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How do I know if my baby has a food allergy?

Parenting Perspective

Symptoms of a food allergy in an infant can show up within a few minutes to a few hours of consumption. These can range from rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea, wheezing, or excessive crying. An infant could develop anaphylaxis, a severe reaction requiring immediate medical attention. To find allergies, add only one food at one time and wait 2–3 days before adding another. This will make it simpler to identify which food is probably causing the reaction if one happens. The most common foods to be allergic to are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, and seafood. If there is a family history of allergies, caution needs to be doubled. Use a food diary and seek medical assistance if a reaction is suspected. Early introduction and close monitoring are the best means of ensuring a safe and healthy introduction to solid foods.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 114: ‘so eat from that sustenance provided to you by Allah (Almighty), that which is lawful and absolutely pure; and be grateful for the bestowments of Allah (Almighty), if it is the case that you seek to exclusively worship Him’ It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2340, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.’ These references remind that food should be both lawful and wholesome, and that any harm, including allergic reactions, should be avoided where possible.

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