How to Take a Baby to an Allergist

No one is too young to have an allergy. Allergies can affect babies from the time they are born. Unfortunately, allergies can be tricky to recognize and diagnose in a child who is too young to talk. If it's likely that your baby has allergies, you might need to take the child to an allergist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Doing this is not difficult, but it does take a few steps to find an appropriate allergist and make the most out of the appointment.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your baby's regular pediatrician to make sure an allergist is the appropriate specialist for your baby. Symptoms that might indicate an allergy can also be a sign of other conditions. Your pediatrician can evaluate your baby's situation and let you know if allergies are the most likely cause.

• 2

  Ask your pediatrician for a referral to an allergist who treats babies and has experience with them. Treating infants is different from treating adult patients because a baby cannot describe his symptoms and feelings. You need to visit an allergist with a solid background in treating babies.

• 3

  Call the allergist's office to make an appointment for your baby. If you have been referred to a popular specialist, you might have to wait several days, or even weeks, if your baby's condition is not serious enough to warrant immediate attention. Provide insurance information and anything else required.

• 4

  Be prepared to fill out paperwork when you arrive at the allergist's office with your baby. You will most likely have to provide your insurance card and identification and fill out a new patient profile for your baby. Be as detailed as possible when giving information about your baby's symptoms and condition.

• 5

  Give the allergist any information she needs while she is examining your baby, and ask her any questions that come to mind. Diagnosing allergies is sometimes like putting together a puzzle. Be prepared to provide as many pieces as possible, since you will be speaking for your baby,