By Alane Palmer, ND, CNC, and Maria Cummings
www.NutritionallyYours.net
It is a basic mothers instinct to want to keep her baby safe and protect it from harm. Once you become a mom, you see everything differently and no doubt the world will revolve around that precious baby. Even before the baby goes home after delivery, baby gets his or her own special car seat for safety.
Being a new parent seems like it was easier in some ways and harder in other means back in our parents days. Think about it for a second; today we have more technology (like monitoring your baby with a smartphone and camera,) we have disposable diapers, prepackaged baby foods for convenience and much more to make parenting easier. However, we also have way more allergies than there were thirty years ago.
Nowadays, allergies can develop in infants. An infant may not be able to tell you exactly what is bothering him or her but their skin may give a clue with a red, irritated rash. Other clues could be diarrhea, swollen eyes and lips, or breathing problems like wheezing or coughing. Irritated skin does not necessarily mean it is an allergy; it could be just an irritation to something abrasive on baby’s gentle skin such as a wool blanket. You can easily test by removing the wool or whatever the suspected trigger is, if it clears up immediately, it was an irritation. However, if it is an allergic reaction, the irritation may linger around longer even after the “trigger” is eliminated due to the immune system taking longer to identify the allergens. The same can be said for laundry detergents, fabric softeners, soaps and other products that contact the skin.
The chemicals used on infant clothing can also cause a reaction. It is best to prewash new clothing to get rid of chemicals that can irritate your baby. Also, using gentle detergents avoiding harsh chemicals will reduce your chances of allergic reactions or irritations. Your baby deserves the best, so whenever you can, always opt for natural products.
In today’s time, food allergies are also growing at staggering rates. The top food allergy list consists of dairy, egg, soy, and gluten. We know that breastfeeding your baby is the best option if you can. However, now even women who are breastfeeding have to be careful of what they are eating because foods like, dairy, eggs, soy and gluten can still affect some infants as well. Some food allergies like those to dairy and eggs may go away as your child grows. However, others may persist a lifetime when it comes to other foods like peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish. Whether food or other allergies, both can develop at any time even after a history of no issues.
We understand that avoiding allergies may seem challenging and overwhelming, but they certainly can be managed. If you feel that your infant or child has environmental or food allergies, let us help! Helping others manage allergies is what we do. We understand a mother’s instinct is to keep her children safe. Trust your motherly instincts and call for an appointment with us today!
Do you have allergy concerns regarding your infant? Need help figuring out what is irritating your child?
Contact our office today!
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Medical disclaimer: Nutritionally Yours is not a medical clinic. Testing cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All test results are to be used as educational materials and as a guide to help support your overall health and wellness. Always discuss health concerns with your medical doctor. We have a nutritionist, naturopath and a medical doctor on staff to help you feel your best.
