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January 06, 2010
Kids and Food Allergies
Early Feeding May Help Prevent Allergies
If your family has a history of food allergies, take special care during your child’s first years. While these feeding practices are not a guarantee a child will be food allergy-free, they have been shown to reduce the risk.
* Exclusive Breast Feeding for 4 to 6 Months: This means no formula or solid foods. Some experts also recommend mothers avoid the most common allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat) while breast feeding.
* Careful Introduction of Solids: Don’t give solid foods until after 6 months. Introduce single-source foods one at a time, watching carefully for reactions and waiting several days to add another item. Introduce in this order:
o Rice, oat, barley cereals (not wheat)
o Vegetables (no beans or soy)
o Non-citrus fruits
o Lamb, beef, chicken, turkey.
* Delayed Introduction of Common Food Allergens: Some allergists believe it may help to delay introduction of the common allergens as whole foods and ingredients. Start milk products, wheat, egg yolks or citrus fruits and juices between 1 to 2 years; egg whites and fish after age 2; and peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish after age 3. Do not give whole nuts to children under 4 due to choking risk.
Posted by Lisa at January 6, 2010 08:39 AM
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Comments
Good info! Especially with all these babies around. :)
Posted by: Audrey at January 11, 2010 09:16 AM