Managing Food Allergies from Baby to Preschool (Ages 0–5)

Welcome to our latest Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. This is the third episode in our 6-part series about food allergies at different ages and stages of life. In this episode, we talk about how to take care of babies and toddlers with food allergies.

This episode is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney are joined by Basil Kahwash, MD, to talk about food allergies in young children. From messy eating to first reactions, they share tips to help you keep your child safe. You’ll learn how to spot allergy symptoms, keep things safe at daycare, and start simple safety habits early.

You can listen to the podcast at ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere, at:

Special thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring this podcast episode. All opinions are our own, and sponsorship does not influence content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is informational and not an endorsement.

How to keep a baby or toddler safe with food allergies

Babies and toddlers tend to put everything in their mouths. That makes food allergens a risk, especially if they’re on hands, toys, or shared surfaces. In this episode, we explain how to keep your child with food allergies safe.

You’ll also learn how to teach caregivers to use epinephrine and how to build simple habits like handwashing and reading food labels.

Key takeaways for parents of young children with food allergies

  • Start habits early. Your child learns by watching you. Talk out loud when reading labels or when asking if a food is safe to eat.
  • Keep introducing new foods. Only avoid a food if your child has had a reaction to it, and you have seen an allergist.
  • Know the signs of an allergic reaction. Babies may seem sleepy, cranky, or extra clingy before other allergy symptoms appear.
  • Train your caregivers. Make sure daycare workers know how to use epinephrine and keep it nearby.
  • Stay calm and steady. Your child picks up on your mood, confidence, and routines help lower anxiety for both of you.

Timestamps for ‘Managing Food Allergies from Baby to Preschool’ Podcast

01:13 – Meet Dr. Basil Kahwash

01:38 – Why we talk about food allergies by age

02:37 – How babies come in contact with allergens

03:35 – Should you keep allergens out of your house?

04:47 – Can babies be born with food allergies?

06:48 – Is it safe to try new foods after a diagnosis?

09:45 – What a reaction looks like in a baby

11:00 – How reactions change as kids get older

12:50 – Using epinephrine in babies and toddlers

16:00 – Talking to daycare staff about your child’s allergy

19:05 – How and when to teach label reading

21:50 – Eating at someone else’s house or restaurant

24:27 – Should your toddler wear a medical bracelet?

25:43 – Feelings and stress for both parents and kids

28:17 – How to stay calm in front of your child

29:35 – Final tips for parents

Resources about food allergy management in young children

More episodes in the Ages & Stages Series 

AAAAI Ages & Stages PDFs