Medical Conditions

Will My Baby Outgrow Their Food Allergy?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, Mayo Clinic guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect will my baby outgrow their food allergy, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Many children outgrow certain food allergies. About 80% outgrow milk allergy by age 5, and about 70% outgrow egg allergy by age 5. Wheat and soy allergies are also commonly outgrown. However, peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies are more likely to persist. Your allergist monitors your baby's allergy levels over time and can perform a supervised oral food challenge when appropriate to determine if the allergy has been outgrown.

Key takeaways

  • Many children outgrow certain food allergies. About 80% outgrow milk allergy by age 5, and about 70% outgrow egg allergy by age 5. Wheat and soy allergies are also commonly outgrown. However, peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies are more likely to persist. Your allergist monitors your baby's allergy levels over time and can perform a supervised oral food challenge when appropriate to determine if the allergy has been outgrown.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby's allergy test levels are gradually decreasing over time
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby has accidentally been exposed to their allergen and is showing any symptoms beyond mild localized hives
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH, Mayo Clinic guidelines, many children outgrow certain food allergies. About 80% outgrow milk allergy by age 5, and about 70% outgrow egg allergy by age 5. Wheat and soy allergies are also commonly outgrown. However, peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies are more likely to persist. Your allergist monitors your baby's allergy levels over time and can perform a supervised oral food challenge when appropriate to determine if the allergy has been outgrown. At 0-3 months, allergies diagnosed very early (such as cow's milk protein allergy presenting as bloody stools or severe eczema) have a good chance of being outgrown. Your pediatrician or allergist will monitor and plan for eventual reintroduction under medical supervision, usually not before 9-12 months of age. It is generally considered normal when your baby's allergy test levels are gradually decreasing over time. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has accidentally been exposed to their allergen and is showing any symptoms beyond mild localized hives.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your baby's allergy test levels are gradually decreasing over time
Your baby has accidentally been exposed to their allergen and is showing any symptoms beyond mild localized hives
Your baby tolerates baked forms of an allergen (like baked milk or egg) even if still reactive to the uncooked form
You attempted to reintroduce an allergen at home without medical supervision and your baby is having a reaction
Your allergist is optimistic about the trajectory and is planning an oral food challenge
You want to know if your baby's specific allergy is likely to be outgrown

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Allergies diagnosed very early (such as cow's milk protein allergy presenting as bloody stools or severe eczema) have a good chance of being outgrown. Your pediatrician or allergist will monitor and plan for eventual reintroduction under medical supervision, usually not before 9-12 months of age.

3-6 months

If your baby was diagnosed with a food allergy, strict avoidance is the current standard while the immune system matures. Your allergist may repeat allergy testing (blood IgE levels) every 6-12 months to track whether levels are decreasing, which is a positive sign that the allergy may be resolving.

6-12 months

Some babies who reacted to foods early on may show decreasing allergy levels. However, do not reintroduce any allergen without your allergist's guidance. Your allergist may recommend a supervised oral food challenge in their office if blood tests suggest the allergy may be resolving.

12-24 months

This is a common time for allergists to consider oral food challenges for allergies to milk, egg, wheat, or soy if testing suggests improvement. An oral food challenge involves eating gradually increasing amounts of the food under medical supervision over several hours. This is the gold standard for confirming whether an allergy has been outgrown.

2-3 years

By age 2-3, many milk and egg allergies have resolved. If your child tolerates baked forms (baked milk in muffins, baked egg in cake), this is a positive sign that full tolerance may develop. Peanut and tree nut allergies are less likely to be outgrown, but about 20% of children do outgrow peanut allergy.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed will my baby outgrow their food allergy and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you want to know if your baby's specific allergy is likely to be outgrown.
  • Mention if you are interested in the timeline for re-evaluation and possible oral food challenge.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby's allergy test levels are gradually decreasing over time
  • Your baby tolerates baked forms of an allergen (like baked milk or egg) even if still reactive to the uncooked form
  • Your allergist is optimistic about the trajectory and is planning an oral food challenge
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You want to know if your baby's specific allergy is likely to be outgrown
  • You are interested in the timeline for re-evaluation and possible oral food challenge
  • You have heard about oral immunotherapy and want to know if it is appropriate for your child
Act now when...
  • Your baby has accidentally been exposed to their allergen and is showing any symptoms beyond mild localized hives
  • You attempted to reintroduce an allergen at home without medical supervision and your baby is having a reaction

