How to Prevent Eczema in Babies? Dietary Precautions for Expectant Mothers

Research has shown that certain specific foods, such as peanuts and nuts, can break down into small molecules during digestion. These small molecules may pass through the placenta and trigger allergic reactions in the fetus. Therefore, expectant mothers should be cautious about consuming these types of foods. Additionally, foods that are prone to causing allergies, such as shellfish (crabs, shrimp, scallops, abalone, and oysters), can be consumed in moderation. For example, it is recommended to limit shrimp intake to 3 to 5 per meal to prevent excessive consumption that could lead to allergies. For dairy and meat products, pregnant women need to ensure sufficient nutrient intake to support fetal growth and development, unless they have clear allergic reactions to these foods, in which case their intake should not be reduced.

How Can Diet During Pregnancy Improve Your Baby’s Skin Health?

Many studies suggest that dietary changes during pregnancy can effectively improve or prevent future skin allergies in babies. In particular, the addition of probiotics has been proven to significantly reduce the incidence of eczema. If probiotics are added during pregnancy and continued in the baby’s diet after birth, the risk of developing eczema by age two can be halved. Moreover, consuming apples and deep-sea fish during pregnancy, such as cod, tuna, and salmon, has also been found to reduce the risk of skin diseases in babies.

How to Prevent Eczema in Babies Through Diet After Birth?

For babies with a family history of allergies, dietary management should be careful from the start. It is recommended to breastfeed and avoid introducing allergenic foods early. Additionally, complementary foods should be introduced in a timely manner to avoid increased allergy risks due to delayed introduction. These measures can help alleviate or prevent the occurrence of eczema.

Why Is Breastfeeding Important for Preventing Eczema in Babies?

Breast milk contains rich immune factors, such as IgA antibodies in colostrum, which provide excellent immune protection for newborns. Additionally, substances in breast milk, such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, and antioxidants, can effectively help the baby resist pathogens. Breast milk also contains factors that help the growth of probiotics in the gut, which are crucial for the future development of the baby’s immune system. Therefore, breastfeeding is recommended for at least four and a half to six months to provide optimal nutrition and allergy prevention.

Dietary Management for Nursing Mothers

During breastfeeding, mothers should avoid high-allergenic foods, especially if the baby shows symptoms of eczema. Foods to avoid include nuts and some seafood. If eczema symptoms still appear during breastfeeding, it may be necessary to adjust the amount of breast milk provided and consider introducing hypoallergenic formula and timely complementary foods to help improve or control allergy symptoms.
If you want to know more, or want to browse more pictures, please click the video below: