12 Food Allergy Symptoms in Children and Babies

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Did you know that about 8% of breastfed babies in the US have a food allergy, and about

8% of children in the US have been diagnosed with at least one food allergy?

Yes, these statistics show that food allergies in babies are quite common. While some babies can show signs of an allergy once they take a few first bites, others may have a delayed reaction.

If you are introducing solids to your baby and are anxious about detecting if your baby is allergic to any of the new foods, keep reading.

This article will discuss both mild and severe allergy symptoms to enable you to detect the signs early and avoid any life-threatening issues.

So, let's get right to it.

Infant Food Allergies Mild Symptoms

• Skin Reactions

Getting a skin reaction is one of the most common symptoms that show that your baby has a

food allergy. These reactions, which can range from hives to rashes or eczema flare-ups,

can appear within a few minutes after eating, but sometimes it can take hours.

It is a mild reaction if there are only a few isolated hives, but if the hives have spread everywhere, it is a sign of a severe reaction.

Besides, if you notice the latter symptom or a widespread rash across your baby’s body, you should speak to your pediatrician.

• Respiratory Problems

If your baby starts wheezing, has a constant cough immediately after eating, has a swollen

throat, or finds it difficult to breathe or swallow, these are severe symptoms that point to an

allergic reaction affecting your baby’s airways. For symptoms like these, it is best that you

call 911 immediately and don’t try to wait to see if the situation improves.

• Vomiting

While spitting up is part of the package of introducing your baby to new foods, if they start to suddenly vomit after trying a new food, it could be an allergic reaction. If your baby vomits one time after eating, the reaction may be mild, but if they are repetitive nausea and vomiting, this may be a sign of a more severe reaction.

Vomiting alone does not always mean an allergy. However, if combined with other symptoms like rash, swelling, or even diarrhea, this can be considered anaphylaxis and you should seek medical attention Immediately.

• Diarrhea

If you notice that your baby has persistent diarrhea with streaks of blood or mucus, this could be a sign that they are allergic to what you gave them.

This symptom is particularly linked to soy or cow’s milk and may be linked to a condition called FPIES- Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome.

This condition is a delayed allergic reaction that affects the gut, and while it is rare, it should be taken seriously and reported to the pediatrician. Plus, you should visit your pediatrician if after a few days, there is still diarrhea, and your baby is showing signs of dehydration.

• Changes in Feeding Behavior

While it is normal for toddlers to select food, if your infant is suddenly averse to certain

meals, you should pay attention.

If your baby refuses a food they used to like or cries when offered a certain food, this can be a red flag, especially if it is paired with other allergy symptoms.

• Runny or Stuffy Nose

Even though a runny or stuffy nose is a mild symptom, it can be associated with other

symptoms, especially for babies with multiple allergies. This symptom can be difficult to

detect, especially during the colder months when having a cold is common.

However, if during the summer or springtime, your baby has a runny nose after eating, sneezes constantly during mealtimes, or shows signs of congestion with no flu-like symptoms, it may be a mild food allergy. Additionally, you can track the symptoms in a diary and mention it during your baby’s next pediatrician visit.

• Watery Eyes

If your baby’s eyes start to become watery after taking a bite of a new food, this may be a sign of an allergic reaction.

Although this is a mild reaction, you need to monitor it to ensure that it doesn't advance to a severe reaction.

• Excessive Crying

While it is true that babies cry, you need to ensure that your baby isn’t crying or being unusually fussy because of the specific food you introduced. Some symptoms that show that your baby may be intolerant to the food include drawing up their legs, arching their back, and crying inconsolably for hours.

Although this could be because of normal digestive changes or gas, if your baby has repeated episodes after consuming the same food, this may suggest an allergy or intolerance.

Life-threatening Symptoms

While severe, life-threatening symptoms are not as common, it's important to be aware of the signs of anaphylaxis. These symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure and can be life-threatening.

However, with the right knowledge and preparedness, you can respond effectively if such a situation arises, providing you with peace of mind.

• Weakness/ Lethargy

You should be very concerned if your child suddenly feels weak or lethargic, especially after trying a new food. You should check if they have floppy limbs and if there is a drop in their alertness.

If your child is showing any of these signs, you need to call 911 immediately, as it is a medical emergency.

• Seizures

While seizures are not common, they are a possible severe symptom of anaphylaxis. Some allergic reactions can trigger brain inflammation, which can cause seizures.

Although this symptom is not as common, if your baby has allergic diseases like eczema or asthma, you should be careful and alert while giving them new foods to try.

Call 911 if you see any signs that your baby may have a seizure.

• Loss of Consciousness

If your baby starts to show signs of dizziness after trying a new food, you should be watchful. While sleepiness doesn't always indicate an allergic reaction, if your baby loses consciousness alongside other allergy symptoms, you should call for medical assistance immediately.

• Face and Mouth Swelling

Once you start to see signs of swelling in your baby’s face, throat, mouth, or tongue, you should immediately call 911 for medical assistance. You should also be wary if your baby has pale or blue/tinged skin or mouth, as that is a sign of a severe, life-threatening reaction.

Conclusion

It is best to introduce common allergenic foods, like eggs, peanuts, dairy, and wheat, to your babies before 12 months of age under the guidance of your pediatrician, as this can reduce the risk of getting allergies later. You can start with small amounts and introduce one new food at a time to allow you to know which foods your baby may be allergic to, specifically. However, if you are still anxious, you should speak to your pediatrician and verbalize all your worries.

Be prepared. By knowing which signs you need to watch out for, you will be able to keep mealtimes as safe as possible!