Food plays a big role in your child’s growth. But for some children, certain foods can cause serious reactions. A food allergy can show up early in life, and knowing when it might appear helps you act fast. Let’s explore when allergies start and what parents can do about it.

Food Allergies Can Begin Early

Many food allergy in children cases begin during infancy. Babies may have their first reaction when they start eating solid foods. This often happens around 4 to 6 months of age. At this stage, they may try common foods like eggs, dairy, or peanut butter.

If your child reacts with a rash, vomiting, or swelling, it may be a sign of a food allergy. Even a small amount of food can trigger symptoms in sensitive children.

Watching for First Symptoms

The signs of an allergy can appear fast. Some babies react just minutes after eating a new food. Others may show symptoms after a few hours. Typical food allergy symptoms include:

• Hives or red skin
• Swelling of lips, eyes, or tongue
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or trouble breathing

Always keep a close eye when your baby tries a new food for the first time. If anything seems off, stop feeding the food and call your doctor.

Most Common Allergens in Children

There are a few foods that cause most allergic reactions. These are known as the common food allergens, and they include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Soy
• Wheat
• Fish
• Shellfish

Many children are allergic to more than one food. Some of these allergies, like milk or egg, may fade as kids grow. Others, such as peanut or shellfish allergies, often stay for life.

Why Food Allergies Happen

A food allergy happens when your child’s immune system mistakes a harmless food for something dangerous. The body tries to protect itself, and this causes the reaction. It’s not fully clear why this happens, but family history and genetics can play a role.

If a parent or sibling has a food allergy, your child may have a higher chance of developing one too.

When to Visit a Specialist

If you think your baby or child has an allergy, it’s time to see a food allergy specialist. Don’t try to guess which foods are safe. A specialist can help figure out what’s causing the reaction and how to avoid it.Getting the right help early can prevent serious reactions later.

How Doctors Test for Allergies

Doctors use several safe methods for food allergy testing. One common test is the skin prick test. A small amount of the suspected food is placed on your child’s skin. Then the skin is gently scratched. If redness or swelling appears, your child might be allergic.

Blood tests are another tool. In some cases, doctors might suggest a food challenge. During this test, the child eats a tiny amount of the suspected allergen under medical care.

Allergy Testing helps you know exactly which foods to avoid.

Managing Allergies at a Young Age

Once the allergy is confirmed, you’ll need to create a plan. The best food allergy treatment is simple: avoid the food that causes the reaction. You’ll need to read labels carefully and be cautious with baby snacks or prepared meals.

If your child goes to daycare or preschool, make sure staff are aware of the allergy. Teach caregivers how to use an epinephrine auto-injector, just in case of a reaction.

Feeding Tips for Parents

Introducing new foods one at a time is key. Wait a few days between each new food. This makes it easier to spot which one caused a reaction if something goes wrong.

Don’t delay feeding potential allergens unless your doctor advises it. Some studies suggest that early exposure to foods like peanuts may help reduce the chance of developing a food allergy. Talk to your child’s doctor before starting high-risk foods.

Emotional Support Matters Too

It can be scary to manage a food allergy, especially in a small child. Parents worry about every meal and snack. That’s why having support makes a big difference. You can connect with others who are going through the same thing.

Let your child grow up confident. Teach them early on to speak up about their allergy. Make sure they know it’s okay to say “no” to food that may not be safe.

Final Thoughts

So, what age do food allergies start in children? For many, they begin during the first year of life. Being aware of the signs and knowing when to seek help can make all the difference. Work closely with a food allergy specialist and consider food allergy testing to get a clear diagnosis.

By avoiding common food allergens and following the right food allergy treatment, your child can stay safe and healthy. With support, planning, and awareness, you can give your child the best start in life—without fear at the table.