What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is when the body’s immune system mistakes a food as something harmful. This triggers the allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be mild or severe.

Top 10 foods that cause allergic reactions:

Are there any foods I should avoid while breastfeeding/chestfeeding to prevent my child from getting an allergy? 

You don’t need to avoid milk, egg, peanut or any foods while breastfeeding/chestfeeding. There is no evidence that avoiding certain foods while breastfeeding/chestfeeding will prevent an allergy in your child.

Introduce common food allergens to your baby.

At six months of age (once your baby shows signs of readiness), start to offer iron-rich foods. Then begin to introduce a variety of foods including foods that are more likely to cause a food allergy (known as common food allergens). 

Food allergies in your family? 

A baby that has a parent, brother or sister with a food allergy is at a higher risk of developing a food allergy. Babies who have eczema or another known food allergy are also at higher risk. Even if your baby is at high risk of developing a food allergy, don’t wait to introduce foods that are common allergens. 

How to Introduce New Foods 

• Offer one new food at a time to your baby so you can see if it causes an allergic reaction. 
• When introducing common food allergens, wait two days before offering your baby another new food. 
• Introduce common food allergens during the day instead of before baby’s bedtime. This will make it easier for you to see a reaction. 
• Once you have introduced the common food allergen, continue to offer it to your baby on a regular basis so that they keep tolerating it. 

How to introduce nuts 

To prevent choking, offer diluted (thinned) nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.). 

To prepare it:  

1. Mix two teaspoons (10 mL) of smooth nut butter with three teaspoons (15 mL) or more of warm water, breast milk/chest milk or formula until smooth. 
2. If you do not see any signs of an allergy, continue offering the rest of the nut butter mixture. 

Other ways to include peanuts in your baby’s food 

• Add smooth or reconstituted powdered peanut butter to infant cereal, mashed fruit or yogurt until smooth. 
• Use peanut butter or peanut flour in baked goods such as muffins and loaves or sauces, curries and stir-fries. 
• Spread peanut butter thinly on toast and cut the toast into strips. 
• A peanut-flavoured corn puff snack is available at grocery stores. 

What are the signs of an allergic reaction? 

• hives or rash 
• red and itchy skin 
• vomiting 
• diarrhea 
• swelling of the eyes, nose, lips or tongue 
• trouble breathing or swallowing 
• fainting, weakness or becoming pale 

If your baby is having an allergic reaction:  

• Stop feeding them the food right away. 
• If your baby has trouble breathing or any other severe allergy symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number. Your baby needs medical help right away. 
• Do not give them that food or anything that contains that food again. 
• If your baby’s reaction is not severe, talk to their health care provider. The health care provider may refer your baby to an allergist for testing. 

Does my baby need a medical alert bracelet? 

Your health care provider or allergist can give you advice on whether or not your child needs a medical alert bracelet.

If you have more questions about allergies, speak to your health care provider. 

More Information:

• Food Allergies and Babies 
• Food Allergy Canada 
• Common Food Allergens – Health Canada 
• Food Allergies and Intolerances – Health Canada 
• How to Introduce Peanut to Your Baby 

Questions?

If you have a nutrition or food question, call Dial-a-Dietitian Manitoba at 204-788-8248 in Winnipeg or 1-877-830-2892.