Q:
My 8-month-old won't eat solid foods. He's only nursing, and that's not enough. What can I do?
The first time I gave him rice cereal, he broke out in hives so I switched brands. Then he caught a cold and didn't want to eat because he couldn't breathe. After recovering he refused to eat.
Last week, he was fed a smashed banana and he broke out in hives. Do you think he's refusing food because he thinks he'll be allergic to it?
A:
You may be correct about why your baby has started refusing solids, Christina, especially between the hives and the cold. As both a lactation consultant and a pediatric nutritionist, I will tell you to hold off on introducing any new foods until he is closer to a year.
Although many might not agree, because he is still breastfeeding, the breast milk is providing most of his required nutrients and will continue to boost his immune system, a factor that may lesson the severity of his food reactions later on in life. In fact, the longer he receives breastmilk, the more protection he will get.
I want you to discuss with his pediatrician all of the foods your son is reacting to. Banana is not typically considered an allergen, by the way. I also recommend the website kidswithfoodallergies.org as a great source of education and tips for feeding allergy-prone kids.
Susan M. Leisner RD, IBCLC, RLC Nutritionist & Lactation Consultant
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.
