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Allergies in babies

Baby rubbing her eyes because of allergies
Photo credit: Thinkstock

What is an allergy?

An allergy happens when your baby's immune system reacts to a substance that's usually harmless (an allergen) (NHS 2018a). Common allergens include:

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  • certain foods, such as cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, sesame, gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley and oats), soya and shellfish (FSA 2017)
  • certain medications, including ibuprofen and some antibiotics
  • certain household chemicals, such as some detergents
  • pets, such as cats and dogs
  • grass and pollen (hayfever)
  • insect bites or stings
  • dust mites
  • latex
  • mould (NHS 2018a)


If you're breastfeeding your baby, your breastmilk can contain traces of the foods you eat (LLLGB 2016). So it's possible for your baby to have an allergic reaction to something you've eaten (LLLGB 2016).

Allergies are very common, particularly in children (NHS 2018a). More than a quarter of us will develop an allergy at some point in our lives (NHS 2018a). The good news is that many babies and children outgrow their allergy with time (NHS 2018a). In the meantime, there are plenty of ways to minimise your little one's symptoms and help them feel better (NHS 2018a).

What causes allergies in babies?

Experts aren't sure why some people's immune systems react to substances that are normally harmless (NHS 2018a), but we do know how it usually happens. The first time your baby is exposed to an allergen, their immune system creates antibodies that stay in their body. The next time they encounter the allergen, these antibodies react, causing symptoms to flare up (BSI 2017).

Your little one may be more likely to develop allergies if you or your partner has them, too (NHS 2018a). Allergies and allergic conditions such as asthma and eczema tend to run in families (NHS 2018a).

Allergies are particularly common in modern, urban environments (BSI 2017). This could be because aspects of our modern lifestyles – such as lower rates of breastfeeding and more antibiotic use – affect how our bodies respond to allergens (BSI 2017). Or it could be because we keep our homes so clean and hygienic. This means that our babies' immune systems don't get a chance to practise fighting off germs, so they could overreact to substances that are normally harmless (BSI 2017).

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Find out more about whether it's possible to be too clean.

What are the symptoms of allergic reactions in babies?

If your baby has an allergic reaction, it will probably happen within a few minutes of contact with an allergen (NHS 2018a). Sometimes though, reactions can be more delayed, and take a few hours to develop (NHS 2018a).

The symptoms of an allergic reaction can be different depending on what your baby's allergic to (NHS 2018a). For example, a pollen allergy may be more likely to give your baby a runny nose, while a skin allergy may be more likely to cause a rash (NHS 2018a). In general though, the following can all be signs of an allergic reaction:

  • red, watering, itchy eyes
  • a blocked or runny nose, or sneezing
  • wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath
  • a raised, itchy rash (hives)
  • dry, itchy skin (contact dermatitis) which can become dark brown, purple or grey on black or brown skin and red on white skin
  • swollen face, lips, tongue or eyes
  • nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting (NHS 2018a, 2019)


All of these can also be symptoms of other illnesses (NHS 2018a), so they don't necessarily mean your little one has an allergy. If you think your baby might be allergic to something, see your GP. They'll help you work out what's causing their symptoms, and make sure they get the right treatment (NHS 2018a).

In rare cases, an allergy can cause a more serious reaction, known as anaphylaxis (NHS 2018a). This can be life-threatening, so it's important to seek treatment straight away (NHS 2018a). Call 999 for an ambulance if your baby:

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  • Has swelling around their mouth and throat.
  • Seems to be having difficulty breathing.
  • Has blue skin or lips (cyanosis). On black or brown skin cyanosis can be easier to see on your baby's lips, tongue and gums.
  • Loses consciousness (NHS 2018a, 2020).


Find out more about anaphylaxis.

How are allergies diagnosed?

If you think your baby could have an allergy, take them to see your GP. The'll start out by asking you some questions about your baby's symptoms and what you think could be causing them (NICE 2011). They may also give your baby a general check-up to make sure they're healthy and growing well (NICE 2011).

If you suspect your little one could have a food allergy, you may want to keep a food diary while you're waiting for an appointment with your GP (Allergy UK nd,a). Make a note of what your baby eats and drinks, and when (Allergy UK nd,a) (or what you eat and drink, and when your baby feeds, if you're breastfeeding). Also note down when your baby has any symptoms that you think could be allergy-related (Allergy UK nd,a). This may help you and your GP to work out what's causing them (Allergy UK nd,a).

If your GP suspects your child has an allergy, they may give you tips and advice on how to minimise their symptoms (NHS 2018a). Or they may offer you an allergy test to find out for sure what's causing your baby's symptoms (NHS 2018a, NICE 2011). The GP may carry out the test themselves, or refer you to a specialist at an allergy clinic (NICE 2011).

