Testing to Determine If Your Infant Has a Food Sensitivity

There are many ways to test to determine if your infant has a food sensitivity. Of course you can always bring your baby to the doctor to perform tests, but this is not always the most economical solution to the problem. Here is a guide to testing your infant to determine if he has a food sensitivity and also determining what food the baby is sensitive to.

Testing for Food Sensitivity Step 1: Begin by omitting all foods from the baby's diet besides the formula that you already know is not creating problems or allergic reactions for your baby.

Testing for Food Sensitivity Step 2: On a 3 day basis, begin introducing you infant to new foods. Begin with foods that you do not suspect the baby to have a sensitivity to and offer these foods in small amounts at first.

Testing for Food Sensitivity Step 3: Only give the baby one food at a time and offer it for at least three days before adding another food to the menu. Make sure that over the three days you check for signs of a food sensitivity such as diarrhea, upset stomach, fussiness, gas, vomiting or rash.

Testing for Food Sensitivity Step 4: Continue to add foods to the baby's diet one at a time and allowing the baby to eat the food for at least three days in order to possibly show signs of a food sensitivity.

Testing for Food Sensitivity Step 5: If there are certain foods that you know that your baby is not sensitive to then you may continue feeding these foods. Gradually allow your baby to eat small amounts of any food that you think he may have a sensitivity to and keep track of any changes in his behavior, mood, skin tone or texture etc.

Testing for Food Sensitivity Step 6: The easiest way to determine if your baby has a sensitivity to a particular food is to eliminate that food completely and see if the signs or symptoms of sensitivity go away. If the symptoms do go away, try to offer the food to your baby again and check for similar symptoms. Should you notice these symptoms then it is confirmed that your baby has a food sensitivity and that particular food should be avoided or offered in very small amounts to attempt to build a tolerance to the food over time.

If the signs of food sensitivity include wheezing, coughing, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing or hives then you should consult the baby's pediatrician before offering the same food again as this could be a sign of an allergy that may be a danger to your baby.