TRYING out new foods with your little one can be stressful.
But experts believe introducing your child to certain foods early on in life may save their life.
Food allergies are on the rise in the UKGetty Images
Around 2million people in the UK have a food allergy – and this number is rising.
Between 2013 and 2019, England saw a 72 per cent rise in the number of hospital admissions for children caused by anaphylaxis, from 1,015 admissions to 1,746.
The good news is that you can actually reduce the chance of your little one developing an allergy simply by introducing your baby to these foods before they turn one, according to experts from the Tiny Heart Foundation.
Exposing your child to these foods early on is also a good way to find out if they are allergic to something from the safety of your own home, the first aiders explain on their website.
This means you can prepare a plan of attack for allergic reactions in the future.
The ten foods every baby must try
According to the first aid experts, there are ten allergy-causing foods should be introduced to your child before they turn one.
These include:
Cow’s milk Egg Fish Shellfish Peanut Soy Sesame Tree nuts Wheat Lupin
How to introduce these foods
How and when you expose your baby to the food is very important.
“Make sure your baby is well and has no symptoms of illness or signs of an eczema flare-up,” the experts said.
“And introduce the food in the morning or after a nap.
“This allows you to monitor your baby for any signs of an allergic reaction,” they explained.
It’s important to bear in mind allergic reactions can happen two hours after contact with the food.
When giving your baby foods that are common food allergies, make sure to do so one at a time.
“This will make it easier for you to determine which food your baby is allergic to,” they said.
It’s worth using an allergy tracker to keep track of what foods you have introduced and how many times that food has been given.
The experts suggest exposing your baby to the food at least three times before you consider them free of an allergy.
What does an allergic reaction to food look like?
Allergic reactions can happen two hours after exposure to the trigger. These are what some mild to moderate symptoms look like:
Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
Hives or welts
Tingling mouth
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Source: Tiny Hearts Foundation
“This is because allergic reactions don’t usually happen the first time you introduce a new food to your baby,” they said.
“Avoid the food touching the skin around the mouth – use a barrier cream such as vaseline to protect the skin,” they said.
The foundation also urged parents to start with a small amount of food.
“Somewhere between 1/8 – 1/4 of a teaspoon – just a small smear!”
And if there is no reaction to the food, mark down on your tracker that there was no reaction on the first exposure.
What to do if your baby has a mild allergic reaction
If your baby has a mild reaction to the food you have given them you must stop giving them the food.
And if required, give them an age-appropriate antihistamine.
“Monitor their signs, write down any reactions, and take photos or videos,” the experts added.
Make sure you seek medical advice before giving them the food again.
“If the symptoms become more severe, you are concerned about their breathing, or you suspect an anaphylaxis reaction is occurring – call for an ambulance,” they added.
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