Allergies

Evidence 

ASCIA Clinical Update Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Position Paper 

ASCIA has developed these guidelines to outline practices that may help reduce the risk of infants developing allergies, particularly early onset allergic diseases such as eczema and food allergy. 

The reasons for the continued rise in allergic diseases, such as food allergy, eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are complex and not well understood. Although infants with a family history of allergic disease are at higher risk of allergies, infants with no family history can also develop allergies. Therefore, these guidelines are relevant for all families, including those in which siblings or parents already have food allergies or other allergic conditions. 

Education 

A food allergy is when the body reacts in a harmful way to a certain food. For some children, their immune system sees a food (like egg, peanut, or milk) as dangerous, even though it’s not. This can cause symptoms like swelling, rashes, or vomiting and in rare cases, a severe reaction that needs emergency help. 

Babies who are born premature or sick can still develop food allergies, just like babies born full-term and healthy. 

Research shows that giving your baby common allergy foods before they turn one can help prevent them from developing an allergy. If possible, breastfeed infants whilst introducing these foods. The common food allergens include: 

• Peanut butter (smooth) 

• Cooked egg 

• Cow’s milk (in baked foods) 

• Tree nuts 

• Sesame 

• Wheat 

• Soy 

• Fish and other seafood 

Introduce foods one at a time, and in small amounts to monitor for reactions. It’s best to introduce foods during the day so you can monitor for reactions. 

If food allergies run in your family, it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting these foods. Even if no one in your family has allergies, your baby could still develop one. 

Look out for signs of an allergic reaction shortly after your baby tries a new food. These include: 

• Swelling of the lips, face or eyes 

• Hives, welts, or a rash 

• Vomiting 

• Acting unusually upset or unsettled 

If this happens, stop giving the food and get medical advice. 

Call 000 for an ambulance immediately if your baby: 

• Has trouble breathing or is breathing noisily 

• Becomes pale, floppy or unresponsive 

• Has a swollen tongue 

These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) and they usually happen within minutes to two hours after eating. 

Sometimes babies get a red area around the mouth from food touching the skin. This is usually just skin irritation, not an allergy. If you are unsure, seek medical advice. 

You can find more information and pictures showing what allergic reactions look like here: 

https://preventallergies.org.au/identifying-allergic-reactions/ 

Empowerment 

Finding out your baby or toddler has a food allergy can feel scary and overwhelming. For some families, it starts with a strong reaction when a new food is tried. You might feel unsure or worried, but you are not alone. 

It’s important to remember that you can manage food allergies safely, with support. 

Here are some helpful tips to guide you: 

• A paediatric dietitian can help you with safe food choices for your child and make sure they’re still getting the nutrients they need to grow. 

• Ask your doctor about getting a personal Allergy Action Plan so you know what to do in case of a reaction. 

• Teach siblings, babysitters, family, and friends how to help avoid allergic foods, what signs to look for and what to do in the event of a reaction. 

When Joining a Playgroup or Daycare 

• Let other parents or carers know about your child’s allergy early on. 

• Communicate with Daycare about your child’s allergy and work together through the menu or bring in your own food. 

• Contact your local Playgroup Association to see if they offer allergy-aware or allergy-friendly groups. 

• If attending Miracle Babies Nurture Group, let the support worker know of the allergy so we can ensure your child is safe at Morning Teatime. 

Prepare for Emergencies 

• Everyone caring for your child should know how to spot signs of an allergic reaction and how to give antihistamines or an adrenaline injector (EpiPen), if needed. 

• Keep emergency medicine and your child’s Action Plan with you when out and about. 

Help Your Child Feel Safe 

• Visit your local ambulance station if you can. Seeing the inside of an ambulance and meeting paramedics can help your child feel less scared if an emergency ever happens. 

• Use a toy doctor kit to play pretend at home. This helps your child become more comfortable with medical care and hospital visits. 

Useful Links 

The National Allergy Council  

https://preventallergies.org.au/ 

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia 
https://allergyfacts.org.au 

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA): www.allergy.org.au 

SelectWisely (translation cards) 

www.selectwisely.com/ 

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