Feeding a picky toddler can be challenging, regardless of the situation. Throw in a food allergy or digestive problem, and it can be nightmare. Real food allergies are a serious medical condition, but there are a few things you can do to eliminate the risk of your child ever having one.

If food allergies run in your family, your child is automatically at a higher risk of having allergies as well. Research has shown that breastfeeding and avoiding wheat, egg whites, seafood, and cows' milk products until a child is over a year old may actually help prevent the onset of food allergies. In fact, breastfeeding itself appears to protect somewhat against milk allergy, another reason to consider prolonging breastfeeding for at least a year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.