Our Baby’s Allergic Reaction to Eggs: A Scary Start to Solids

Recently, we had a big scare that ended with us in the hospital. We had started solids because George has been showing so much interest in what I’m eating—leaning in, grabbing at my plate, and just eager to try everything. So I began giving him little tastes here and there, and everything was going great… until about a week ago.

Introducing Eggs

I started giving George eggs, knowing it’s a common allergen that babies can react to—but also one they can safely try early. He had eaten eggs three or four times with zero issues. That changed one morning when I was making myself eggs and gave him a little bit off my plate.

He had maybe two tablespoons, and when I was cleaning him up afterward, I noticed that his neck, chin, and the area around his mouth had a red rash with little white bumps. I was surprised, because this had never happened before. He didn’t seem bothered, so I kept an eye on him and put him down for a nap.

When Things Took a Turn

When George woke up, he seemed a bit off and fussy. I breastfed him, but he ate way less than usual—and before I even had time to process that, he suddenly projectile vomited all over me. Thankfully, Brandon was working from home and helped clean everything up.

Just as we settled, George threw up again. This wasn’t his normal spit-up. His whole body was heaving as if he was trying to get everything out of his system. He wasn’t acting like himself at all, he was getting very limp and not very active.

The Trip to the Hospital 

After the second round of vomiting, we decided it was time to go to the hospital. On the drive there, he was drifting in and out, unable to stay awake or asleep. He looked pale, limp, and he even vomited more—this time mostly bile since his stomach was empty. It was terrifying.

At the hospital, they did an initial assessment and then we had to wait. He kept sleeping on us, completely limp, waking only to dry heave or vomit more bile. He was so uncomfortable, and it was heartbreaking to watch.

Seeing the Doctor

After a few hours, we were finally called in. They took his vitals, and even when the blood pressure cuff tightened, he didn’t react—he was that unwell. I was also worried because hours had passed with no eating and no wet diapers.

The doctor explained that this kind of reaction can sometimes happen on the fourth or fifth exposure to an allergen. Unfortunately, that seemed to be what happened with George.

They monitored him closely. Since he wasn’t keeping anything down, they gave him anti-nausea medication orally. If that didn’t work, they would have needed to place an IV and admit him overnight. That thought alone was overwhelming, but I tried my best to stay calm for George.

Signs of Improvement

Thankfully, the medication worked. George breastfed and kept it down. I don’t think we’ve ever been so relieved to see him eat. We stayed a few hours longer while they continued checking his vitals.

To avoid overloading his empty stomach, I fed him in short, spaced-out intervals. Eventually, he had his first pee in hours—and then a big poop. I’ve never been so excited over a diaper in my life. It was extremely stinky, but it was a very good sign.

A little later, he had more diarrhea, which leaked everywhere. As awful as that part was, it was normal after an allergic reaction—his body was clearing everything out. After that, he perked up, smiling and showing more energy. Finally, we were discharged and headed home.

Exhausted but Grateful

By the time we got home and put him to bed, we were physically and emotionally drained. It had been such a long and scary day. We’re incredibly grateful things didn’t get worse. For now, we’ll be avoiding eggs, but the doctor reassured us that many babies outgrow egg allergies—so fingers crossed.

Another Reaction... and More Confusion 

A few days later, I felt ready to try solids again and offered George his baby rice cereal—something he had eaten several times before. And then, boom: the same red rash with white bumps around his mouth, chin, and neck.

Brandon and I panicked, thinking we were headed down the same road again. Thankfully, it stopped at the rash. But now I was confused. Why was he reacting to foods he previously tolerated?

I called my doctor, who referred us to a pediatrician. I was relieved when they called the next day with an appointment for the next few weeks. I’m hopeful we’ll get answers and guidance on what to do moving forward.

Looking Ahead

This whole experience has been scary and overwhelming. I’m unsure which solids are safe for George, but at the same time, I want him to continue exploring foods and learning to eat. He can’t live off breastmilk forever, even though part of me wishes he could after all this.

I’m really looking forward to the specialist appointment and hearing what they have to say. Most importantly, I’m grateful George is doing so much better now, and that we’re taking steps to figure out what’s going on.