Allergies and Development

[matey]

Do you think that having problems with allergies can delay normal development at all?

I have been looking at my ddc thread where everyone talks about what their babies are doing, and my ds is not doing those things. He has always been behind. He was born about a month early, so some delay is expected. But DH and I were talking and he wondered if having issues with allergies upsetting his sysytem and balance would have any type of effect on development.

What do you guys think?

[changingseasons]

I think that food allergies can cause malabsorption of nutrients, and that the malabsorption might cause delays.

But seriously- DON'T compare your LO to anyone else's. All that does is make you crazy (ask me how I know! ) Everyone's baby develops SO differently. When we used to go to our baby group, I was always looking at how DD compared to the other babies. And in some areas, she was way ahead, and in some, way behind. It got really frustrating. Like right now, DD is almost 14 months and says NO real words. But I know that she understands the words (she can follow simple commands, and she makes sounds- like "oh" for uh-oh), and she's met all the physical milestones that she should be at so far, so I try not to let it stress me too much.

[SuzymomofLaura]

My guess is that when such a little child's body is constantly under fire due to food allergies/intolerances it can certainly cause a delay in all kinds of things. Our nutritionist confirmed that observation (in regard to our DD) too. When she was getting/feeling better she had a growth spurt, but not just her height and weight, also her hair, nails and teeth! At the same time a huge leap in her development occurred, her motorical skills improved, she seemed to understand more, just as if she set herself to the task of growing and developing with renewed energy
I hope you will see something simular in your little guy soon!

[pedi08]

yes this could certainly place a baby at risk. but so can being sick all the time etc. lots of energy gets focused on getting better so other areas may get put on the back burner... but their are plenty of babies who do fine or even excel, despite allergies, illnesses and even prematurity.

but there is a huge range of what is normal at this age and although its hard not to compare, don't. Also, somtimes if a baby is really focused on one area of development, i.e., gross motor, other areas lag behind, which is normal. Like if a child is really trying to work on hand/eye coordination, his cooing may reduce or if a baby is really into his articulators his rolling may come later. Stuff like that, so just peak at developmental milestones but don't hold your little one to the month, babies are so unique and do things on their own clocks! If you become concerneds call your local early intervention and they can assess.