Signs of a Food Allergy in Infancy

Introducing solid foods to your baby is such a sacred milestone — full of excitement, joy, and yes, maybe some worry. If you’ve ever felt that gut nudge that something isn’t right after your baby eats, trust it. I can tell you from personal experience: a mother’s intuition is real.

When I started noticing reactions in my own children, doctors brushed me off more than once. Some symptoms were immediate and others were progressive. At some point I was told, “It’s just a stomach bug,” or “babies get rashes all the time.” But deep down, I knew these were food reactions. I had to fight for answers and that journey turned me into not only their biggest advocate, but it’s the fire that fuels everything I do today.

At What Age Do Food Allergies Usually Develop?

Food allergies can develop at any age, but most often they show up in infancy or early childhood. Reactions commonly happen soon after introducing foods like cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, or shellfish. Trust me, it can also happen through any stage in life. I have noticed during major shifts (could even be stress or any major life event) in the ages people are experiencing anaphylaxis out of no where later in my life. Including my husband!

Some babies react the very first time they try an allergenic food. Others only show symptoms after repeated exposure. That’s why it’s wise to introduce new foods one at a time, with space in between, so it’s easier to spot a reaction.

Today, about 1 in 13 children (roughly two kids in every classroom) live with a food allergy.
Food allergies in children increased by 50% from 1997 to 2011, and that rise has continued.
A landmark study showed that introducing peanuts between 4–6 months and continuing through age 5 lowered the risk of peanut allergy later in childhood by 81%. That was not the case in my home as I started at 4 months with our youngest, but he showed signs immediately with hives and coughing.
Another recent study found that infants who had 13–14 different foods by 9 months reduced their risk of developing food allergies by nearly 45%.

Symptoms of a Food Allergy in Babies and Toddlers

Food allergies show up on a spectrum — sometimes mild, sometimes life-threatening. Here’s what to watch for:

Milder signs (within minutes to a few hours after eating):

Redness, hives, or a patchy rash on the skin
Itchy skin or mild swelling around the mouth, eyes, or face
Runny nose or sneezing after eating
Digestive upset: vomiting, loose stools, or sudden fussiness after feeding

Severe signs (anaphylaxis) — call for help immediately:

Trouble breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Sudden, severe vomiting
Dizziness, fainting, or sudden paleness

Food allergies aren’t rare “what ifs.” They are real, they are increasing, and they can be life-threatening. That’s why paying attention to even the smallest reaction matters.

How to Manage Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers

If your child is diagnosed with a food allergy, your role shifts instantly. You become the protector, the translator, the detective. It feels overwhelming at first — I’ve lived that fear and sleeplessness — but over time, you gain confidence. Here’s how:

1. Partner with your pediatrician or allergist

Push for testing. Push for answers. Don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns. Having a trusted medical partner who listens is everything.

2. Read every label like it’s a contract

Allergens hide in sauces, seasonings, even “natural flavors.” Over time, you’ll spot red flags instantly and find brands you can rely on.

3. Create an action plan

Always keep prescribed medications (like epinephrine) on hand. Make sure grandparents, babysitters, teachers — everyone in your child’s circle — knows what to do in an emergency.

4. Explore safe, joyful alternatives

Being “allergen-friendly” doesn’t mean missing out. In fact, it opens the door to creativity. My family discovered incredible recipes and products once we started looking. And then we opened up The Difference Baker, knowing that we will be able to bless people nationwide one day!

The Bigger Picture: Why This Work Matters

Over 33 million Americans live with food allergies.
5.6 million of them are children, meaning food allergies impact nearly every community, every school, every restaurant table.
Almost half of kids with food allergies have experienced a severe reaction like anaphylaxis.
Emergency room visits for anaphylaxis due to food allergies have skyrocketed — increasing 377% between 2007 and 2016.

These aren’t just numbers. They represent real children, real families, and real challenges. They represent my kids, myself, and my lifelong journey — and maybe yours, too.