For many mothers who have food allergies or have a family history of food allergies the big question is, “will my baby inherit the same food allergies?”  There are no easy answers to this question, but most doctors agree that breast feeding is still the best way to feed a newborn baby.

In fact feeding a baby on a diet of breast milk alone for the first six months is recognized as the best way to help prevent food allergies from developing.  However according to the American Academy of Pediatrics there is no hard evidence that avoiding common food allergens during pregnancy will make any difference as to whether the child will  develop allergies or not.

In studies conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, tests showed that there was some difference in the occurrence of Atopic disease, which includes eczema, asthma and food allergies, in children whose mothers avoided foods associated with food allergies while breast feeding.  This was however seen mostly in children who were considered at high risk for developing allergies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends that a mother breast feeds exclusively for the first 4 to 6 months of a baby’s life.  Not only will this help with reducing the incidence of allergies but will help the child develop the necessary anti bodies to cope with a range of unrelated health issues.

It is also noted that children who are breast fed tend to have fewer occurrences of skin rashes, wheezing and developing allergies to cow’s milk.  Many mothers who must rely on formula to feed their babies ask whether they should chose a formula that contains cow’s milk or one that is soy based,  in truth neither one may be the best choice.

Both formulas based on soy or cow’s milk may be a source of allergens that put a child at risk to develop these allergies.  If you must supplement breast milk or feed your child on formula it is recommended that you choose one that is hypo-allergenic to significantly reduce the risks.

Most pediatricians agree that the best way to feed a baby is by breast feeding; your child will receive many of the necessary nutrients and anti-bodies that are needed for them to develop in a normal and healthy manner.