Common allergy symptoms in babies
What should I do if I suspect my baby has an allergy?
Talk to your doctor. Ask for allergy skin prick tests for food. These skin prick tests are safe for any age.
If your baby is very unwell, ask to be referred to an allergy specialist or a paediatrician with a particular interest in allergies.
Plunket
If you have questions about your baby, contact your local Plunket nurse.
PlunketLine (0800 933 922) is a toll-free telephone advice service available to all families, whānau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Breastfeeding
Try to breastfeed for at least six months.
Twelve months is best because no formula is needed.
If you have weaned your baby and want to return to breastfeeding, contact the La Leche League for help. You will have to continue using formula until you have a good milk supply.
- colic
- constant crying or irritability
- hard to hold and cuddle
- pushes away from the breast
- frequent spilling or projectile vomiting
- excessive dribbling
- passing wind
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- eczema
- failure to thrive
- numerous infections
- cot (crib) rocking (head banging)
- wheezing or breathing too fast (Contact your doctor immediately)
What should I do if I suspect my baby has an allergy?
Talk to your doctor. Ask for allergy skin prick tests for food. These skin prick tests are safe for any age.
If your baby is very unwell, ask to be referred to an allergy specialist or a paediatrician with a particular interest in allergies.
Plunket
If you have questions about your baby, contact your local Plunket nurse.
PlunketLine (0800 933 922) is a toll-free telephone advice service available to all families, whānau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Breastfeeding
Try to breastfeed for at least six months.
Twelve months is best because no formula is needed.
If you have weaned your baby and want to return to breastfeeding, contact the La Leche League for help. You will have to continue using formula until you have a good milk supply.