How to Minimize Your Baby's Risk of Allergies

Approximately eight percent of children have allergies, translating to about one in every 13 kids. While there’s no way to prevent allergies, several strategies can help support your baby’s immune system and minimize allergy severity.

Allergic reactions are a common concern and one we often hear about, which is why our experienced pediatricians at Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics regularly counsel parents on the topic. Keep reading for simple ways to help lower your infant's risk of developing allergies.

4 Ways to reduce your child’s allergy risk

Here are four easy things you can do to help your child avoid severe allergic reactions:

1. Breastfeed if possible

Breastfeeding isn’t always an option, but we encourage you to do it if it is. Studies show that infants who breastfeed for the first three or four months of life may be less likely to develop eczema and other allergy-related conditions. 

Although experts are still trying to understand why this is, some research suggests that breast milk contains molecules that regulate gene expression, protecting against allergies.

If you can’t breastfeed, that’s okay. We can recommend a hypoallergenic formula designed to reduce allergy risk in sensitive infants. 

2. Introduce common allergens early

It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to protect your baby from severe allergic reactions is by introducing them to common allergens, such as peanuts and eggs, early on. Specifically, we recommend you begin adding small amounts of these foods between four and six months of age. 

Research backs this up. For example, the LEAP Study concluded that introducing peanuts to infants early and regularly significantly reduced the risk of peanut allergies.

3. Support a healthy skin barrier

Babies have very sensitive skin, so it is important to take good care of it. Using gentle, fragrance-free soaps can help prevent irritation, and this simple step can also reduce the risk of allergies. 

Since 10-20% of babies have eczema, protecting the skin barrier also supports their overall immune health. Damaged or inflamed skin may allow allergens to enter the body, increasing the risk of sensitization. If your infant has dry or itchy skin, apply a moisturizer daily to soothe flare-ups and help maintain a strong, protective barrier.

4. Avoid over-sanitizing

With a new baby at home, it’s tempting to clean and sanitize everything, hoping it will keep them healthy. But eradicating all microbes can actually have the opposite effect by limiting the immune system’s exposure to common microbes it needs to develop properly. If your baby has known allergies or sensitivities, let them explore, get dirty, and interact with your pets. 

Contact us if you’re concerned about infant allergies

If you’re concerned your baby is at risk of allergies, schedule a same-day sick visit with our caring pediatricians. We have years of experience treating infant allergies and can help you and your family develop a personalized treatment plan. Contact Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, today. Call the office or use the online booking feature to get started.