When an infant becomes old enough to start eating solid foods, there is a need to be on the lookout for allergies. If a small child is allergic to a particular food, avoiding the feeding of it again in the future is necessary. Most parents will bring their child to see a Pediatric Allergy Specialist in Birmingham, AL to assist with symptom reduction when an allergy is noticed. The practitioner will also help to pinpoint exactly which food is causing a reaction if it is unclear. Here are some steps to take when starting the feeding of solid foods to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction.
Be Aware of Potential Reactions
There are several symptoms to watch for when starting a baby on solid foods. If the baby has trouble breathing, vomits, has stomach troubles, or if a rash is seen, stop giving the food right away. Make a call to a physician for an evaluation to determine whether the food is causing the reaction and to treat it as necessary.
Try One Food at A Time
It is best to give an infant the same food, exclusively for several days in a row. If an allergy happens, stop feeding the baby the food immediately. Wait several days before trying again. If allergies arise again, see a physician for an assessment. After food is tolerated without an allergic reaction for several days, move on to a new food. It is wise to keep a log book with information pertaining to the foods tried for reference.
Stick With One Brand
When first starting out at giving a baby solid food, it is a wise idea to purchase selections from the same baby food brand. If food is tolerated by the infant without an allergic reaction for several days, switch to another food made by the same baby food brand. After using this brand for several weeks, branch out to another brand, checking for symptoms of a reaction after each meal. If an allergic reaction is noticed, switch back to the original brand for several days before trying again.
When an allergy arises, seeing a Pediatric Allergy Specialist in Birmingham, AL is best. Schedule an appointment today with a physician with experience in this field.
