DS1 just diagnosed with milk, egg, nut allergies- help please!

[left210]

We just found out our DS1 is allergic to milk, eggs & nuts. If anyone has gone through this already and knows of some products that are milk, egg & nut free I would be so appreciative if you could share the names, etc. We cleaned out the cabinets last night and not much left in there for him. I realize I will probably have to cook alot from scratch and stick with fruits & veggies alot. With only being 1 he doesnt eat much meat yet and really limited on what he can eat/chew. I plan to go to Whole Foods to get some guidance there too but they are not close to us and I was hoping to find some products at my regular grocery too. Thanks for any help.

 

[EthansMom]

Can your DS have soy? How bout rice? My kids are lactose intolerant and have always drunk soy milk. They prefer the vanilla-flavored soy milk. Both soy and rice milk taste much better than when we were kids. There are also "ice creams" made with soy and/or rice milk that are quite tasty.

Talk to your pediatrician, but I would think your son could have meats at his age as long as they are pureed. Certainly, I had my kids eating pureed meats at that age. I used a hand-grinder made for baby food and would use it to grind up some of whatever DH and I were eating. Here's a link to the one I used: http://www.amazon.com/KidCo-Baby-St...ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1246023392&sr=8-2.

I hope this helps!

 

[PGHDisneyfan]

Stock up on Frito Lays products, rolled gold pretzels, lays potato chips are all peanut free and made in peanut free processing plants!

 

[Rymer]

I am not sure about a nut allergy....but my husband has dairy allergies and we have been living dairy free for years. we have found that Cabot cheese is lactose free, but if your DS has a complete dairy allergy and not just lactose intollerant this may not be a choice for you. we found that veggie shred didn't taste too bad (comes in mozzarella flavor) for home made pizza and nachos. It's not cheese, but when your allergic to dairy you'll do anything for pizza! we found there is a butter substitute that we use for cooking, toast, etc I forgot the name but we get it in natural whole foods stores. Also, tofutti (found in some grocercy stores or natural whole foods stores) makes a sour cream and cream cheese. the sour cream is really good, we make dips with it and if a recipie calls for sour cream we use this. I don't enjoy the cream cheese but my husband eats it and thinks it is fine. I have found various ways to make the same recipies I've always made using these substitues. we eat tofutti ice cream or sorbet. just some of my quick tips, hope it helps.
my 1 yr old son eats little pieces of ham, hamburg, hotdog, chicken, etc so there are many things he can still eat.
be careful of breads, there are many that contain milk.....read all labels carefully. usually the store brand breads contain milk. also seasoning packets like for stews and such contain milk, but there are a few that dont.

 

[GoofyFairie]

To get some information you can check out these websites. www.foodallergy.org www.kidswithfoodallergies.org. It will take a little to get used to, but it will get easier to feed and care for your child. You can also read a book called Food Allergies For Dummies by Dr. Robert Wood. He is a pediatric allergist who has had food allergies since he was a kid.

 

[left210]

We have been giving him rice milk for the last 3 days. This definitely stopped the diarrhea which was probably from the cows milk. He is on a milk free diet right now not just lactose free. He did not test positive to soy which is good as I understand we will have some other choices. I know this may get me flamed but I had heard not to give boys alot of soy due to the estrogen. I havent done alot of research on that yet so I dont know if there is any truth to it or not. We will use soy yogurts and stuff like that but not sure yet about giving him soy milk since he still drinks alot of milk. Also, I have seen that they have both the original and vanilla rice milk and soy milk. Why would you use the vanilla - for taste only? I worry that if I give him the vanilla it may be so sweet that he would always want sweet drinks. I know I am worrying too much. He seems to do ok on the original rice milk right now but just in three days it has been hard to find - most stores have it but they are out of the original and have the vanilla in stock. I had Walmart order me a case of the original last night so I am just going to stock up. I need to find some quick snack type things for him. I know it is not the most healthy and I will be cooking more from scratch to meet his needs but I would love to find some brands that will give him a quick snack at times too. DS can have meats but doesnt do too well with them yet as a finger food so I will try grinding them up. Thanks for the help.

