All About Allergies: Introducing & Tracking Baby’s Food Allergies
Introducing solids is an exciting milestone, but for many parents, it also comes with concerns about food allergies.
✔ Which foods are most likely to cause an allergic reaction?
✔ How should you introduce allergens safely?
✔ What should you do if your baby has an allergic reaction?
Whether you have a family history of allergies or just want to be extra cautious, tracking your baby’s first foods is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about introducing allergens, spotting reactions, and using a baby food tracker (like the First Foods Photo Book) to monitor your baby’s journey safely.
What Are the Most Common Food Allergens for Babies?
The top 9 food allergens account for 90% of allergic reactions in babies and young children:
🥜 Peanuts
🍳 Eggs
🥛 Dairy (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt)
🐟 Fish
🦐 Shellfish
🌾 Wheat
🌰 Tree Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, etc.)
🍞 Soy
🍚 Sesame
💡 Good news: Research shows that introducing these foods early (around 6 months) may actually reduce the riskof developing allergies.
How to Introduce Allergens Safely
✅ 1. Wait Until 6 Months (or Pediatrician Approved)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends introducing allergens around 6 months, unless your pediatrician suggests otherwise.
✅ 2. Start with One Allergen at a Time
Introduce each allergen individually, waiting 3-5 days before trying another new food. This way, if your baby has a reaction, you’ll know exactly which food caused it.
✅ 3. Offer a Small Amount First
For example, if introducing peanut butter, start with a tiny amount (¼ teaspoon mixed with breastmilk or water)before offering more.
✅ 4. Make Sure Baby is Healthy
Avoid introducing allergens when your baby is sick, has a cold, or is teething—this makes it harder to tell if they’re reacting to the food or just feeling unwell.
✅ 5. Always Supervise During Meals
Offer new foods in the morning or midday when you can monitor your baby for a few hours after eating.
Signs of a Food Allergy Reaction in Babies
Most allergic reactions happen within minutes to two hours after eating a trigger food.
Mild Reactions (Monitor Closely)
⚠️ Hives or redness around the mouth
⚠️ Mild rash on face or body
⚠️ Stomach discomfort (gas, diarrhea, or vomiting)
⚠️ Itchy eyes, nose, or skin
Severe Reactions (Call 911 Immediately!)
⚠️ Swelling of the lips, face, or tongue
⚠️ Trouble breathing or wheezing
⚠️ Vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop
⚠️ Loss of consciousness or limp body
💡 Important: If your baby has a reaction, stop feeding the food immediately and contact your pediatrician. For severe reactions, call 911 right away.
What to Do If Your Baby Has an Allergic Reaction
1. Stop Feeding the Food Immediately
Don’t give your baby any more of the food if you notice any symptoms.
2. Monitor for Symptoms
For mild reactions (rash, hives, stomach discomfort), watch your baby closely and contact your pediatrician.
3. Give Benadryl (If Advised by a Doctor)
Some pediatricians recommend a small dose of infant Benadryl for mild reactions—always ask before giving any medication.
4. Call 911 for Severe Reactions
If your baby has difficulty breathing, swelling, or vomiting repeatedly, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Why Tracking Allergens is So Important
Keeping a record of what your baby eats—and how they react—can help you:
✔ Identify allergy patterns (e.g., does baby react only to dairy or also to soy?)
✔ Pinpoint delayed reactions (some food sensitivities show up hours later)
✔ Share information with your pediatrician or allergist
✔ Feel confident when introducing new foods
💡 That’s why many parents use a food tracking system, like the First Foods Photo Book, to document their baby’s food journey.
How the First Foods Photo Book Helps with Allergy Tracking
The First Foods Photo Book is more than just a keepsake—it’s a valuable tool for parents introducing solids.
📸 Take a photo of your baby with each new food
📅 Log the date & portion size
🔍 Track reactions or symptoms
📋 Create a personalized food allergy log
Instead of trying to remember what foods your baby has eaten, you’ll have a beautifully organized record to reference anytime.
[✨ Get Your Baby’s First Foods Photo Book Today! →]
Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, & Allergy-Friendly First Foods
If your baby has been diagnosed with a food allergy, there are plenty of safe, nutritious foods they can still enjoy!
Dairy-Free Baby Foods
🥑 Avocado
🥕 Steamed carrots
🍠 Mashed sweet potatoes
🍎 Applesauce
🥦 Broccoli
Nut-Free Baby Foods
🐟 Salmon
🍚 Oatmeal
🥬 Spinach
🥔 Quinoa
🍌 Bananas
Egg-Free Baby Foods
🍗 Chicken
🥒 Cucumber
🌾 Whole grain toast
🍊 Mandarin oranges
🥬 Lentils
💡 Tip: Many babies outgrow food allergies by age 3-5, but it’s always best to work with a pediatrician before reintroducing any allergenic food.
Final Thoughts: Introducing Allergens & Tracking Baby’s Reactions
✔ Introduce one allergen at a time and wait 3-5 days before trying another
✔ Watch for signs of a reaction and act quickly if symptoms appear
✔ Track baby’s first foods & allergies in a dedicated journal like the First Foods Photo Book
Allergy tracking can feel overwhelming, but being prepared and organized makes it much easier. With a little patience and planning, you can safely introduce allergens while making mealtimes fun and stress-free.