Babies go through developmental phases in every facet, including the foods they can consume. With the aim of protecting your baby’s health, it’s imperative to know what type of baby food to endow your child with. Because of their less developed immune systems, babies may suffer an allergic reaction to a specific kind of baby food.

When a baby's immune system confuses a nontoxic substance to be a harmful and dangerous invader, an allergic reaction occurs. The body's reaction to this is a release of antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE).These antibodies then,prompt the body to release chemicals known as histamines.

The first time a baby is exposed to the problem food, the allergen, there will be no indicators. But on the ensuing exposures, the antibodies against the allergen will cause an allergic reaction.

Baby food allergy symptoms include diarrhea, eczema, nausea, constipation, blood in stools, runny nose, hives, gassiness, respiratory troubles and watery or red eyes. Once in a blue moon, a severe reaction known as allergic shock can take place. This can cause the throat and tongue to puff up precariously, which could in turn lead to choking. In these circumstances, medical help must be sought immediately.

A food allergy must not be confused with food intolerance. An allergic reaction is a response by the immune system whereas food intolerance is a trouble with the intestines.

Certain foods are more likely to cause allergies than others. Nuts, shellfish, eggs, citrus fruits, milk and other dairy products, soy products and cereals that contain gluten, especially wheat are the more likely culprits.

It can sometimes be difficult detecting the cause of baby food allergies. If you think your infant has a baby food allergy, eliminating the above mentioned products from their diet may help.

Once you have removed each of these food groups from your baby’s diet, you can begin to bring them in gradually one at a time. Wait a few days before the introduction of an additional food group and do not mix food groups.

If your baby has a baby food allergy, you’ll be able to spot it by observing his or her response to the introduction of these individual food groups.

Research has revealed that there is a genetic link to food allergies. So if you have one, your baby is more likely to have it too, although not necessarily caused by the same allergen.

Some guidelines to try preventing baby food allergies are listed below:
• Try to delay feeding your baby solid food until he is at least 6 months of age.
• Avoid foods that are known to be more likely to trigger allergic reactions.
• Only introduce one new food at a time and wait for a few days to see if a reaction occurs.
• Follow the 4 day wait rule when introducing new solids.
• If your baby has a food allergy or your family has a serious history of food allergies - read the labels when purchasing commercial baby food.

Most young children do grow out of their allergies, save for allergies to foods like nuts, fish and shellfish which often last a life time.

Baby food allergies affect around 8% of children. Although it's vital to take the risk seriously, take a crack at keeping things in perspective. Find pleasure in carefully introducing your baby to the fantastic world of food and keep his tiny taste buds tempted.