Common tests for allergies in babies include:

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  • Skin-prick test: your GP will put drops of a suspected allergen onto your baby's skin, then gently prick the skin with a tiny needle (NHS 2018a). If your baby is allergic to the substance, a raised, red bump will appear within about 15 minutes (NHS 2018a). This test shouldn't be painful for your baby, though it can be a little uncomfortable, and if a bump appears, it may be a bit itchy (NHS 2018a).
  • Blood test: this is also known as an IgE test (NICE 2011). IgE stands for Immunoglobulin E, which is the name for antibiodies that are produced during some types of allergic reaction (NICE 2011). Your GP may offer a blood test to see if your baby has produced these antibodies (NHS 2018a, NICE 2011).
  • Patch test: your GP may recommend this test if they think your baby could be reacting to something that's touched their skin. They'll place an allergen on a special metal disc, then tape that disc to your baby's skin for a few days to see if it causes a reaction (NHS 2018a).
  • Elimination diet: if you think your baby could be allergic to a particular food, your GP may recommend that you try cutting that food out of their diet for a few weeks, to see if that helps (NHS 2018a). If you're breastfeeding, they may recommend that you cut the food out of your own diet (LLLGB 2016). After several weeks, your GP will recommend offering the food again (Harding 2018). If your baby's symptoms go away while they're avoiding the food, then come back when they have it again, you'll know that they're sensitive to that food. Always talk to your GP before cutting out a particular food, though. They'll be able to help you make sure your baby's still getting all the nutrients they need (NHS 2018a).
  • Food challenge: this is the most accurate test for food allergies, but it can result in an allergic reaction (NHS 2018a), so it's usually only recommended if other allergy tests haven't given a clear diagnosis. It involves feeding your baby a tiny amount of the suspected allergen, then gradually increasing the dose to see if your baby has a reaction (NHS 2018a). It's important that this test is done under medical supervision – don't try it at home, as it could be dangerous for your baby (NHS 2018a).
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You may see kits advertised online that claim to enable you to test for allergies at home (NHS 2018a). Unfortunately, these aren't reliable (NHS 2018a), so it's always better to take your baby to the GP instead.

How can I manage my baby's allergy?

Once your GP has confirmed that your little one has an allergy, the best way to keep it under control is to keep the allergen away from your baby as much as possible (NHS 2018a). This can be easier said than done, but your GP should give you plenty of tips to help (NICE 2011). Plus, try these ways to avoid some of the most common allergens:

Pollen (hayfever)

Babies don't often get hayfever (allergic rhinitis), but if your little one does, you'll soon get in the habit of checking the pollen count on your local weather forecast (NHS 2018a). This will tell you how much pollen's in the air. When it's high (NHS 2018a), you can take the following steps to ease your baby's hayfever symptoms:

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  • Keep your baby indoors, with doors and windows shut, as much as possible.
  • When you do need to take your baby outside, avoid grassy areas such as parks and fields. You could also invest in some wraparound sunglasses to protect your baby's eyes.
  • After taking your baby outside, give them a bath and change their clothes when you come back in.
  • Dry your baby's clothes, blankets and towels indoors (NHS 2018a).


Dust mites

These are tiny insects that live in household dust (NHS 2018a). It's impossible to completely rid your home of dust, but frequent cleaning may help to give your child some relief. Try the following to minimise dust, particularly in your baby's bedroom (NHS 2018a):

  • Clean soft toys, curtains and upholstery regularly. Where possible, wash at a high temperature; otherwise, vacuum thoroughly.
  • Wipe down hard surfaces with a damp cloth to trap dust, instead of dry dusting which can throw dust up into the air.
  • Consider investing in some allergy-proof covers for your baby's bedding.
  • Consider buying a vacuum cleaner that's fitted with a HEPA (high efficiency particular air) filter. This helps to trap more dust than regular vacuum cleaners.
  • If the above tips don't help, you could consider redecorating with non-fabric floors, furniture and window coverings, which won't trap as much dust (NHS 2018a).
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Pets

If your baby has an allergy to animals such as cats and dogs, it's natural to think that they're reacting to their fur. However, studies have shown that it's actually the animal's saliva, skin flakes and urine that can cause the problem.

The following tips may help to keep your baby's allergy symptoms under control:

  • Keep your pets outside as much as possible, or limit them to one room, ideally one that doesn't have a carpet.
  • Don't allow pets in your child's bedroom.
  • Groom your pets regularly. Brush them outdoors to keep allergens out of your home, and wash them at least once a week.
  • Regularly wash all your pet's bedding, and soft furnishings they tend to lie on.
  • Keep rooms well ventilated, for example by opening windows or using fans.
  • Consider buying an air filter to remove allergy-causing particles from the air (NHS 2018a).
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If these tips don't work, you may need to consider rehoming your pet (NHS 2018a). As heartbreaking as that can be, it may be the best option for your baby.

If you're visiting friends who have a pet, your GP may be able to prescribe antihistamines to give your baby some temporary relief from their symptoms (NHS 2018a). Learn more in the below section on medication.

