Recommendations for Allergy-Prone Newborns Allergies and asthma appear to be inherited. Children of allergic parents have a much higher rate of allergic disease. Those with allergies present on both sides of the family have about twice the incidence than those with allergies on one side of the family. The newborn period appears to be critical for exposure to antigens, substances that cause allergy symptoms. Some allergic problems for newborns are GI problems such as colic, diarrhea, vomiting, and respiratory symptoms including asthma.
Food allergies are usually the biggest problem found the first year.
Recent evidence indicates that common sense measures taken immediately can delay or prevent some allergic problems. There are a number of medical reasons for encouraging mothers to nurse newborn infants. It provides the most adequate nutritional balance. A baby who is nursed is supported nutritionally for up to six months without additional food. The initial mother's milk, or colostrum, provides antibodies that protect the infant against several newborn disease, some of which can be life threatening.