Babies
How to Help Reduce the Risk of Developing Infant Allergies
By
Dec 10, 2006, 21:23

(NC)-Allergies are on the rise, and according to a new survey, 37 per cent of new moms in Canada believe that if there is a family history of allergies, there is not much you can to do help prevent a baby from developing them.

It is true that babies with one or more family members with allergies are at higher risk of developing allergies themselves; in addition 15 per cent of children with no family history also develop them. But what many parents don't know is that there are steps you can take to help reduce your child's risk.

Health Canada recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for six months and that breastfeeding continue for up to two years. It is the optimal method of feeding your baby and may reduce the risk that a child will develop allergies. However, if a mother cannot, or chooses not to breastfeed her baby, she needs to know that not all infant formulas are created equally - some have been clinically proven to help reduce the risk of developing allergies.

"Parents should look for an infant formula that is partially hydrolyzed, meaning that the protein has been partially broken down to help reduce the risk of developing allergies," says Dr. Peter Nieman, paediatrician. "In Canada, Nestlé Good Start with Omega-3 & Omega-6 is the only routine formula that is made this way."

Babies are susceptible to developing allergies during the first few months of life. And babies who develop one allergy are more likely to develop other allergies.

Some good tips for parents to remember are:

. Exclusively breastfeeding your baby for six months is recommended

. If you are using an infant formula, choose one that is made of 100 per cent whey protein that is partially broken down, like Nestlé Good Start with Omega-3 & Omega-6

. Delay introduction of common allergens including: milk, peanuts, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, soy, sesame seeds, some fish like crustaceans and shellfish, and sulphites.

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