baby has a food allergy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at your child's behavior. Is your child is fussy or "colicky" much of the time? If almost nothing seems to soothe your child, consider the possibility of a food allergy.

2. Does your baby wake up a lot during the night, often screaming, as if in pain? The discomfort and pain caused by food allergies can cause frequent night wakings.

3. Look at your child's skin. Does your child have eczema or pimples? Are there dark circles under your child's eyes? If your child has one or both of these, consider the possibility of a food allergy.

4. Does your child ever have specks of blood in his bowel movements? Sometimes you cannot even see the blood. (This is called occult blood.) Have a stool sample checked at your doctor's office for possible blood. Food allergies can cause blood in the stool.

5. Does your child have mucus in his bowel movements? Mucus can be a sign of food allergy in children.

6. Does your child get frequent diaper rashes or red rings around the anus? Food allergies can cause these!

7. Does your child want to eat constantly? Is he always wanting more breastmilk or formula? Food allergies can cause children to eat more frequently than usual, or conversely even less frequently than usual (because eating makes them hurt).

8. Could your child have reflux? Does your child arch his back when feeding? Spit up a lot? Lots of hiccups? If so, consider the possibility of reflux, which can be caused by food allergies.

9. Does your baby wake up a lot during the night? The discomfort and pain caused by food allergies can cause frequent night wakings.

10. If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it is possible that your child has a food allergy.

Tips & Warnings

• A common food allergy in children younger than 1 year of age is a milk protein allergy. If you are breastfeeding, try eliminating all dairy products from your diet. If you are using formula, try purchasing non-milk based formula. You may also want to consider a non-soy formula as well.
• My son was diagnosed with a milk protein allergy. I had never heard of such a thing, so now I believe it is important to help others who may be in the same situation.
• Please note I am not a doctor or medical professional, and any information in this article should not be taken as medical advice. If you believe your child may have food allergies, please consult a doctor.

Resources

• The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

[mdavies]

on 6/2/2009 Thank you so much!!! My breastfed, 5.5 month son has 7 of these 9 symptoms and they have been concerning me but no one has been open to this possibility before. Now after cutting milk from my diet for four days he is doing much better! Thank you