Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a baby food allergy is the first step to correcting the problem for you and your baby. There are many different symptoms associated with baby food allergies that range from skin rashes to diarrhea and nearly everything in between. Here are some common symptoms that you should look out for when recognizing if your baby is suffering from a food allergy.
Diaper Rash: There are many causes of diaper rash but often times a food allergy will cause a diaper rash. If you notice that your baby gets a diaper rash every time he eats a particular food then it is likely that he has a food allergy. Diaper rashes that persist may not be food allergy related and could be related to the diapers that you use or the type of soap or detergents that you are using to clean the baby with.
Redness Around the Anus: Sometimes a certain food will cause a red ring around your baby’s bottom at the anus. Redness and a ring around the anus is another symptom of food allergy. If you notice a redness at the anus that does not go away you should try omitting the suspected food for at least 7 days to determine if the condition persists or worsens.
Skin Rash: Food allergies will not always show in the sign of a diaper rash. Some food allergies will show in the form of a prickly heat rash type rash on the upper body, chest, or even the legs. To determine if a particular rash is food related omit the food and then reintroduce it after the rash has cleared up to determine if that food is the cause.
Vomiting: Some babies will actually get very sick when they eat a particular food. A very common symptom of a food allergy is signs that your baby is sick after he or she eats a particular food. If your baby gags while eating a particular food or actually vomits after eating or while eating then she may have a food allergy.
Hiccups: Sometimes the hiccups will be a sign that a baby is not properly accepting a food and there may be a food allergy present. In many babies, milk proteins that are difficult for the baby to digest will cause hiccups and especially in infants who are allergic to milk proteins hiccups are very common.
Fussiness: As a parent we all know about fussiness in babies but sometimes the fussiness is related to a food allergy. Many babies suffer from food allergies which cause cramps and gas and result in a fussy baby.
Other Symptoms of a Food Allergy: There are many other signs that you should look out for when determining if your baby has a food allergy. Some of the other signs of food allergies in babies are anaphylaxis, asthma, hives and eczema. The Food and Allergy Network recommends that you do not feed babies any foods that cause such symptoms as these severe symptoms are dangerous and could be the sign of a very severe baby food allergy!
