Baby Allergies: What Every Parent Should Know - A Doctor Explains
Ask the Expert
Baby Allergies: What Every Parent Should Know - A Doctor Explains
Answered by Dr Chiang Wen Chin, Pediatrician (Allergy and Immunology)
Allergies in babies and young children are more common than many parents realise, and understanding them early can make a meaningful difference to your child's health and wellbeing. Most allergies develop during infancy, with food allergy and atopic dermatitis (eczema) among the most frequently seen conditions. Here, Dr Chiang Wen Chin, Pediatrician (Allergy and Immunology) addresses three important facts every parent should know about baby allergies, and what you can do to help.
Q: Can baby allergies be cured, or will my child have to manage them forever?
A: Managing allergies is very much a long-term journey rather than a short-term fix. While symptoms can be effectively controlled with medication and the right treatment plan, ongoing management is usually needed to keep them well contained.
The good news is that with early diagnosis and consistent support, many children with allergies go on to live full, active and comfortable lives. Starting early makes a real difference - and one of the most important first steps is to look into your family history. Since allergies can have a hereditary component, knowing whether you or your partner has a history of allergies gives your doctor valuable context for an early and informed assessment. From there, recognising the signs and having an open conversation with your doctor is the best way forward.
Q: How seriously can allergies affect my baby's daily life and development?
A: This is something parents sometimes underestimate. Certain allergies may appear manageable on the surface, but if left untreated, they can have a real impact on a child's emotional and social wellbeing over time. What may begin as physical discomfort or embarrassment can, in some cases, progress to affect a child's confidence, self-esteem, and willingness to socialise with others.
This is why I always encourage parents not to wait and see. An allergy that seems mild today is worth taking seriously, not because it will necessarily worsen, but because early management gives your child the best chance of living comfortably and confidently.
Q: I have heard that some allergic reactions can be very serious. What should I know?
A: Allergic reactions exist on a spectrum. On the more tolerable end, symptoms may include itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, asthma, itchy or inflamed skin, and eczema. These are uncomfortable but manageable with appropriate treatment.
At the most severe end of the spectrum is anaphylaxis- a serious, whole-body allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention. The most common triggers include foods such as egg, milk, peanut and treenuts., Symptoms to be aware of include:
- Swelling of the throat and mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Difficulty breathing, due to asthma or throat swelling
- Hives
- Generalised flushing of the skin
- Abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting
- Sudden feeling of weakness or a drop in blood pressure
If you suspect your child is experiencing anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.
Q: What can I do to help prevent or reduce the risk of allergies in my baby?
A: While allergies cannot always be prevented, current evidence suggests that the right early action may help reduce the risk of developing and result in earlier tolerance to the foods.
A frequent challenge for parents is managing infants with eczema and concerns of food allergies. Most eczema can be managed well with topical moisturizers with topical anti-inflammatory medications. In the area of food allergies, early weaning and exposure of allergenic foods in the first year of life and in some instances, introduction in an appropriate form such as baked egg or milk muffins or cookies rather than strict avoidance in those with confirmed food allergies. This has been shown to result in earlier resolution of their food allergies.
The first step is to ensure that an accurate diagnosis of the allergies in which family history is a key in risk assessment of allergies your infant. Since allergies can have a strong hereditary component, knowing whether you or your partner have a history of allergies is important context for your doctor.
Breastfeeding, where possible, may help provide a layer of protection to your baby's digestive tract and support their natural defences against allergies. It remains one of the most well-supported early nutrition choices for babies at risk of developing allergic conditions.
Q: Can formula milk help reduce allergy risk in babies who are not breastfed or after breastfeeding?
A: Breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby. If breastfeeding is not possible, speak to your doctor about the most suitable formula for your child.
For babies not receiving breast milk and with a family history of allergy, your doctor may consider a partially hydrolyzed formula (pHF). In pHF, whey protein is broken down into smaller fragments, which may be better tolerated by a baby's developing immune system.
Some studies suggest that pHF may help reduce the risk of allergic conditions such as eczema in non-breastfed babies at higher allergy risk. Every child is different; the feeding choices should always be made in consultation with your doctor. If you have concerns about your baby's feeding or allergy risk, please consult your doctor or healthcare professional.
Dr. Chiang Wen Chin
Paediatrician (Allergy and Immunology)
Chiang Children's Allergy & Asthma Clinic
#17-12 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
