Managing Food Allergies from Baby to Preschool (Ages 0â5)
Welcome to our latest Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. This is the third episode in our 6-part series about food allergies at different ages and stages of life. In this episode, we talk about how to take care of babies and toddlers with food allergies.
This episode is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney are joined by Basil Kahwash, MD, to talk about food allergies in young children. From messy eating to first reactions, they share tips to help you keep your child safe. You’ll learn how to spot allergy symptoms, keep things safe at daycare, and start simple safety habits early.
You can listen to the podcast at ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere, at:
Special thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring this podcast episode. All opinions are our own, and sponsorship does not influence content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is informational and not an endorsement.
How to keep a baby or toddler safe with food allergies
Babies and toddlers tend to put everything in their mouths. That makes food allergens a risk, especially if they’re on hands, toys, or shared surfaces. In this episode, we explain how to keep your child with food allergies safe.
You’ll also learn how to teach caregivers to use epinephrine and how to build simple habits like handwashing and reading food labels.
Key takeaways for parents of young children with food allergies
- Start habits early. Your child learns by watching you. Talk out loud when reading labels or when asking if a food is safe to eat.
- Keep introducing new foods. Only avoid a food if your child has had a reaction to it, and you have seen an allergist.
- Know the signs of an allergic reaction. Babies may seem sleepy, cranky, or extra clingy before other allergy symptoms appear.
- Train your caregivers. Make sure daycare workers know how to use epinephrine and keep it nearby.
- Stay calm and steady. Your child picks up on your mood, confidence, and routines help lower anxiety for both of you.
Timestamps for ‘Managing Food Allergies from Baby to Preschool’ Podcast
01:13 – Meet Dr. Basil Kahwash
01:38 – Why we talk about food allergies by age
02:37 – How babies come in contact with allergens
03:35 – Should you keep allergens out of your house?
04:47 – Can babies be born with food allergies?
06:48 – Is it safe to try new foods after a diagnosis?
09:45 – What a reaction looks like in a baby
11:00 – How reactions change as kids get older
12:50 – Using epinephrine in babies and toddlers
16:00 – Talking to daycare staff about your child’s allergy
19:05 – How and when to teach label reading
21:50 – Eating at someone else’s house or restaurant
24:27 – Should your toddler wear a medical bracelet?
25:43 – Feelings and stress for both parents and kids
28:17 – How to stay calm in front of your child
29:35 – Final tips for parents
Resources about food allergy management in young children
- Food Allergy Overview
- Food Allergy Treatment & Management
- Living with Food Allergies Guide
- Epinephrine Devices: Nasal vs Injectable
More episodes in the Ages & Stages Series
AAAAI Ages & Stages PDFs