There is some evidence that suggests breastfeeding helps protect infants from future allergies, and that early exposure to cow's milk may increase the chance of developing asthma later in life. However, a family history of allergies is perhaps the best predictor of future allergy problems. Most foods provoke an immediate reaction if your child is sensitive, usually within two hours.
Severe reactions are very rare in children.
However, any breathing difficulties or fainting require immediate medical attention. As with any allergy, avoiding contact with the allergen is the best self-care procedure. If you suspect that your child has a food allergy, it's important to try to identify the food agent that caused the reaction. A process of trial and error, recorded in a food diary, may be the best way to identify the culprit. The good news is that many children grow out of food allergies by age 6.