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice will my baby outgrow their food allergy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your baby's allergy test levels are gradually decreasing over time — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has accidentally been exposed to their allergen and is showing any symptoms beyond mild localized hives.

Managing Multiple Allergies in My Baby

Managing multiple allergies can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning and support, your baby can thrive. Key strategies include working with a pediatric allergist and dietitian, reading all food labels carefully, creating safe meal plans, educating all caregivers, and monitoring for nutritional deficiencies. Regular follow-up ensures allergies are being managed optimally and any outgrown allergies are identified.

Creating an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan for My Baby

An anaphylaxis emergency plan is essential for any baby diagnosed with a severe allergy. It should include how to recognize anaphylaxis (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy), when and how to use epinephrine (EpiPen Jr), and instructions to call 911 immediately. All caregivers, family members, and childcare providers should have copies of the plan and be trained to use the epinephrine auto-injector.

When Should I Use the EpiPen on My Baby?

Use the EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) immediately if your baby shows signs of anaphylaxis: involvement of two or more body systems (such as hives PLUS vomiting, or swelling PLUS difficulty breathing). When in doubt, USE IT. Epinephrine is safe and life-saving - the risk of not giving it during anaphylaxis is far greater than the risk of giving it unnecessarily. After using it, always call 911.

Skin Prick vs Blood Test for Allergies - Which Is Better for My Baby?

Skin prick testing is generally preferred because it provides results within 15-20 minutes, is more sensitive, and costs less. Blood testing (specific IgE) is used when skin testing is not practical, such as when the baby has severe eczema covering test sites, takes antihistamines that cannot be stopped, or has had a severe allergic reaction. Both tests measure allergic sensitization, not clinical allergy, so results must be interpreted alongside symptoms.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is will my baby outgrow their food allergy normal?
Many children outgrow certain food allergies. About 80% outgrow milk allergy by age 5, and about 70% outgrow egg allergy by age 5. Wheat and soy allergies are also commonly outgrown. However, peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies are more likely to persist. Your allergist monitors your baby's allergy levels over time and can perform a supervised oral food challenge when appropriate to determine if the allergy has been outgrown.
When should I call the doctor about will my baby outgrow their food allergy?
Your baby has accidentally been exposed to their allergen and is showing any symptoms beyond mild localized hives You attempted to reintroduce an allergen at home without medical supervision and your baby is having a reaction
When is will my baby outgrow their food allergy normal?
Your baby's allergy test levels are gradually decreasing over time Your baby tolerates baked forms of an allergen (like baked milk or egg) even if still reactive to the uncooked form Your allergist is optimistic about the trajectory and is planning an oral food challenge
What causes will my baby outgrow their food allergy?
Many children outgrow certain food allergies. About 80% outgrow milk allergy by age 5, and about 70% outgrow egg allergy by age 5. Wheat and soy allergies are also commonly outgrown. However, peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies are more likely to persist. Your allergist monitors your baby's allergy levels over time and can perform a supervised oral food challenge when appropriate to determine if the allergy has been outgrown. Common explanations include: Your baby's allergy test levels are gradually decreasing over time. Your baby tolerates baked forms of an allergen (like baked milk or egg) even if still reactive to the uncooked form.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about will my baby outgrow their food allergy?
You should mention will my baby outgrow their food allergy at your next visit if: You want to know if your baby's specific allergy is likely to be outgrown. You are interested in the timeline for re-evaluation and possible oral food challenge. You have heard about oral immunotherapy and want to know if it is appropriate for your child.
Is will my baby outgrow their food allergy normal at 0-3 months?
Allergies diagnosed very early (such as cow's milk protein allergy presenting as bloody stools or severe eczema) have a good chance of being outgrown. Your pediatrician or allergist will monitor and plan for eventual reintroduction under medical supervision, usually not before 9-12 months of age.
Is will my baby outgrow their food allergy normal at 3-6 months?
If your baby was diagnosed with a food allergy, strict avoidance is the current standard while the immune system matures. Your allergist may repeat allergy testing (blood IgE levels) every 6-12 months to track whether levels are decreasing, which is a positive sign that the allergy may be resolving.
Should I go to the ER for will my baby outgrow their food allergy?
Seek emergency care if your baby has accidentally been exposed to their allergen and is showing any symptoms beyond mild localized hives, or if you attempted to reintroduce an allergen at home without medical supervision and your baby is having a reaction. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does will my baby outgrow their food allergy go away on its own?
In many cases, will my baby outgrow their food allergy resolves on its own, especially when your baby's allergy test levels are gradually decreasing over time. By 2-3 years, by age 2-3, many milk and egg allergies have resolved. If your child tolerates baked forms (baked milk in muffins, baked egg in cake), this is a positive sign that full tolerance may develop. Peanut and tree nut allergies are less likely to be outgrown, but about 20% of children do outgrow peanut allergy.
AAPNIHMAYO CLINIC