 

[mlynn]

here is a great Website.http://www.foodallergy.org/
Just start reading everything before you buy it. At 1st it takes alot of time but then it will just be natural for you to do it.(My dd4 is being tested for Peanut allergy)

 

[Manda]

My son was allergic to milk and soy (good news - he outgrew it around 3 years old). We stuck with mainly whole foods - many of the processed foods sneak milk byproducts into the ingredients. Even soy/rice cheeses, etc. often have things like casein (cow milk) in them. We discovered his allergy around 9 or 10 months, I think? His diet consisted mostly of simply cooked meats, and steamed/fresh veggies, fresh fruits, rice dishes, and pasta. The cheese thing was the biggest hurdle because it seems like every dish they put on kids menus are cheese-based - quesadilla, cheese pizza, grilled cheese, etc. He just didn't drink any milk alternatives (rice milk just seemed like a sugary drink with not a lot of value) until he outgrew the soy allergy before the cow milk allergy. Then he started drinking the occasional plain soy milk. I never pushed it much though. The important thing is to make sure that he eats a balanced diet.

 

[left210]

My son was allergic to milk and soy (good news - he outgrew it around 3 years old). We stuck with mainly whole foods - many of the processed foods sneak milk byproducts into the ingredients. Even soy/rice cheeses, etc. often have things like casein (cow milk) in them. We discovered his allergy around 9 or 10 months, I think? His diet consisted mostly of simply cooked meats, and steamed/fresh veggies, fresh fruits, rice dishes, and pasta. The cheese thing was the biggest hurdle because it seems like every dish they put on kids menus are cheese-based - quesadilla, cheese pizza, grilled cheese, etc. He just didn't drink any milk alternatives (rice milk just seemed like a sugary drink with not a lot of value) until he outgrew the soy allergy before the cow milk allergy. Then he started drinking the occasional plain soy milk. I never pushed it much though. The important thing is to make sure that he eats a balanced diet.

Thanks for the encouragement. What kind of pastas did you use? I thought most pastas had egg in them. I realize you didnt have an egg allergy so that might have been ok for you. Did you just stop the milk cold turkey? We have only been on rice milk a few days and it just isnt satisfying him. For instance, before all of this he would have a sippy cup of milk before bed and make it through the night without anything else but that sippy cup of rice milk will not get him through the night. I am using the enriched rice milk but it just doesnt have as much fat as whole milk so that is why I am guessing it isnt fulfilling him enough.

 

[Manda]

Thanks for the encouragement. What kind of pastas did you use? I thought most pastas had egg in them. I realize you didnt have an egg allergy so that might have been ok for you. Did you just stop the milk cold turkey? We have only been on rice milk a few days and it just isnt satisfying him. For instance, before all of this he would have a sippy cup of milk before bed and make it through the night without anything else but that sippy cup of rice milk will not get him through the night. I am using the enriched rice milk but it just doesnt have as much fat as whole milk so that is why I am guessing it isnt fulfilling him enough.

Most off-the-shelf pastas do not have eggs unless they are egg noodles. You can just check the labeling to be sure. Look for items labeled vegan, too, as you'll know those don't have milk or eggs. Actually, searching for vegan recipes, etc., would probably be really helpful for you.

Mine still breastfed before bed at that age - but he also didn't sleep through the night, LOL, so I'm little help there. He weaned before he could drink milk though, but I don't think he ever really drank milk like that before bed. We did start "bedtime snacks" at a pretty young age because he's one of those perpetually hungry kids. He usually has a small something to eat just before bed.

 

[left210]

Most off-the-shelf pastas do not have eggs unless they are egg noodles. You can just check the labeling to be sure. Look for items labeled vegan, too, as you'll know those don't have milk or eggs. Actually, searching for vegan recipes, etc., would probably be really helpful for you.

