Understanding Food Allergies in Babies

Babies experience the world mouth-first. So, if your child is going to develop a sensitivity to anything, it will probably be from something that she decided to taste. During this exciting time when your baby is beginning, or about to begin, sampling all kinds of new foods, here’s what you should know about food allergies. 

Food allergies in babies are a reaction of the body's immune system to proteins found in food. For some children, eating certain foods causes the body to make an antibody that triggers the allergic reaction. 

Repeated exposure to a food allergen can cause the allergic reaction to become more severe. Remember, a food allergy in a baby is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition.  

According to the US Food & Drug Administration, these foods account for 90% of food-allergic reactions.  

Reactions to allergens vary from person to person and incident to incident. In some cases, exposure to an allergen can cause a serious allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. This can happen even if a previous reaction to the same allergen was mild. Common symptoms of food allergies in babies are: 

•  Rash or hives 
•  Nausea/vomiting 
•  Stomach pain 
•  Diarrhea or blood in stools 
•  Itchy skin or eyes; runny nose  

If your baby develops a food allergy, she’s not alone. Estimates are that 1 in every 13 children in the United States has a food allergy.¹ If you suspect that your baby has a food allergy, speak to her healthcare provider.

While rare, breastfed infants can develop food allergies. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician if you suspect your infant has food allergies. 

Hypoallergenic formulas are usually made with cow’s milk. But they are processed in a way that allows the proteins that may cause allergic reaction to be broken down, so that it’s easier for babies to digest.

If your child is diagnosed with a food allergy, her doctor will likely suggest a hypoallergenic formula, such as Similac^® Alimentum^®.

Discuss with your pediatrician whether a hypoallergenic formula may be right for your baby.

 Shop now for Similac^® formula. 

The graphic below shows the differences in protein sources across Abbott’s infant formula portfolio. Speak to your baby’s doctor to find out which one is right for your baby.

See the breakdown of protein in different Similac formulas

There is no way to determine if a child will outgrow a food allergy. However, children are more likely to outgrow milk or egg allergies early in life.

This makes it important to have regular follow-up visits scheduled with your pediatrician to monitor your baby’s condition and provide you with the up-to-date guidance.   

Reference: 1. Facts and statistics. Food Allergy Research & Education. Accessed June 1, 2020. https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/facts-and-statistics

Sources: Frequently asked questions about food allergies. US Food & Drug Administration.