allergies....what to look for

[Xariklia]

DD is 5 months old and just started rice cereal. Does anyone know what to look for to tell if she's allergic? Or any signs that maybe I started too early? She seems to like it.

[drsweetie]

Allergic reactions would most likely be things like rashes, vomiting, hives, or diarrhea. The rashes in question could be either around the mouth or around her bottom (Dr. Sears, in his baby book, describes it as a "bulls-eye" pattern). To check for allergies, she should only be fed one new food at a time for a week or so; if nothing weird has happened in that time, it's probably safe to start something else.

Regarding signs that you started too early, one of the most obvious ones would be if when you put the spoon of cereal in her mouth, she immediately pushes it all back out with her tongue. This is a reflex that, I believe, helps the babies nurse, and until that tongue-thrusting reflex is gone, she won't be able to eat solids very well. Since you say she seems to like the cereal, though, it doesn't sound like that happened. Good luck!

Ellen
Mom to Laura 6/9/03