Early introduction of allergenic foods actually PROTECTS against allergies - don't wait! Only 5-8% of children have true food allergies, and most can be managed safely. This guide will help you understand the difference between allergy and sensitivity, introduce foods safely, and know when to worry.
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Food Allergy (Khaane Se Allergy):
Food Sensitivity/Intolerance (Khaane Se Taklif):
| Feature | Food Allergy | Food Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Minutes to 2 hours | Hours to 3 days |
| Cause | Immune system | Digestive system |
| Severity | Can be dangerous | Uncomfortable |
| Symptoms | Hives, swelling, breathing | Gas, bloating, loose stools |
| Detection | Easier (quick reaction) | Harder (delayed) |
| Resolution | May be lifelong | Often outgrown |
| Food | Hindi Name | How to Introduce |
|---|---|---|
| **Cow's Milk** | Doodh | Dairy products from 6 months (not whole milk as drink) |
| **Eggs** | Ande | Well-cooked egg from 6 months |
| **Peanuts** | Moongphali | Peanut butter mixed in food from 6 months |
| **Tree Nuts** | Badam, Kaju | Powdered form from 6 months |
| **Wheat** | Gehun | Soft roti/daliya from 6 months |
| **Soy** | Soya | Tofu from 6 months |
| **Fish** | Machli | Well-cooked from 6 months |
| **Shellfish** | Jhinga | Can wait till 1 year |
Current guidelines recommend EARLY introduction:
| Age | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Exclusive breast milk/formula only |
| 6 months | Start basic foods (rice, dal, vegetables) |
| 6-7 months | Begin introducing allergenic foods ONE at a time |
| 6-12 months | All major allergens should be introduced |
| After introduction | Continue giving 2-3 times per week |
Key insight: Waiting longer does NOT reduce risk - it may actually INCREASE allergy risk!
Step 1: Choose the right time
Step 2: Start small
Step 3: One at a time
Step 4: Keep giving regularly
| Food | How to Give |
|---|---|
| Egg | Well-cooked scrambled egg, start with 1/4 tsp |
| Peanut | Thin peanut butter in porridge (NOT whole peanuts!) |
| Wheat | Small piece of soft roti, daliya |
| Dairy | Dahi, soft paneer |
| Fish | Soft, well-cooked, deboned |
| Nuts | Almond powder in milk/porridge |
EMERGENCY - Call ambulance immediately if:
This is anaphylaxis - life-threatening!
See doctor soon if:
NOT usually allergic reaction:
Mild reaction (hives only, no breathing issues):
Severe reaction (any breathing/swelling):
If allergy is confirmed:
Common hidden allergens in Indian foods:
A: Family history increases risk but doesn't mean baby WILL have allergy. And importantly - do NOT delay introduction! Studies show early introduction (from 6 months) actually REDUCES risk, even in high-risk babies. What you can do: introduce first exposure at home (not restaurant), during morning, and monitor closely for 2 hours.
A: Rash ONLY around mouth after acidic foods (tomato, orange, mango) or messy eating is usually contact irritation, NOT allergy. True allergic hives are: raised, itchy, appear anywhere on body (not just where food touched), and happen within 2 hours of eating. If rash is just around mouth and nowhere else, try again - probably not an allergy.
A: Probably not allergy. Allergic reactions happen within 2 hours and have specific symptoms (hives, vomiting, breathing issues). Night waking or fussiness could be: normal adjustment to new foods, gas/bloating, coincidence with other factors. Give foods during morning to monitor better. If baby has true allergic symptoms (hives, swelling, vomiting) then stop food and consult doctor.
A: Unless YOUR baby has shown reaction to specific food through your milk, DON'T avoid foods! Research shows eating variety while breastfeeding may actually help baby develop tolerance. Only eliminate a food if: baby consistently reacts (eczema flare, bloody stool, excessive fussiness) after you eat it, and symptoms improve when you stop.
A: Egg is highly nutritious but not essential if family is vegetarian. Focus on other protein sources: dal, paneer, dahi, soy. If you want to introduce egg for allergy prevention benefit, that's a personal choice. If you don't give egg, baby won't develop egg allergy from not eating it - they simply won't have known tolerance.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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