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Food Allergies in Children. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy. NIH
  3. [3]Mayo Clinic. Food allergy in children. Mayo Clinic

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Will My Baby Outgrow Their Food Allergy?.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed will my baby outgrow their food allergy and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you want to know if your baby's specific allergy is likely to be outgrown.
  • Mention if you are interested in the timeline for re-evaluation and possible oral food challenge.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • You want to know if your baby's specific allergy is likely to be outgrown
  • You are interested in the timeline for re-evaluation and possible oral food challenge
  • You have heard about oral immunotherapy and want to know if it is appropriate for your child

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby has accidentally been exposed to their allergen and is showing any symptoms beyond mild localized hives
  • You attempted to reintroduce an allergen at home without medical supervision and your baby is having a reaction

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

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Bottom line

Most cases of will my baby outgrow their food allergy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has accidentally been exposed to their allergen and is showing any symptoms beyond mild localized hives.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Managing Multiple Allergies in My Baby

Managing multiple allergies can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning and support, your baby can thrive. Key strategies include working with a pediatric allergist and dietitian, reading all food labels carefully, creating safe meal plans, educating all caregivers, and monitoring for nutritional deficiencies. Regular follow-up ensures allergies are being managed optimally and any outgrown allergies are identified.

Creating an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan for My Baby

An anaphylaxis emergency plan is essential for any baby diagnosed with a severe allergy. It should include how to recognize anaphylaxis (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy), when and how to use epinephrine (EpiPen Jr), and instructions to call 911 immediately. All caregivers, family members, and childcare providers should have copies of the plan and be trained to use the epinephrine auto-injector.

When Should I Use the EpiPen on My Baby?

Use the EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) immediately if your baby shows signs of anaphylaxis: involvement of two or more body systems (such as hives PLUS vomiting, or swelling PLUS difficulty breathing). When in doubt, USE IT. Epinephrine is safe and life-saving - the risk of not giving it during anaphylaxis is far greater than the risk of giving it unnecessarily. After using it, always call 911.

Skin Prick vs Blood Test for Allergies - Which Is Better for My Baby?

Skin prick testing is generally preferred because it provides results within 15-20 minutes, is more sensitive, and costs less. Blood testing (specific IgE) is used when skin testing is not practical, such as when the baby has severe eczema covering test sites, takes antihistamines that cannot be stopped, or has had a severe allergic reaction. Both tests measure allergic sensitization, not clinical allergy, so results must be interpreted alongside symptoms.

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