Does Your Child Have A Food Sensitivity? The Signs Aren't Always in the Tummy!
Oct 19, 2026
When parents think "food sensitivity," they usually picture a stomachache. But in our office, we see food sensitivities - most often gluten and dairy - in babies and kids all the time, and they often show up in ways that have nothing to do with the belly. In fact, we see gluten sensitivity almost as often as dairy, and the two frequently travel together.
The obvious signs
- Gas, bloating, or frequent tummy aches
- Constipation, diarrhea, or a mix of both
- Reflux, frequent spit-up, or fussiness after feeds in babies
The signs most parents miss
- Skin: eczema, dry patches, rashes, red cheeks or ears after meals, or small rough bumps on the backs of the arms
- Face: dark circles under the eyes, even with good sleep
- Nose and ears: a constant runny or stuffy nose, or ear infections that keep coming back
- Sleep: restless nights, night waking, or trouble falling asleep
- Mood and focus: irritability, meltdowns, or trouble concentrating
- Body: headaches or achy legs
- Growth: picky eating or a child who struggles to gain weight
None of these alone means your child has a food sensitivity. But when you see several together, food is worth a closer look.
What to do next
Start by jotting down symptoms alongside what your child eats for a week or two. Patterns often jump out quickly. Before cutting anything out, talk with us or your child's doctor: testing often requires the food still be in the diet, so removing it first can make results harder to read.
At Valley Family Wellness, we help families sort out what's really going on with a combination of functional nutrition and gentle, family-centered care. If any of this sounds familiar, come in and see us. We'd love to help your little one feel their best.
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