Does your baby have an allergy? Perhaps you suspect your little one is allergic to something but haven’t had it confirmed.  If you have questions about babies and allergies, or tips for dealing with them, then why not share in the Mamafit forum?

What is an allergy?

An allergy is when your immune system overreact to a normally harmless substance. An allergen could be food or medicine for instance, or something in the environment like pollen, detergent or pet hair.
Allergies are fairly common with more than 1 in 5 people in the UK allergic to at least one substance.  Fortunately many babies and children do grow out of their allergies over time.

The jury is out on why some people develop allergies and others don’t, we do know that they tend to run in families though.  If a parent has allergies then baby is around 1/3 more likely to develop allergies. If both parents have allergies then baby is around 70% more likely to develop an allergy. It’s interesting to note that it is allergies in general that seem to be inherited rather than a specific allergy, so your baby won’t necessarily have the same allergy as you.

However we do know that breastfed babies are significantly less likely to develop allergies. Introducing solid foods too early, especially common allergens such as wheat/gluten, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts, cows milk and soy can increase the likelihood of developing allergies too. So if you can, breastfeeding exclusively and waiting until six months before you start weaning gives your baby the best chances of avoiding allergies.

Signs and symptoms of allergies

Symptoms of allergies can vary depending on what your baby is allergic to.  The following symptoms could suggest your baby is having an allergic reaction to something:

• Itchy rash or hives
• Dry itchy skin
• Red, watery and/or itchy eyes
• Runny nose and/or sneezing
• Wheezing and/or coughing
• Facial swelling
• Stomach cramps/nausea/vomiting/diarrhoea

Severe allergic reactions – anaphylaxis

Though it is rare, some people have such severe allergies that exposure to the allergen can be life threatening. The symptoms of anaphylactic shock include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling around mouth and throat
• Itchy mouth/lips/tongue
• Blue skin or lips (may be easier to see on tongue/gums on darker skin tones)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness

If your little one starts to display these symptoms call 999 immediately and administer an Epipen if your baby has one. The Red Cross website has more information on first aid for a baby suffering a severe allergic reaction.

Allergies and weaning

If you already know your little one has an allergy, or if you think your baby is likely to have an allergy based on family history you may need to be extra careful when introducing your baby to food. Your GP or Health Visitor will be able to give you more specific advice pertaining to your individual circumstances.  Often advice may be to introduce common allergens (such as cows milk, gluten, eggs, seeds, nuts and peanuts, soy, shellfish and fish) in small quantities and one at a time, because if you introduce multiple common allergens together and your baby has a reaction you won’t know which food it is your little one reacted to.

Allergy diagnosis and treatment

If you think your little one may have an allergy then make an appointment with your GP.  It’s definitely worth keeping a note of when your baby seems to be displaying an allergic reaction to see if there is any correlation between your baby’s food intake (or yours if you are breastfeeding) or any environmental factors and their symptoms. This could assist your Dr in their diagnosis.

There are also a number of different tests your baby may be referred for in order to confirm or rule out an allergy.  Skin prick, patch or blood tests are common. If the suspected allergen is a food you may be advised to try an elimination diet.

While some babies grow out of their allergies as they get older many allergies are lifelong conditions, with unfortunately no cure.
If your baby is diagnosed with an allergy the most effective way to manage their symptoms is to avoid the allergen.  How you do that will depend on what it is your baby is allergic to:

• Food

  • Check the ingredients lists on any food or drinks you will be feeding to your little one. Some allergens will show up in places you really wouldn’t expect!
  • If your formula fed baby has a cows milk allergy you will need to switch to a soy or hydrolysed formula.  Your Dr will be able to advise on this.
  • If you are breastfeeding a baby with an allergy you will likely need to cut the allergen out of your own diet.

• Environmental

  • Allergy proof covers for your baby’s bedding can help reduce exposure to dust mites.
  • Use a damp rather than dry cloth when dusting in order to trap dust.
  • Wash bedding, soft toys and curtains regularly and on a high heat if possible.
  • Groom pets regularly and do so outside.
  • Keep pets out of your baby’s room.
  • Regularly wash pet bedding on a high heat.
  • ‘Sensitive’ versions of laundry detergents, body washes, baby wipes and more are available.

• Seasonal

  • Keep an eye on the pollen count in your local area.

    

  • Try to stay in more on high pollen days.
  • Wrap around baby sunglasses can help keep pollen away from baby’s eyes.
  • Dry your baby’s clothing, bedding and towels indoors.

There are medications available that can help manage allergy symptoms, unfortunately many aren’t suitable for very young babies. Your Dr will advise you on, and may write a prescription for, any medications that your baby can take.
If your little one is at risk of anaphylaxis your baby will be prescribed an Epipen, this contains adrenaline.  As soon as you suspect your baby is having an allergic reaction you should administer this medication immediately to reverse the effects of anaphylactic shock (and call 999).  Your Dr will show you how to use the Epipen correctly.  They are designed to be used by non-medical professionals.

While finding out your baby has an allergy might not be news you want to hear, for the vast majority of families allergies are relatively easy to manage.  The necessary precautions – checking the pollen count, reading ingredients lists, blasting all the teddies on a hot wash every couple of months – will become second nature in no time.