Starting the progression to solids can be stressful for any parent, but when potential reaction to foods is added to the equation, this process becomes even more daunting.
There are two main types of reaction that occur: intolerance and allergy. While both can trigger symptoms when the food in question is eaten, they vary quite a bit in terms of severity, onset and risk to your baby’s health.
Understanding the difference is essential in order to be able to notice the signs of either one when foods are introduced.
The best way to introduce all solid foods is to use the 4 day wait rule. Introduce a single food at a time, and allow 4 days for your baby’s system to adapt to the new food. During this time, you will notice any potential allergy or signs of intolerance.
This rule also gives your baby a chance to get used to new tastes and textures slowly, which in turn makes the solid food experience less stressful for both of you.
How to Spot Food Allergies
A true food allergy often results in an immediate reaction that can be severe. Typically, signs of a bad reaction will be seen even when a tiny amount of the food in question is ingested. Food allergies can cause a major reaction that affects many organs. As such, it is best to seek medical attention immediately if any of the following symptoms appear after introducing a certain food:
• Sudden diarrhea and/or vomiting
• Sudden skin rashes or hives
• Runny nose
• Irritability or gassiness after meal
• Breathing difficulties
• Swelling of the face, mouth or tongue
• Closure or tightening of the throat
Identifying Food Intolerance
Food intolerance on the other hand is typically a slower reaction that mostly results in digestive problems or occasionally skin rashes. The symptoms are usually less serious, and will often fade quickly after they appear. Sometimes, the symptoms will return only when the food in question is eaten again. Citrus fruits for example can cause mild rashes or small bumps on the roof of the mouth when consumed, or lactose in milk may cause tummy cramps.
Signs of food intolerance include the following:
• Skin rashes
• Cramping, constipation and diarrhea
• Discomfort or irritability after meal
Baby Foods to Delay Feeding
It is also important to know which foods are better left for an introduction at a later age when your baby is starting solids. Some foods are harder to be digested during the first few months of feeding, which can result in sensitivities.
Foods to delay feeding include the following:
• Shellfish (6 – 12 months)
• Egg whites (6 – 12 months)
• Wheat (6 – 12 months)
• Raw strawberries, raspberries and blackberries (6 – 12 months)
• Corn (6 – 12 months)
• Peanut butter (12 months)
• Whole milk (12 months)
• Citrus fruits (12 months)
• Honey (this can cause botulism in babies under 12 months)
• Tree nuts (1 year for non-sensitive children, 2 – 3 years for food sensitive children)
• Grapes (1 – 2 years)
Make sure that you consult your pediatrician before starting your baby on solid foods, and if you have any allergies in either parent’s family history, that you tell your doctor so that he or she is aware of a potentially higher risk of allergies occurring. Making a list of responses and reactions to all foods that are introduced will also make it easier to notice any warning signs early on. This way, you will also be able to see which foods are well received too.
If you remember to follow the 4 day wait rule, and keep track of the foods that are introduced, you will find that the solid food journey becomes much less stress for you and for baby. You can use the Kiddo Feedo Food Freezing Guide that came with your Kiddo Feedo Freezer Tray to get a better idea of the best foods to start with (and their nutrient values too).
