Food allergy occurs when your child's immune system reacts to a type of food. The immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat and reacts against it. The most common symptoms include rash, hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, runny or blocked nose, red watering eyes, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, throat tightness, and in severe cases anaphylaxis. 

Common allergens in babies include: 

Cow's milk 
Eggs
Peanuts
Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts
Soy
Wheat
Fish 
Shellfish 

Tips for Managing Food Allergies

1. Introduce Foods One at a Time:

   • Why: The single-ingredient foods make it easier to determine what, if any, your baby may be allergic to. This gradual introduction helps identify any allergic reactions.
   • How: One at a time, every 2 to 3 days, introduce mashed banana, avocado, sweet potato, or softened bite-size bits of broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots. These are excellent options to start with.

2. Monitor When Introducing Common Allergens:

   • Why: When introducing eggs, dairy, nuts, wheat, soy, and fish, giving a tiny amount and observing helps detect any adverse reactions early.
   • How: Only give a tiny amount of these foods and observe for any signs of allergy for 2 to 3 days. If there are no signs of an allergy, you can include these foods in your baby’s diet.

3. Introduce Potential Allergenic Foods Before Baby Turns 1:

   • Why: Research has shown that introducing potentially allergenic foods between 6 to 12 months may reduce the risk of developing food allergies.
   • How: Introduce small amounts of common allergens within this time frame, monitoring closely for any reactions.

4. Maintain Good Gut Health:

   • Why: Offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains high in fiber encourages the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which can prevent and minimize the occurrence of food allergies. Studies have observed that children without food allergies had a higher presence of good bacteria in their guts.
   • How: Provide a diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help support your baby's gut health and potentially reduce the risk of developing food allergies.

Petit Bowl Safe Meal Options

At Petit Bowl, we offer a variety of meals that cater to babies with food allergies:

• Vegetable Purees: A range of mixed vegetable purees free from common allergens.
• Protein Purees: Allergy-friendly protein options like chicken and beef purees.
• Grain Options: Meals featuring gluten-free grains such as lentils, oats, and rice.
• Customizable Meal Plans: Tailor your meal plans to avoid specific allergens and meet your baby's dietary needs.

Understanding and managing food allergies in babies requires careful planning and vigilance. By following these tips and choosing safe meal options, you can help ensure your baby's nutritional needs are met without compromising their safety.