When you move from breast milk to formula milk, you need to be careful about how your baby reacts to different foods that you are giving her. Sometimes you may introduce her to a food item or two and when she feels uneasy you may not be able to make out which food she is allergic to. Her immune system is not fully developed. Allergy is nothing but her immune system recognising the food she has had as hazardous to her body, which results in unpleasant reactions.
You should start giving her solids gradually, one at a time. This will help you understand the exact issue she has with different foods. It is advisable to introduce her to nutritious foods and those which have the least possibility of an allergic reaction, like rice, lentils, apples, and vegetables. Once you introduce her to a new food item, you should wait for 2 hours or 2 days to see if she is reacting to it.
There are some foods that are more allergic than others. You may want to avoid egg, peanuts, and fish for at least till the baby turns 2 years old. Some babies are also allergic to milk which you will realize as soon as you introduce cow milk in her diet. Allergic reactions happen minutes or hours after having the food.
The most common symptoms of allergy are:
- Itching
- Hives
- Face, tongue or lips swelling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing or wheezing
Dealing with allergies
As soon as you see mild symptoms, visit your doctor. The doctor is the best person to help you diagnose the reason for the condition. The only way to manage these allergies is to avoid the respective food substances in your baby’s diet. Some allergies go away with time and some become worse.
If there is any history of allergy in you or your family, the baby has a high probability of getting these allergies too. In this case, you may want to keep your doctor informed.
Breastfeeding for the first 6 months is the best way to avoid milk and many other allergies. Breast milk is filled with essential nutrients that help her immune system to get stronger.