Food allergens affect only about 5-8% of children under the age of 3 and most children eventually outgrow the allergy. The most common food allergies include eggs, shellfish, milk, peanuts and wheat. Even if your child has had eggs many times, she still may become allergic to them because it takes time for the body to develop sensitivity or an allergy to foods.

If you think your child may have a food allergy, but you are unsure what food it may be, keep a journal and record the types of foods your child consumes daily. Symptoms of food allergies include: 

• Troubled breathing or wheezing
• Itchy skin or rashes
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling of neck, throat and/or mouth

Food intolerances are far more common than allergies. Intolerance occurs when the body is unable to break down and process the food. Lactose intolerance, the inability to break down milk sugar, is the most common. Symptoms of intolerance include vomiting and diarrhea.

Although we may not be able to stop all food allergies or intolerances, Boys Town Pediatrics offers some tips to help parents prevent some early food discomforts:

• Breastfeed your child without supplementing formula for the first 6 months.
• If you are not breastfeeding, use a hypoallergenic formula (soy, Nutramigen or Alimentum)
• Offer solid foods between 4 and 6, or after 6 months of age if there is a family history of food allergy, beginning with rice cereals.
• Cow’s milk and egg products can be added to the diet at age 1.
• Avoid peanuts, peanut butter and shellfish until 3 years of age, longer if there is a family history.
• Introduce foods one at a time, giving your child one new food every three to four days.

The best way to keep your child safe is to stay away from a particular food which is causing discomfort. If you think your child is having a severe allergic reaction, take him or her to the emergency room. If you have any questions regarding your child’s diet or food allergies, talk to your child’s physician.