Great. My Child Is Allergic to Both Dairy and Eggs...

Hi...my middle child (who is 13 now) was allergic to eggs as an infant/toddler. He would break out in hives, but would have no other symptoms. We would say that he could look at an egg and break out...this is how fast and prominent they would appear! I couldn't tell you when he became "unallergic." We avoided eggs altogether for so long, and then I think one day a grandma was feeding him eggs. We were on the lookout for the hives, but none appeared. Anyhow, when he was an infant/toddler, the pediatrician was VERY stern about the vaccines! Sometimes they don't ask if a child is allergic to anything, so YOU must bring the fact up. Good luck - and don't sweat it!

You might want to try to pick up a few vegan cookbooks. These will contain recipes that don't use ANY dairy or eggs. With all the milk alternatives (soy, rice, almond) and egg replacer you'll find it's not too difficult to avoid. Also be on the look out for "hidden" dairy in processed/packaged foods - many items contain whey and caisin which are both dairy. If you're still nursing just be sure to avoid these foods in your diet as well. It is common that you don't need to medicate or "treat" your daughters allergy- just simply avoid the triggers. And these are two that MOST children outgrow, their little bodies just have a hard time processing, which is why it recommended that you avoid dairy under 1 and eggs until they're at least 2. Good luck!

I saw that you took your little one to an allergist. I just wanted to mention that you will need to make certain you tell you pediatrician about the allergy (of course you would). I say this because many vaccines are MADE in eggs and so it is important that you stay alert to tell any health care provider about this allergy before vaccines/immunizations are given.

Z.:

with the wonders of internet the easist is to do a search for recipes... try google.

at the book stores you will find cook books that are specific to your needs also.

take a deep breath and one step at a time. it is a change but once you work through the initial stages you will be fine.

P., RLC< IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

I do not have one with allergies but there a couple of sites for recipes I use. They may have something for you.
allrecipes.com
meals.com
cooksrecipes.com
recipesource.com
Hope this helps.Good Luck!!

Z. - I encourage you to go to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network at foodallergy.org and also kidswithfoodallergies.com . They'll help you immensely!

J. - mom to 20 month old allergic to egg, dairy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts

I highly recommend Children's Memorial for allergists (they go to Glenbrook and CMH in Lincoln Park)

My son who is 10 months old is allergic to both soy and dairy. It has been a tough road for him with uncovering his allergies (also strawberries, apricots, watermelon, etc, etc).
He can only have the hypoallergenic hydrolyzed protein formula which is so expensive and he will have until he is two to meet his nutrition requirements. We also feed him mainly fresh veggies, some fruits, and very simple foods made from few ingredients.

I would recommend you continue breastfeeding as long as you can. Obviously traditional formulas are milk based, soy is soy and comes with its own issues, and the hypoallergenic formulas are extremely expensive. Breastfeeding is also shown to reduce allergies and has some protective properties to the gut. As well as the immune properties.

When your daughter stops nursing she will need a source of fat/calories/protein, etc. She will not be able to have milk and soy milk is not as complete as cow's milk and of course human milk. The reason whole milk is recommended at age 1 is for the extra fats, which aren't present in rice or soy milk. It's also because kids fed cow's milk before age 1 are likely to become anemic.

As far as vaccines, I think the only one containing eggs is the flu vaccine. Though you may want to consider not having any vaccines given when the baby is having an outbreak as the immune system is already under stress from the allergy.

It's fairly simple to find recipes that don't need eggs or dairy. You can subsitute soy or rice milk if needed for milk. There are a lot of websites with info on allergies out there that may be helpful also.

Most kids outgrow their allergies, but the key is to totally eliminate exposures.

Try shopping at Whole Foods stores- they have whole sections for dairy/egg allergies, etc. I know they sell baked goods, as well as "helper" style products for dinners, and organic cereals, etc. It is more expensive, but worth the peace of mind, in my opinion!
Sometimes you can join local organic co-opts too, where you can buy products in bulk and then share with other families. There are lots of online sources too... or for other products in stores try Trader Joes, Wild Oats, and GNC or other vitamin stores.

Also, not trying to preach at all, but you may want to try breastfeeding for longer than a year if you can... I say this because my daughter's allergies worsened when I stop nursing her.... luckily she was 3.5 when she self-weaned, but it was old enough to be able to treat her allergies more effectively at the time (she has seasonal allergies along with some food allergies, particularly food dyes.) There was also a decreased risk for removing her tonsils at that time, which helped. It really does afford her some extra protection and nourishment while she is so tiny!

*Try Amazon for cookbooks cheap, once you get titles... or browse the library!

Z.,
If your baby has allergies, DO NOT stop breastfeeding any time soon! Watch your diet, if you can. (It was really hard for me to do that.) Look for anything by Dr. Doris Rapp. She wrote "Is this your Child?" It is a very famous book.
My son has many, many allergies. You will adapt and this will become a way of life for you. After you read more books and food labels, it will be easier for the both of you.
Amy