Nearly 1 in 13 children has a food allergy. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent food allergies and many ways to support your child’s health if they happen to develop one.
In the past, avoiding certain foods was the only choice for families. Now, safe and helpful ways to prevent and treat a food allergy in infants and toddlers are becoming more common.
Whether you’re just starting to introduce new foods or caring for a child with a known food allergy, FAMP-IT Family is here to support you every step of the way. FAMP-IT Family was made by experts to offer trusted, practical guidance for every stage of your baby’s food journey.
If you’re a clinician, visit famp-it.org for additional resources.
Early Allergen Introduction for Food Allergy Prevention
Giving your baby foods that children are often allergic to (called “common food allergens”) around 4 to 6 months of age – and continuing to give them regularly as your baby gets older – may help prevent food allergies from developing. Learn how early allergen introduction works and what steps you need to take.
Diagnosing Food Allergies Accurately
Diagnosing food allergies in babies takes more than a simple test. With the guidance of a doctor who specializes in food allergies, such as a board-certified allergist, you can focus on testing only the foods most likely to cause a reaction. An accurate diagnosis helps you feel good about which foods are safe. Then your child can receive the right care and an emergency plan tailored to your family’s needs.
How to Avoid Food Allergy Reactions
The first step in preventing food allergy reactions is avoiding contact with your baby’s allergens. They can be found in ingredients, on hands, and on kitchen surfaces. With a few simple habits, you can spot these “hidden” allergens and help reduce your baby’s risk of a reaction. And you’ll feel more confident and in control at mealtime.
How to Read a Food Label
Reading food labels can help you find allergens and keep your baby safe. Learning how to understand what’s on a food package, from the ingredient list to “may contain” warnings, will help you avoid foods that might cause a reaction. This way, you’ll feel more confident picking safe foods and feeding your baby.
Avoiding Cross-Contact in Foods
Bits of food — smaller than the eye can see — can stick to kitchen surfaces, cooking utensils, toys, or hands. If a safe food comes into contact with a food allergen, and your baby eats that food, it can cause an allergic reaction. This is called cross-contact. Knowing how cross-contact happens can help you spot risks early and keep your baby safe.
How is Infant Anaphylaxis Different?
Anaphylaxis can look different in babies than in older children and adults. Babies can’t say when their mouth feels itchy or their throat feels tight. Instead, they may show other signs, like trouble breathing, hives, or vomiting. They may also cry a lot, seem very tired, or have pale or blue skin. These signs can be hard to notice. That’s why it’s important for parents and caregivers to be ready to act quickly. Knowing how anaphylaxis looks in babies can help you get the right treatment faster.
Food Allergy Treatments for Babies & Toddlers
There is no cure for food allergies, but certain treatments can help lower the risk of a severe allergic reaction. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) for peanut allergy and other common food allergens works by gradually training the immune system to be less sensitive to the allergens. Another treatment is a biologic medication – it can help prevent a severe allergic reaction in case of accidental exposure to an allergen.
Find Support
There are a number of clinicians and healthcare professionals who may end up being a part of your child’s Healthcare Team. The first may be your child’s pediatrician. For food allergies, you may want to see a specialist – like a board-certified allergist who is comfortable treating babies and kids with allergies. Some families are eligible to receive extra support from WIC. Your Healthcare Team can help you navigate your child’s food journey — and any allergies they develop — with confidence.