Mine still breastfed before bed at that age - but he also didn't sleep through the night, LOL, so I'm little help there. He weaned before he could drink milk though, but I don't think he ever really drank milk like that before bed. We did start "bedtime snacks" at a pretty young age because he's one of those perpetually hungry kids. He usually has a small something to eat just before bed.

Yeah it sounds like I might have to start adding a snack at bedtime. What kind of snacks do you give at bedtime?

 

[GoinToDisney]

I can tell you that Kelloggs and General Mills have pretty good labeling. It's been a while for me, but last I checked, Kraft did not label for "may contain" and there was a study that said that Products with the may contain statement DID contain enough of the allergen almost 20% of the time.

As for soy, I can tell you that it can effect male fertility. When you have fertility issues, men are supposed to limit soy. I know someone who ate a ton of Kashii soy cereal... like he would go through a box or 2 in a week. He and his wife were trying to get pregnant and nothing for almost a year. His wife found enough info to convince him to cut out soy for 3 months and they were pregnant the first try after that 3 months. They miscarried due to other issues and conceived the first or second month of trying 2 more times before seeing a fertility doctor who told them cutting soy was definitely the right thing to do. How much is too much is the question.

We also had to start my daughter on bedtime snacks around a year. We'd just do rice cereal mixed with rice milk for a while. Then we started yogurt, which would have to be soy for you.

Whole foods were definitely easiest when we were dealing with food allergies. She has since outgrown, thankfully, but you really do get used to reading labels and your list of foods increases. We ended up buying a bread machine because you can make your own breads. I'm not sure how much help Whole Foods would be since we mostly did fruits, veggies and meats at that age. The only processed food she was eating at one was rice cereal as a bedtime snack and maybe a little bread or pasta.

 

[GoinToDisney]

Cheerios and a cup of rice milk, toast with a very thin layer of sunbutter, rice cereal, plain oatmeal. We just have a few that we rotate. You'd have to read labels on these of course.

It's so much to process at first, but it does get much easier. (((Hugs)))

 

[abc123mom]

My daughter was diagnosed with life threatening allergies to dairy, soy, egg, peanuts and tree nuts, right around age one. I think one of the best things we did was made an appointment with a pediatric nutritionist. She helped us learn how to balance our daughter's diet and helped us find a nutritional supplement to replace milk (since she was also allergic to soy, soy products weren't an option either) so she could continue to grow and develop within the normal range. She did stress that rice milk was fine for cereal, but NOT a nutritionally sound replacement for cow's milk or formula.

Five years later her egg allergy is the only one to improve, she can have it in trace amounts within baked/cooked items. All the others remain the same. It can be daunting at times but eventually avoiding these allergens will become easier. Just remember to always, always check labels, even on products that were "safe" the week before. Many manufacturers change their ingredients frequently.

Best of luck!

 

[NJ2Boardwalk]

Hello -
My DD15 was just recently diagnosed with a milk allergy as well as an allergy to artifical sugars (high fructose corn syrup). We use rice milk for many things and it's a great substitute for regular milk. My DD doesn't really like the taste of it, as it is very thin and has a bit of a grainy taste. The vanilla flavor isn't overly sweet, but a little sweeter than the original. She also eats Arnold Sandwich Thins, which are bread slices for sandwiches or toast. HTH!

 

[cntrygal]

Good News Oreos are egg free, nut free and dairy free. I had a child in my preschool class with all three alergies and we always kept oreos in the room that she could have when we had cupcake s for birthdays!

 

[MSSANDRA]

First "hugs" as this is harder on you than him. DGS whom we care for much of the time is allergic to eggs and peanuts. Our best source has been our doctor. Asking him EXACTLY what is and is not ok for YOUR child will make planning much easier.
For example:
It sounds like the milk allergy casues digestive problems and not the full anaphalatic reaction. If so, can he have trace amounts in cookies etc or not? Is trace eggs ok or not?
Peanuts..can he have made in the same factory or not??

