Food Allergies in Babies: Symptoms, Testing, and Management

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Babies

Food allergies in babies can cause symptoms within minutes to two hours after eating the trigger food. Common symptoms include:

• Hives or rash
  
• Vomiting or diarrhea
  
• Stomach cramps
  
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  
• Eczema flare-ups
  
• Itching or tightness in the throat
  
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing
  
• Dizziness or lowered blood pressure
  

Severe reactions, called anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention ¹.

Common Food Allergens in Babies

The most frequent triggers in infants are:

• Cow’s milk
  
• Eggs
  
• Soy
  
• Peanuts and tree nuts
  
• Wheat
  
• Fish and shellfish ².

How Food Allergies Are Tested

Doctors use several methods to diagnose food allergies:

• Skin Prick Test (SPT): A small amount of allergen is placed on the skin, which is then pricked. A raised bump suggests a possible allergy, but this test is not always definitive, especially for non-IgE allergies ³.

• Blood Test: Measures IgE antibodies to specific foods. A positive result shows sensitization, but does not always mean there is a true allergy ⁴.
  
• Oral Food Challenge (OFC): The gold standard test. The child eats increasing amounts of the suspected food under close medical supervision to observe for reactions. This is the most reliable way to confirm or rule out a true allergy ⁵.
  
• Double-Blind Food Challenge: Rarely used in infants due to complexity and risk, but considered the most accurate in research settings ⁶.
  

Handling and Managing Food Allergies

• Avoid the Allergen: Once diagnosed, strictly avoid the trigger food.
  
• Read Labels: Check all food packaging for potential allergens.
  
• Emergency Plan: For children at risk of severe reactions, keep an emergency kit (such as an epinephrine auto-injector) and know when and how to use it ¹.
  
• Antihistamines: For mild reactions (like hives), antihistamines can help. For severe reactions (trouble breathing, swelling, or vomiting), seek emergency care immediately ¹.
  
• Regular Follow-Up: Some children may outgrow certain food allergies, especially to milk, egg, and soy. Regular check-ins with an allergist are recommended ⁷.
  

Key Points

• Not all positive skin or blood tests mean a true allergy; only an oral food challenge can confirm it ⁸.
  
• Always consult with a pediatrician or allergist to interpret test results and develop a safe plan ⁹.
  
• Immediate medical attention is needed for any signs of anaphylaxis.

Summary:

Food allergies in babies can cause a range of symptoms, from mild rashes to severe, life-threatening reactions. Diagnosis relies on a combination of history, skin and blood tests, and-most definitely, food challenges under medical supervision. Management centers on avoidance, emergency readiness, and regular medical follow-up ¹⁰.

Referals 

1. Food Allergies Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | AAAAI. Aaaai.org. Published 2021. https://www.aaaai.org/Conditions-Treatments/Allergies/Food-Allergy 

2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Food Allergies and Intolerances in Newborns and Infants. www.aap.org. Published May 31, 2022. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/newborn-and-infant-nutrition/food-allergies-and-intolerances-in-newborns-and-infants/ 

‌3. How Do Doctors Test for Food Allergies? (for Parents) – KidsHealth. Kidshealth.org. Published 2015. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergy-tests.html 

‌4. Lele M. How Doctors Test Your Child for Food Allergies. Lil Mixins. Published April 25, 2019. Accessed May 8, 2025. https://www.lilmixins.com/blogs/news/how-doctors-test-your-child-for-food-allergies 

5. How Do Doctors Test for Food Allergies? (for Parents) – KidsHealth. Kidshealth.org. Published 2015. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergy-tests.html 

6. American Academy of Pediatrics. Food Allergies and Intolerances in Newborns and Infants. www.aap.org. Published May 31, 2022. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/newborn-and-infant-nutrition/food-allergies-and-intolerances-in-newborns-and-infants/ 

7. American Academy of Pediatrics. Food Allergies and Intolerances in Newborns and Infants. www.aap.org. Published May 31, 2022. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/newborn-and-infant-nutrition/food-allergies-and-intolerances-in-newborns-and-infants/ 

8. Lele M. How Doctors Test Your Child for Food Allergies. Lil Mixins. Published April 25, 2019. https://www.lilmixins.com/blogs/news/how-doctors-test-your-child-for-food-allergies 

9. John Hopkins Medicine . Food Allergies in Children. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Published 2019. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/food-allergies-in-children 

10. Articles. Cedars-Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions—pediatrics/f/food-allergies-in-children.html 

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