Feeding FAQ: 4-6 months – Other

Can I pass my allergies on to my baby of 18 weeks?

During my pregnancy I developed an allergy to peaches and apples (I’m not sure whether this is normal or not!!). My doctor told me that the allergy should disappear when I gave birth – but it hasn’t.
When I eat apple, my mouth feels all tingly and my lips swell a bit. I am extremely worried that I might have passed this allergy on to my daughter, who is now 18 weeks old and I’m thinking of weaning her soon. Am I likely to I have passed the allergy on? Should I avoid apple altogether for a while? Are there any other things that I should avoid as well? I’ve never heard of anyone else with an apple allergy, so I am really stumped as what to do.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. In all respects, sleeping and eating, Abigail is a perfect contented little baby.
Regards
Carol

I presume your symptoms appear when you eat the fruit raw and with the skin on? Most fruit and vegetable allergies happen in the raw state. The reactions are often limited to the mouth and lips and called oral allergy syndrome [OAS]. From research I have read on the subject it would seem they are more common in adults than children.

I suggest you avoid offering apples and peaches when you begin to wean Abigail, even though you would be offering them as cooked purées without the skin. Pear and mango would be suitable alternatives. If you want to try her with apple and peach in a few months I would offer them cooked, give her a very small taste and watch carefully for any reaction. If you spot any reaction at all that concerns you then you should see the GP as soon as possible.

If you decide that Abigail is alright with these fruits choose a sweet variety of apple such as Royal Gala rather than the sharper Granny Smith.