We know that our DGS is ok with tiny amounts of trace eggs in baked products but will have a local reation if he just touches raw egg or has egg whites.

Our dr says "made in the same factory" is ok but not traces of peanuts.

We are never more that a hand from his epi pen.
We also started very early educating him. He now "reads" every lable before he will eat it.

I suggest a long trip to the store by yourself and read EVERYTHING your family buys. You still have have to reread the lable every time as it can change . One size of a hersery bar is safe, the other not!.

Learn to wipe down anything he might touch that could have peanuts etc, such as a shopping cart, and teach him not to touch any food without asking. DGS knows not to touch the candy in the checkout line.

We choose not to eat anything around DGS that he can not have but that might not work for your family.

He is only one ,but start making it a part of you everyday conversation

Good luck and let us know if we can help any more.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

It will be ok. It probably doesn't seem like it right now to you, but soon your new normal will be automatic----the checking and rechecking of labels, the "do you have the epis," the discussions with family and friends, etc. The worrying never goes away but it does fade somewhat.

DdNow14 was diagnosed with multiple food allergies two years ago, at age 12. The first months were quite difficult with meal planning and food shopping but it's easier now. Dd takes control of her allergies when we eat out (which is only at WDW, one local restaurant and fast-food places whose ingredients I can read online), carries her own meds, and has educated all her friends about food allergies and reactions. Even if your little guy doesn't outgrow the allergies, he will have a normal life

One piece of advice--------------go grocery shopping BY YOURSELF! You will need lots of time to read and re-read the labels.

 

[Nancyg56]

My DGD was dairy and egg free for a few years. She did outgrow it don't give up hope.
Kady could have soy so we gave her soy milk. Bob's Red Mill makes a gluten free pancake mix which is also dairy and egg free. To substitute the egg use one TB soy flour (also Bob's Red Mill) and 2 T water.

There is a dairy free margarine, Smart Balance Light, which is pretty good and is not too pricey. There are also some soy margarine that are available at Health food stores, and some grocery stores. They are expensive.

Dunkin Hines makes a dairy free chocolate cake mix as well as a dairy free spice and lemon mix. Add one can of pumpkin and 1/2 cp water to the chocolate and you will have great cupcakes

There are also dairy free chocolate chips, read the labels, allergies to wheat, soy, nuts eggs and dairy will be listed.

Wonder bread is safe

Vegan food is safe for teh dairy and egg allergy, I used vegan websites for recipe help

See a nutritionist. There are several names for dairy and egg protiens you need to be aware, Cassein, lecithin, whey for instance all need to be avoided.

PM me if you need anything, I cooked for my DGD. My DD is very knowledgeble so I know she will help. Look for Kady'sMom on the WFD thread or in the DISabilitied forum

 

[disfan07]

I was diagnosed with egg allergy last year. I also am allergic to peanuts whihc i have been my whole life but it has gotten to be life threatening. I am also allergic to red berries. In addition i am also allergic to the preservative sodium benzoate.

The egg allergy was hard at first, i never realized how much stuff had egg in it. We cook most of our meals from scracth now.

The hard one was the peanuts. That went from just havign to avoid peanuts to having to avoid anything that was even made in the same facility as peanuts which eliminates half of the foods out there. If he has to stay away from "made in teh same facility" the 365 line at whole foods is not good than b/c 99% of the stuff is made in the same facility.

There are really good dairy adn egg free waffles that we got from whole foods...i cant remember the brand though.
be careful with the pasta. One brand might not have eggs but another brand that you would think would be the same ingredients migth have eggs in it.

I dont have any advice for the dairy allergy,. I am lactose intolerant but i dont have to avoid all dairy so i dont have the experience with that.