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Babies at Mealtime - How to Feed in the Midst of Family Food Allergies

When one or both parents have allergies, especially food related ones the probability is over 50% that the children will have food allergies. If this scenario fits, you are probably worried about what to feed your newborn. There are several official entities like the American Academy of Pediatrics who have guidelines and advice for parents like you with worries about their children suffering from food related allergic reactions.

The goal of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to either prevent food allergies or at least delay the manifestation of them until the child is better equipped to handle them. Breastfeeding, choosing infant formula and the timing of solid foods are all important factors that the Academy considers.

Breastfeeding Issues

You will likely hear many different viewpoints and research studies regarding how long a mother should breastfeed in order to delay or prevent food allergies in their child. All research shows breastfeeding is beneficial in a variety of ways but the jury is still out as to how long will be long enough for the prevention of allergies.

Quite a few research studies point out that when an infant has a high probability of developing a food allergy, based on family history, at least four to six months of breastfeeding is beneficial but going longer if possible is best. So as you can see, there are no definitive black or white answers, just shades of gray.

Formula Basics

Quite a few baby formulas are based on cow's milk and will have special amino acids that have been broken down from milk proteins so babies can easily digest them. If there is a strong possibility of food allergies, the child's doctor may suggest a soy formula or a hypoallergenic formula. As soy is not as common a food allergy in children, it would be the first choice to try as it is not as expensive as the hypoallergenic version.

When food allergies may be life threatening for the child, the doctor may prescribe a hypoallergenic formula which many health insurance plans will pay for. However, there must be pressing need and extenuating circumstances for this to happen.

Solid Food Choices

In a family with a history of food allergies, babies must be weaned from formula or breastfeeding gradually and introduce solids slowly, one food at a time. There must be sufficient time that passes between the introductions of one food to another to ensure that no reactions are noted. Some parents find a food diary or log beneficial in keeping track of new foods introduced. Then you would not have to remember just when you introduced what food at what time.

Parents - you should realize that no matter how conscientious you are about introducing new foods slowly to your child, there is no way to prevent a reaction simply because you have no idea what your child may or may not be allergic to. If your child is allergic to a specific food, just realize a reaction will happen. However knowing what to do and what to expect can alleviate quite a bit of discomfort for your child.