Food and drink

If your baby's allergic to a particular food, check ingredients labels carefully to make sure they don't contain the relevant ingredient (NHS 2018a). Whether your baby's breastfed, formula-fed or on solids, get more tips on how to manage food allergies in our separate article on food allergies in babies.

Can medication help my baby's allergies?

Unfortunately, medication can't completely cure your baby's allergy. But there are some medicines that may help to control their symptoms and make them feel better (NHS 2018a). Common medicines for allergies in babies include:

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  • Antihistamines. This type of medicine can help to control an allergy flare-up (NHS 2018a). You can give it to your baby when you know their symptoms will flare up, such as when the pollen count is high, or if you're visiting a friend with pets (NHS 2018a). You can also give it to them as and when they have an allergic reaction, to calm their symptoms down (NHS 2018a). Although adults can buy antihistamines over the counter, pharmacists aren't usually allowed to sell them for babies and young children, so you'll need to see your GP for a prescription. Depending on the type of allergy your child has, your GP may prescribe them as liquid medicine, cream, eye drops or a nasal spray (NHS 2018a). The liquid medicine may also make your baby sleepy.
  • Steroids. Similar to antihistamines, these are available from your GP as liquid medicines, creams, eye drops, nasal sprays or an inhaler (for asthma) (NHS 2018a). They help to reduce inflammation (NHS 2018a), which can ease your baby's symptoms and give him some relief.
  • Adrenaline auto-injectors. If your baby is at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), your GP will prescribe an emergency adrenaline auto-injector, and show you how to use it safely (NHS 2018a). You should use it as soon as you suspect that your little one could be having an allergic reaction (NHS 2018a). To help you feel confident in an emergency, and let your child's carers know what to do, you could ask your GP for a written emergency action plan, which they can download from the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) websiteOpens a new window.


Other medicines can help to treat the symptoms of your baby's allergy and help her feel better. For example, if your baby's allergies give them dry, cracked skin, a moisturising cream (emollient) or calamine lotion may help to soothe their skin and reduce any itching (NHS 2018a). Talk to your pharmacist or GP to find out what's right for your baby.

Don't give your baby decongestants to clear a blocked nose, as these aren't safe for children under six (NHS 2016a).

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If your baby has a severe allergy, and the treatments above don't help, they may be eligible for a type of treatment known as immunotherapy or desensitisation (NHS 2018a). This involves regularly exposing your child to a tiny amount of the allergen for several years (NHS 2018a). In some cases, this can help your baby's body get used to the allergen, reducing the severity of his symptoms (NHS 2018a).

When you see your GP, they'll discuss all these options with you and help you find the right treatment for your baby.

Will my baby grow out of their allergy?

It's hard to say. Some children do grow out of their allergy, while for others, it can be a life-long condition (NHS 2018a). It depends in part on what kind of allergy your baby has. For example, allergies to milk, eggs and wheat are often short-lived, while allergies to peanuts, seafood, fish or tree nuts are more likely to stick around (AC 2017).

The best thing to do is to ask your GP or allergy specialist what the future holds for your little one. If they suspect that they may have the allergy for life, try not to worry. You'll soon become an expert in managing their symptoms. Things which seem complicated now, such as avoiding certain foods will quickly become second nature.

More information:

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BabyCentre's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organisations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

AC. 2017. Outgrowing food allergy. Anaphylaxis Campaign. www.anaphylaxisOpens a new window .org.ukOpens a new window [Accessed December 2018]

Allergy UK. nd,a. Food & symptoms diary. Allergy UK, Resources. www.allergyuk.orgOpens a new window [Accessed November 2018]

BSI. 2017. Allergy. British Society for Immunology, policy briefing. www.immunology.orgOpens a new window [Accessed November 2018]

FSA. 2017. Allergen labelling guidance for food manufacturers. Food Standards Agency, Business Guidance. www.food.gov.ukOpens a new window [Accessed March 2019]

Harding M. 2018. Food allergy and intolerance. Patient, Health Info. https://patient.info/allergies-blood-immune/food-allergy-and-intoleranceOpens a new window [Accessed March 2019]

LLLGB. 2016. Allergies & food intolerances. La Leche League GB, Common Concerns. www.laleche.org.ukOpens a new window [Accessed November 2018]

NHS. 2016a. Decongestants. NHS, Health A-Z. www.nhs.ukOpens a new window [Accessed December 2018]

NHS. 2018a. Allergies. NHS, Health A-Z. www.nhs.ukOpens a new window [Accessed December 2018]

NHS. 2019. Contact dermatitis. NHS, Health A-Z. www.nhs.ukOpens a new window [Accessed September 2020]

NHS. 2020. Blue skin or lips (cyanosis). NHS, Health A-Z. www.nhs.ukOpens a new window [Accessed September 2020]

NICE. 2011. Food allergy in under 19s: assessment and diagnosis. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, clinical guideline CG116. www.nice.org.ukOpens a new window [Accessed November 2018]

Polly Logan-Banks
Polly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing evidence-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.
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