Ինչպե՞ս ճանաչել իմ երեխայի ալերգիան:

It has not been scientifically established that having a low-allergen diet during pregnancy helps avoid the development of allergies in infants. These days, it is not recommended to follow a low-allergen diet during pregnancy because this increases the risk of inadequate nutrient intake. It has been proven, however, that

• a mother's smoking can increase the child's risk of allergy.
• children who are born naturally are less likely to develop allergies than children who are born via caesarean section.

During a natural birth, bacteria are transferred from the mother that are important for the development of the child's immature immune system.

Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for every baby, especially if there is already a family history of allergies. If possible, the child should be exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months to prevent allergies. If the milk supply is insufficient or there are other reasons why breastfeeding is not possible, babies with a higher risk of allergies should be fed a hypoallergenic (HA) formula. Please contact your doctor if you have any further questions.

To train the immune system, solids can be introduced between the ages of 5 to 7 months. As with infants at no risk for allergies, different foods may be introduced gradually for a balanced, age-appropriate, mixed (breastmilk or formula, plus solids) diet. Fish, for example, is highly recommended these days and can enrich the menu within the first year because it provides easily digestible protein and valuable fatty acids. Also, the step by step introduction of grains containing gluten should begin at this time.

Cleanliness and hygiene are especially important in the first six months. During the first few months you should always carefully clean and sterilise bottles, teats and dummies/pacifiers. But please don't forget that your child's physiology has to come into contact with contaminants (e.g. viruses, bacteria, pollens) in order to develop a defence against them. If not, the body may either not react at all (i.e. becomes sick) or reacts excessively (i.e. has an allergic reaction) when it comes into contact with these substances. Let your child explore their environment or play with pets after the first six months. And trust the old adage that 'dirt cleanses the stomach'.