Understanding the difference — and how to keep children safe, comfortable and confident at mealtimes.

Food reactions are becoming increasingly common in infants and young children. Whether you’re a parent or an early childhood educator, knowing the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance is essential for keeping kids safe and supporting their wellbeing.

In childcare settings especially, recognising symptoms early and having clear dietary processes in place protects children, reassures families, and ensures a positive experience around food.

This guide breaks down the key differences, signs to look for, and practical steps to take if you suspect a child may have a food allergy or intolerance.

What’s the Difference Between a Food Allergy and a Food Intolerance?

Food Allergies

A food allergy involves the immune system. When the body mistakes a food as a threat, it reacts — sometimes mildly, sometimes severely.

Common allergens in children include:

• Dairy
  
• Eggs
  
• Peanuts and tree nuts
  
• Wheat
  
• Soy
  
• Fish and shellfish
  
• Sesame
  

Food allergies can be:

• Mild (hives, swelling, stomach upset)
  
• Moderate (persistent vomiting, facial swelling)
  
• Severe (anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing)
  

All allergies require a medical diagnosis and a clear action plan.

Food Intolerances

A food intolerance does not involve the immune system. Instead, it usually relates to digestion — for example, difficulty breaking down lactose or sensitivity to certain additives.

Common intolerances in babies and young children include:

• Lactose intolerance
  
• Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity
  
• FODMAP sensitivities
  
• Food additive sensitivities
  
• Histamine intolerance
  

Symptoms tend to be uncomfortable rather than dangerous, but they still affect a child’s wellbeing and should be managed carefully.

Read more about when dairy should be restricted in children on our Dairy Restriction article.

Signs of Food Allergies in Kids

Food allergy symptoms often appear minutes to two hours after eating the trigger food.

Common signs include:

• Hives, red skin or itchy rash
  
• Swelling of the lips, eyes, face or tongue
  
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
  
• Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing
  
• Pale skin or dizziness
  
• Sudden irritability in babies
  

Severe symptoms (anaphylaxis) require immediate medical attention, including the administration of an EpiPen and calling 000.

Signs of Food Intolerances in Babies & Young Children

Food intolerances can be harder to identify because symptoms may appear gradually or after larger amounts of the food.

Common signs of intolerance include:

• Bloating or excessive wind
  
• Loose stools or constipation
  
• Reflux or vomiting
  
• Abdominal discomfort (babies may cry, arch their back or pull legs up)
  
• Eczema flare-ups
  
• Persistent nappy rash
  
• Behavioural changes (restlessness, irritability)
  

While not typically dangerous, intolerances can impact comfort, sleep, feeding patterns and behaviour — especially in babies.

If symptoms persist, families should seek advice from a GP or paediatrician.

Why It’s Important to Identify Reactions Early

Whether an allergy or intolerance, food reactions in children can affect:

• Growth and nutrition
  
• Comfort and behaviour
  
• Daily routines in childcare settings
  
• Social inclusion at mealtimes
  
• Long-term health outcomes
  

Early identification allows for:

• Safer meal planning
• Proper medical documentation
• Clear communication with families
• Avoidance strategies that reduce risk
• Like-for-like substitutions that keep children included

What To Do If You Suspect a Food Allergy or Intolerance

1. Observe and document symptoms

Note the food eaten, the amount, and the timing of symptoms.

In childcare, this should be recorded immediately.

2. Communicate with families

Share observations clearly and calmly. Avoid diagnosing — this must be done by a medical professional.

3. Encourage medical assessment

A GP, allergist or paediatrician can provide:

• Skin prick tests
  
• Blood tests
  
• Elimination and reintroduction guidance
  
• A formal action plan if needed

4. Implement or update dietary requirements

Once confirmed:

• Allergies require a strict avoidance plan.
  
• Intolerances may need adjusted portions, substitutes or ingredient swaps.

5. Review dietaries regularly

Children can outgrow certain allergies, and intolerances can change as digestive systems mature.

Always require updated documentation before any dietary restriction is changed.

For full details on how we manage allergies, intolerances and food preferences in childcare, visit our Special Dietaries page.

How Wellbeing Food Co Supports Children With Allergies & Intolerances

We help centres manage food reactions safely and inclusively through:

Menus designed with dietaries in mind

Like-for-like alternatives so children feel included at mealtimes.

Strict allergen-safe preparation procedures

Separate equipment, prep zones and packaging.

Clear labelling and documentation

Every dietary meal is easy for educators to identify and deliver safely.

Guidance for teams and families

Helping everyone understand what’s required — and why.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Call 000 if a child shows:

• Difficulty breathing
  
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
• Wheezing or persistent coughing
  
• Rapid spreading rash

These are signs of anaphylaxis and require immediate treatment.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between food allergies and intolerances helps create safer, calmer, more positive mealtime experiences for children.

Whether you’re supporting a baby with a suspected intolerance or a child with a diagnosed allergy, the key is clear communication, strong dietary systems and early medical guidance.

At Wellbeing Food Co, we’re committed to making this easier for families and childcare teams through safe, inclusive menus and tailored dietary support.

Explore related resources:

• Dairy Restriction in Children
• Special Dietaries