Signs Your Breastfed Infant May Have an Allergy or Intolerance
First and foremost, discuss any and all issues you may be having with a trusted healthcare provider. I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. I’m just a mom and I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.
The club that no one wants to be in, The Allergy Parent Club, has an initiation that goes a little something like this. You have a beautiful baby that you notice is probably kind of angry. Maybe this looks more like mild discomfort or maybe this looks like a baby that is just absolutely miserable. You will likely describe this baby as colicky. Lots of crying. Maybe baby doesn’t cry so much as they just won’t settle or they won’t sleep.
Inconsolable, Colicky, Angry
Angry, uncomfortable, crying, colicky — these alone aren’t giant neon signs flashing ALLERGY. But, in combination with other symptoms, it is absolutely a sign that something may be wrong. A lot of parents instinctually know this. You see that your baby is majorly unhappy and uncomfortable without any other obvious reason.
Skin Rashes
Skin rashes, in combination with a miserable baby, are a good indication that your baby may have an allergy or intolerance. The rash could be a small patch of eczema, hives, or it could be a full body rash. This rash could be weeping or look infected (it could be infected). Maybe your baby has diaper rash ALL THE TIME. You know you’re changing their diapers quickly, youre cycling through diaper and wipe brands to find the most gentle option, and you’ve tried every diaper rash cream available —- and still your baby has a painful diaper rash. This, in combination with a fussy, colicky baby could be a sign your baby has an allergy or intolerance.
Poop Problems
Funky poop on a regular basis. Does your kid poop 20x per day? Enter Bill Engvall: Here’s Your Sign. On the flip-side, maybe baby is constipated often. Other examples of allergy/intolerance poop are mucousy or bloody stools. And I really just want to reiterate here - if you see some funky stools and youre seeing mucous and especially if you see blood — call your healthcare provider immediately. Seek medical attention. While stool involvement is a part of the picture for a lot of breastfed babies with allergies, we need to make sure we are getting that evaluated by a trusted medical provider ASAP.
Excessive spit up, reflux, vomiting
Excessive spit up, reflux, and projectile vomiting goes along with the poop issues. Get with your health care provider when you suspect an issue. But again, this is typically a part of the picture with allergies in breastfed babies. They have a very angry digestive system and you’re seeing issues and symptoms through the whole digestion process.
Sneezing
Sneezing can be a sign your breastfed infant may have an allergy or intolerance. Now, frequent sneezing in a newborn, without any other symptoms, is NORMAL. When I say sneezing is an allergy symptom, I feel like it’s one of those things that if you know, you know.
TL;DR - Inconsolable/ Colicky, Rashy, Poop Probs, Excessive Spit Up/ Reflux/ Vomiting, Sneezy
Medical Disclaimer -
The information given is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute as medical advice. The Tie-Dyed Doula strives to provide quality, accurate educational information. This information is not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional.