Food allergies in children are an increasingly common problem that can significantly affect the daily life of a child and their family. Knowing which products may cause allergies and how to introduce new ingredients into a child's diet is crucial to ensuring the child's safety and healthy development. Below you will find information about the most common allergens, ways to recognize allergies and support for children with allergies at school and kindergarten.
What products can cause allergies in children and how to avoid them?
Food allergies in children are caused by various products that may contain proteins that cause allergies in the child's body. Below you will find a list of the most common allergens and tips on how to avoid contact with allergens.
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Cow's milk - This is one of the most common allergens in children. Cow's milk protein allergy requires eliminating dairy products, including yogurt, cheese, butter and powdered milk. It is worth replacing them with plant-based drinks, such as almond or coconut milk.
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Eggs – Egg whites can cause severe allergic reactions. If your child is allergic to eggs, avoid not only whole eggs, but also products that contain ingredients such as albumin, egg lecithin, egg powder. It is worth checking the labels of baked goods and processed foods.
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Nuts – Nut allergies (e.g. peanuts, almonds, cashews) are often very severe. Requires avoidance of nuts in all forms, as well as products that may contain traces of them. Restaurants and kindergartens should be informed about nut allergies.
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Wheat and Gluten – Children with gluten or wheat allergies must avoid baked goods, pasta, cereals containing gluten, and many processed foods. Safe alternatives include gluten-free rice, cornmeal, and oat flour.
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Soy – A soy allergy requires avoiding soy in the form of soy milk, tofu, soy sauce and other processed foods that may contain it.
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Fish and seafood – These allergens can cause severe reactions in children and are often lifelong. Children with fish or seafood allergies must avoid contact with these products and cooking in the same pot.
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Other fruits and vegetables – Some children are allergic to certain fruits (e.g. strawberries, kiwi) or vegetables (e.g. celery). It is important to observe reactions to fresh products and introduce them gradually.
Food Allergy Symptoms: What Symptoms Should Parents Be Concerned About?
Food allergies can manifest themselves in a variety of ways and range from mild to severe. Here are some symptoms that should alert parents and may indicate an allergic reaction.
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Skin reactions – Hives, rash, redness of the skin and itching are some of the most common symptoms of allergies. Swelling of the lips, eyelids or tongue may also occur.
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Gastrointestinal problems – Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and gas may be signs that your child is intolerant to a particular food.
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Respiratory problems – Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and swelling of the throat and tongue may be symptoms of a serious reaction called anaphylaxis.
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Circulatory problems – In extreme cases, rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure, pale skin may occur, which can lead to anaphylactic shock.
If your child experiences the above symptoms after consuming a specific food, you should seek medical help as soon as possible and consult an allergist to conduct appropriate tests and confirm the allergy.
The most common allergens in children
Below is a list of the most common allergenic foods that should be introduced with caution and under control.
- Cow's milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts and other nuts
- Wheat and gluten
- Soy
- Fish and seafood
- Strawberries, kiwi and other fruits with intense color
Understanding which foods are the most common allergens can help parents choose foods and plan their child's diet.
How to introduce new products to avoid allergies?
Introducing new foods to your child's diet requires caution, especially for children who may be prone to allergies. Below you will find practical tips on how to introduce new foods safely.
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Introduce new foods gradually – Introduce only one new food at a time and monitor your child’s reactions for 3-5 days. This will help you identify any possible allergy symptoms.
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Avoid high-risk foods in the first months of life – Allergens such as milk, eggs or nuts should only be introduced into the diet after the first year of life, unless your doctor recommends otherwise.
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Monitor skin and digestive reactions – Introduce each new product in small amounts, observing for allergic symptoms such as rash, stomach pain or breathing problems.
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Seek medical advice – If your child has a family history of allergies, consult your pediatrician or allergist before introducing products with a high allergen risk.
Support for children with allergies at school and kindergarten
Children with allergies also need support at school and kindergarten, where they spend a large part of their day. Below you will find tips on how to keep your child safe and how to cooperate with teachers and caregivers.
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Inform the facility about allergies – Provide teachers and caregivers with a full list of products to which the child is allergic and indicate possible symptoms of an allergic reaction.
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Have an action plan – Agree with the school or nursery staff on an action plan for an allergic reaction. This may include giving antihistamines or adrenaline if needed.
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Provide your child with essential medication – If your child has been prescribed allergy medication, such as epinephrine (adrenaline), make sure it is always available and that staff know how to use it.
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Provide safe snacks – If your school or kindergarten is organizing birthdays or other celebrations, it is worth preparing and leaving safe snacks for your child at the facility, which can be an alternative to a treat.
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Encourage conversation – Teach your child to talk about their allergies and feel free to say no to foods that may be dangerous for them. Older children should be aware of what foods to avoid and what to do in the event of an allergic reaction.
Summary
Food allergies in children require special attention from parents, but with a conscious approach, you can effectively manage the diet and ensure the child's safety. The key is to recognize the symptoms of allergies, introduce new products gradually, and cooperate with the kindergarten and school staff to provide the child with comfortable conditions for learning and playing.
On the Guliwerkids.pl blog you will find more useful information that will help you take care of your child's health and safety, as well as enjoy shared meals and discovering new flavors.
