Preventing Allergies in Babies

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Nothing can ruin a baby’s day (and yours!) like allergies. Allergies happen when the body’s immune system overreacts to certain substances called allergens. Some believe that modern medicine, such as vaccinations, and even having a cleaner (and sometimes the opposite!) environment could cause allergies. Symptoms can be as common as sneezing, itching, or having a runny noses—to life-threatening ones like difficulty breathing.

But the fact is, the biggest culprit is genetics. Allergies run in families, and most of the time, only 1 out of 10 babies will develop an allergy that neither parent has. If both parents have the same type of allergy, there is a 70% chance that their offspring will have the same allergy. So is all hope lost in protecting your little one from awful rashes, or the sniffles? Not so.

Here are some ways to help prevent allergies in your baby:

Breast feed as much as possible. Breastfeeding not only creates a stronger bond between mother and child, but moms also pass their immunity to infections to their babies. Breastfeeding also lowers babies’ risk of gut infection. While a mother’s allergies aren’t passed on to her child, you might want to observe how your baby reacts to food that you do ingest.

Use hydrolyzed milk. If, for some reason, you really can’t breastfeed and your baby has a suspected milk allergy, ask your doctor about other types of milk, such as hydrolyzed milk. Since proteins are the usual cause of milk allergies, hydrolyzed milk is made up of broken down proteins (i.e. amino acid components), making it less likely to cause allergic reactions. These formulas are given to babies upon doctor’s recommendation and are necessary in rare cases only.

 

Take probiotics. Mostly known to keep tummy problems at bay, probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that also protect babies against early allergies in life. Studies have shown that taking probiotics during pregnancy—and giving it to babies for six months—can help protect your little one from atopic dermatitis, at least for the first two years. Babies who are not breastfed can greatly benefit from probiotics, since this good bacteria can help in the proper development and maintenance of their digestive system.

 

Introduce solid foods at the proper time. Wait until your child is about 4 to 6 months old before introducing solid food:

studies have shown that infants who are given solid food at less than 4 months are at risk of developing atopic dermatitis until they turn ten years old. Introduce food slowly: the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you introduce one type of food over a period of three days, making it easier to spot the culprit if any allergic reactions occur. Avoid food that could cause allergies, such as seafood, nuts, and even eggs, unless your pediatrician gives them the go signal. Giving cow’s milk at an early age—usually less than 12 months—can also cause the child to develop allergies towards cow’s milk.

 

Avoid exposure to unnecessary chemicals. This is particularly important if you have a family history of asthma and allergies. When buying products for your baby, make sure they’re labeled as “hypoallergenic”. Dyes, fragrances, and even certain plant and nut extracts have been known to trigger allergy attacks in babies. Your baby’s skin is still immature and five times thinner than yours, which explains how she can get rashes so easily. Don’t limit these hypoallergenic products to soaps and shampoos—think about the things that touch her skin too, like her clothes, bedding, mom’s shirts, washcloths, and toys. It’s a good idea to use a hypoallergenic detergent designed specifically for babies with sensitive skin. To stay on the safe side, avoid products with colors and added fragrances. You might need to try out different products to see which one works for you.

 

Observe other allergens. Some babies get runny noses when they’re around cats and dogs, while others wake up fussy when placed on a bed other than theirs. The fact is, we are constantly surrounded by allergens, from pet dander to dust mites. Short of putting your child in a bubble, you can prevent allergies by taking these extra steps: wash beddings once a week in hot water to eliminate dust mites, and make it a habit to dust and vacuum her room regularly. Resist the temptation to collect stuffed toys in the nursery or place unnecessary rugs and carpets, as these collect dust. If you notice your baby sneezing constantly whenever the dog is around, it may be time to either keep the dog outdoors or find your pet another loving home.

If you think your child is developing an allergy to something—even a slight one—never hesitate to consult your pediatrician. Because really, when it comes to our children, there are no compromises!

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