Baby health

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

Do messy diaper poopsplosions have you wondering if your baby’s stomach is reacting badly to new foods? A paediatrician explains what’s going on.

By Dr. Dina Kulik

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

Photo: iStockphoto

I’ve been introducing new foods to my baby, which has resulted in several poopsplosions. Could he be intolerant to certain foods?

When you offer a new food to your baby, you are introducing new fibres and proteins that your baby’s intestines need to get used to. Poop explosions will happen from time to time. This is common and not something to worry about. It’s also normal for some of those new foods to find their way into the poop, almost undigested. As your baby’s intestines mature, foods will be more fully digested.

I would, however, be concerned if your child has a reaction that affects two different bodily systems after trying a new food (say, diarrhea and a rash). That could be a sign of an allergy, and you should call 911. Abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, coughing or decreased consciousness are other allergy signs to watch for and should be treated as an emergency.

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