One of the first things most new parents realize when they hold their newborn in their arms is just how fragile that new baby is. Their little heads need your support, their little bodies melt against yours, and they are completely and totally reliant upon you to meet their needs.

It is both an overwhelming and awe-inspiring amount of responsibility.

Within a few days, you usually get a hang of it. Sure, you’re exhausted, but you know how to feed and hold your baby. And you feel like you’re figuring things out.

Then, your baby develops a rash, or persistent cold symptoms, or something stomach related, and you feel at a loss once more.

It isn’t uncommon at all for infants and young children to experience a wide range of allergies. They may grow out of some of these baby allergies with time, while others may persist. All can vary in how they present, though rashes, runny noses, and upset tummies can be a good indicator.

If your baby is exhibiting any of these signs, here are the most likely culprits to consider:

1. Dairy: Cow’s milk is the most common allergy for infants and young children, which means that if your baby starts exhibiting signs of an allergy after switching to formula (or from breast milk to whole milk in toddlerhood) you may already have your answer. Check with your family pediatrician for suggestions on alternatives and help to determine how severe the allergy may be.
2. Food: When you start feeding your baby solids, it is always a good idea to do so slowly (one new food item at a time, with 3-5 days in between new introductions) so that you can watch for signs of a reaction. The most common food allergies include eggs, peanuts, almonds and seafood, so introducing those foods should be done carefully, and only under the guidance of a pediatrician if there is a history of anaphylactic reactions in the family. But food allergies can also affect your breastfeeding infant if the allergy is severe enough and you are routinely eating something they are reacting to. A visit to the pediatrician may help you to figure out what needs to be avoided.
3. Pets: Have a dog or cat? They could be responsible for your little one’s coughing, runny nose, and constant sneezes. Unfortunately, sometimes pets are to blame for baby allergies.
4. Laundry Detergent: Baby’s have very sensitive skin, and a perpetual rash or dry skin may be the result of your laundry detergent. Try a sensitive brand to see if that makes a difference.
5. Everything Else: Because, yes, just about anything your baby comes into contact with could be to blame for baby allergies. Something in their lotion, dust mites in the carpet, grandpa’s cigarette smoke; the list is endless (though, stopping grandpa from smoking around the baby should be priority one). If you are having trouble pinpointing what’s to blame for your baby’s reaction, get into the pediatrician and discuss the benefits of a blood or patch test.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last decade, you’ve likely heard plenty about gluten allergies. Even if you’ve never gone gluten-free yourself, you certainly know someone who has, and you’ve definitely seen the wide variety of products available to replace carb items for those suffering from gluten intolerance.

But what are the chances your baby could be one of those sufferers?

The reality is that a growing number of people have found themselves struggling with gluten in recent years, and babies are no different. It wouldn’t be unheard of at all for your little one to have an allergy to gluten, a protein composite in wheat and related grains. There could also be something more complex going on; not just a simple allergy, but an intolerance as a result of Celiac disease.

Before you panic, though, let’s go over some of the basic signs of a gluten allergy for babies:

1. Tummy Troubles: To include diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, reflux, excessive spitting up, or stomach pain.
2. Failure to Thrive: Slow weight gain or anemia.
3. Skin Irritation: Rashes of eczema.

Now, each of these things could also indicate a variety of other problems, just because your baby has diarrhea does not mean that he or she is gluten intolerant. But if you have recently started introducing solids and the symptoms appeared shortly after, it is worth considering.

There are blood tests to check for gluten allergies, but it’s important to know that these tests are often inaccurate, especially when used with babies or young children. So your little one could test negative but still have an allergy that needs addressing.

If you suspect gluten intolerance, the easiest way to test that theory is to cut gluten out of your baby’s diet for a few weeks and see if that makes a difference in the symptoms you are witnessing. If it does, you may have your answer. If not, and if the symptoms persist or appear to get worse, it may be time to make a visit to the pediatrician’s office.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you are still breastfeeding, you should cut out gluten too. Otherwise, your baby may still be getting trace amounts of gluten through your breast milk.

In some cases, children may outgrow a gluten allergy. Reintroducing again in 6 months to a year can help you to determine if your child’s reaction is fading. But even in the case of severe gluten allergies, maintaining a gluten free lifestyle is easier today than ever before. There are support groups, alternative food options, and countless recipes available.

While it may seem overwhelming at first, this is one allergy you can certainly navigate around.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.