Starting solids and noticing changes in your baby?

Whether it's rashes, tummy discomfort, or unsettled sleep, parents often find themselves asking, "Could it be something they ate?" You're not alone. Food sensitivities in babies can show up in subtle or unexpected ways, and they’re more common than many realise, particularly during the introduction of solids.

As a Certified Baby Nutrition Consultant, I help families navigate these bumps with confidence and clarity.

What are food sensitivities?

Food sensitivities are different from food allergies. They don’t involve an immediate immune response but can cause delayed symptoms such as:

• Skin rashes (including eczema flare-ups)

• Mucousy or stringy poos

• Constipation or loose stools

• Reflux or vomiting

• Bloating or trapped wind

• Congestion or persistent sniffles

• Fussiness or unsettled behaviour after eating

Unlike allergies, which usually produce fast, obvious symptoms, sensitivities can creep in gradually and may be harder to pinpoint without support.

Common trigger foods when starting solids

Some babies tolerate everything with ease, while others need a gentler introduction. These are some of the more common foods that may cause sensitivities:

• Cow’s milk dairy (yoghurt, cheese, milk in baked goods)

• Eggs

• Wheat or gluten-containing grains

• Soy

• Citrus fruits

• Tomatoes

• Strawberries

• Peanuts and tree nuts

It's important to note that you do not need to avoid all of these foods automatically. Many babies tolerate them well, but if you are noticing changes in behaviour, digestion or skin, they may be worth reviewing.

What to do if you suspect a sensitivity

1. Keep a simple food and symptom journal
Tracking what your baby eats and any reactions that follow can help you notice patterns. Some symptoms may appear up to 72 hours later.

2. Introduce new foods one at a time
Spacing new foods by a few days makes it easier to identify which one may be causing a problem. Use my FREE allergen tracking guide to help you monitor and track allergen foods.

3. Support the gut with wholefoods
Focus on cooked vegetables, slow-cooked meats, bone broth, stewed fruits, and fibre-rich "P" fruits like pear, prune, peach and plum to support healthy digestion.

4. Don’t restrict unnecessarily
Most food sensitivities are temporary and improve with gut support, immune development, and time.

What else could it be?

Not every symptom is food-related. Teething, viral illness, sleep changes or developmental leaps can all mimic signs of food sensitivity. That's why it's important to take a holistic view rather than jumping to eliminate multiple foods at once.

Need help understanding your baby’s symptoms?

If you're feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck in a food spiral, you're not alone. I offer one-on-one nutrition consults to help you:

• Identify possible food sensitivities

• Support your baby's gut health naturally

• Create a step-by-step solids plan that works for your family

[Book a consult here] — let me help YOU cut through the confusion and get your baby’s digestion back on track.