Can your breastfed baby have an allergic reaction from something you ate?

Yes, it is possible for a breastfed baby to have an allergic reaction to something their breastfeeding parent has eaten although that is rare. This is because proteins from the food the parent eats can pass into their breast milk and be ingested by the baby. An allergic reaction can occur if the baby is sensitive to or allergic to any of these proteins.

Common foods that can cause allergic reactions in breastfed babies include:

-Cow's milk

-Soy

-Eggs

-Peanuts

-Tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews)

-Wheat

-Fish and shellfish

Symptoms of an allergic reaction in a breastfed baby can include:

1) Skin rashes such as hives or eczema

2) Difficulty breathing

3) Swelling of the face, lips, or throat

4) Vomiting or diarrhoea

5) Colic or fussiness

6) Nasal congestion or runny nose

7) Itchy eyes

If your baby develops any of these symptoms after you have eaten a certain food, it is important to avoid that food and speak to your doctor or a healthcare professional about further steps to take, including potential food challenges under medical supervision.