Starting Solids...

amy21tom

So DS is now on Elecare because of multiple food allergies. I took the Top 8 allergens plus corn and beef out of my diet and he still had visible blood in his stool on a daily basis as well as eczema. The GI decided it was too much bleeding and it wasn't worth it to risk pulling more foods because we didn't really have the time to wait to see whether or not it would work since he had been bleeding for so long. (I've posted about this before)...

Anyway, his regular pedi and the GI haven't said anything about going to an allergist before starting solids...is this something I should bring up? We are 99% sure milk, soy and eggs are an issue and we are unsure about the others I pulled. There are obviously others that we don't know of as well. WWYD? We have his 6mo appt in November as well as a follow up GI appt. Even if they say it isn't necessary, should I still look for an allergist? I'm nervous to start solids!

g_belle

I would call your GI and ask.  It could be that your pedi is assuming the GI is addressing it and the GI thinks your pedi is addressing it.  I think you should have him tested before you try solids.  At least for the ones you are pretty positive about. 

other than that- introduce foods one at a time and do a week wait in between each (this was our instruction for B based on his testing this week).  You don't have to start with cereals- most of them have cross contamination issues unless you are making them at home (which is super easy to do).  We started B with sweet potatoes since that's the lowest thing on the allergy list.  he'll get squash next and then homemade cereal. Also if there's a food you are unsure about- you can rub some on his cheek and see if he reacts.  If his skin reacts to the food on his cheek- don't give it to him.  

watermelonmargarita

Has you LO been tested at all? At 4 months our pedi wanted to do a blood test but we couldn't enough blood, we tried again at 6 months with another blood test that revealed all of the food allergies. I wish I would have asked about a skin test or at least talking to an allergist then. I would push for some type of testing and to see an allergist. The allergist helped us so much with medicines, advice, and nutrition.

GL!

amy21tom

Thanks for your answers!

g_belle: I was thinking the same thing about not starting with cereals. I don't like thier nutritional value (or lack there of) anyway. Do you know where I can get a good list of the least allergenic foods (besides just googling)?

I'm in no rush to start solids so I'll ask both the GI and the nutritionist about seeing an allergist.

I'm nervous about getting his blood taken because we had to try a few weeks ago for a complete blood count, and the blood clotted both times they tried and it was a horrible experience. Not looking forward to that again...

g_belle

try wholesomebabyfood.com for the allergy list.  (I think that's where I found it- I started with Google).  When we do cereal- oatmeal actually has a ton of great stuff in it (protein etc.) so we'll probably start there.  You could probably make a cereal out of Quinoa (can buy at Whole Foods) and that is protein packed and wheat free. 

amy21tom

g_belle:

try wholesomebabyfood.com for the allergy list.  (I think that's where I found it- I started with Google).  When we do cereal- oatmeal actually has a ton of great stuff in it (protein etc.) so we'll probably start there.  You could probably make a cereal out of Quinoa (can buy at Whole Foods) and that is protein packed and wheat free. 

Awesome, thanks! Love your ideas!