What Are the Causes of Baby Allergies?

What Are the Causes of Baby Allergies?

As allergy rates in Australian children continue to climb, understanding the key triggers could help protect your little one. Here’s what the latest research reveals – and exactly what you can do about it.

Baby Allergies

🔍 The 5 Biggest Allergy Triggers for Aussie Babies

1. Family History (It’s Not Just Genetics!)

If either parent has allergies, your baby’s risk jumps 50-80%.

New cord blood tests (FAS & UC-IgE) can now predict allergy risk with 80% accuracy.

Pro Tip: Ask your GP about early prevention strategies if allergies run in your family.

2. The Gut-Health Connection

Babies’ immature gut lining lets allergens slip into the bloodstream.

Breastmilk strengthens the gut barrier – but what if you can’t breastfeed?

Shocking Fact: C-section babies have 3x higher allergy risk due to missing mum’s birth canal bacteria.

3. Hidden Home Hazards

Top Culprits in Aussie Homes:

  • ✔ Dust mites in plush toys & bedding
  • ✔ Pet dander (even if you don’t own a pet!)
  • ✔ Mould in poorly ventilated rooms

Simple Fix: Wash bedding weekly in hot 60°C+ water to kill mites.

4. The Feeding Dilemma

🚨 Common Allergy-Causing Foods:

  • • Cow’s milk protein (the #1 trigger)
  • • Eggs
  • • Peanuts (but early introduction may help – more below)

Life-Saver: Hypoallergenic formulas like Novalac Allergy can be game-changers.

5. Modern Life’s Unexpected Impact

Overuse of antibiotics disrupts baby’s microbiome.

The Hygiene Hypothesis: Some dirt exposure actually helps!

Aussie-Specific: Bushfire smoke may worsen respiratory allergies.

🛡️ 5 Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies

The 4-Month Window: New guidelines suggest introducing peanuts & eggs early (with paediatric guidance).

Probiotic Power: Certain strains like L. rhamnosus may reduce eczema risk by 50%.

Vaginal Seeding: For C-section babies (controversial but promising).

Baby Allergies

Allergy-Proof Your Home:

  • Use allergen-proof mattress covers.
  • Keep pets out of the baby’s sleeping area.

Know the Signs:

  • Recurrent rashes
  • Excessive fussiness after feeds
  • Chronic nasal congestion
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