Quick Answer: Current research shows that early introduction of allergenic foods (around 6 months, not before 4 months) may actually help PREVENT food allergies. Don't delay introducing eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, wheat, and dairy. Start with small amounts when baby is well, watch for reactions, and continue regular exposure. If your baby has severe eczema or existing food allergies, consult your doctor before introducing new allergens.
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Understanding Food Allergies in Babies
Watch: Baby Diet and Nutrition Guide
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly treats a food protein as a threat. The approach to preventing allergies has changed dramatically based on recent research.
What Changed
Old Advice
Current Evidence-Based Advice
Delay allergenic foods until 1-3 years
Introduce around 6 months
Avoid peanuts in first year
Early peanut introduction may prevent allergy
Wait on eggs until 12 months
Eggs can start at 6 months
Avoid fish in infancy
Fish can start at 6 months
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The Top Food Allergens
The "Big 9" Allergens
Allergen
Examples
**Peanuts**
Peanut butter, peanut powder
**Tree nuts**
Almonds, cashews, walnuts
**Eggs**
Whole eggs, baked goods with egg
**Milk**
Cow's milk, cheese, yogurt
**Wheat**
Bread, pasta, cereals
**Soy**
Tofu, soy milk, edamame
**Fish**
Salmon, tuna, cod
**Shellfish**
Shrimp, crab, lobster
**Sesame**
Tahini, sesame seeds
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When to Introduce Allergenic Foods
Timeline
Age
Action
**Before 4 months**
Only breastmilk or formula
**Around 6 months**
Start solids, can include allergens
**6-12 months**
Introduce all allergens
**After 12 months**
Continue regular exposure
Order of Introduction
There's no required order, but a practical approach:
Week
Introduce
Week 1-2
Single-ingredient foods (rice cereal, vegetables)
Week 3+
Can begin allergenic foods one at a time
Continue
Add new allergens every 3-5 days
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How to Introduce Allergens Safely
General Guidelines
Step
Details
**Start small**
Tiny amount (1/4 teaspoon) first
**When baby is well**
Not during illness
**Early in day**
Can monitor for reactions
**One at a time**
Wait 3-5 days before next new allergen
**At home**
Not at restaurant or travel
**Continue exposure**
Regular intake after introduction
Specific Foods
Peanuts
How to introduce:
Mix smooth peanut butter with water or breastmilk to thin consistency
Start with 1/4 teaspoon
Can also use peanut powder mixed into purees
Never give: Whole peanuts (choking hazard until age 4+)
Eggs
How to introduce:
Start with well-cooked egg (hard boiled, scrambled)
Begin with small amount
Can mix into other foods
Tree Nuts
How to introduce:
Nut butters (thinned)
Nut flour in baked goods
Nut powders mixed into purees
Never give: Whole nuts (choking hazard)
Wheat
How to introduce:
Baby cereal with wheat
Soft bread pieces
Pasta
Fish
How to introduce:
Well-cooked, flaked fish
Remove all bones
Start with mild fish (salmon, cod)
Dairy
How to introduce:
Yogurt (plain, full-fat)
Cheese
Mixed into foods
Note: Cow's milk as main drink should wait until 12 months
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Recognizing Allergic Reactions
Mild to Moderate Reactions
Symptom
Timing
**Hives**
Minutes to hours
**Skin rash**
Minutes to hours
**Vomiting**
Usually within 2 hours
**Diarrhea**
Hours
**Swelling of lips/face**
Minutes to hours
**Runny nose**
Minutes to hours
Severe Reactions (Anaphylaxis) - EMERGENCY
Symptom
Action
**Difficulty breathing**
Call 911 immediately
**Wheezing**
Call 911 immediately
**Throat tightness**
Call 911 immediately
**Rapid heartbeat**
Call 911 immediately
**Dizziness/fainting**
Call 911 immediately
**Multiple symptoms at once**
Call 911 immediately
Emergency: Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. Call emergency services immediately and use epinephrine if prescribed.
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High-Risk Babies
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Risk Factor
Action
**Severe eczema**
Consult doctor before introducing peanuts/eggs
**Existing food allergy**
Consult allergist
**Sibling with peanut allergy**
May need testing first
**Family history of allergies**
Extra caution, but still introduce
What High-Risk Babies Should Do
Step
Details
**See allergist**
Before introducing major allergens
**Possible testing**
Skin or blood tests
**Supervised introduction**
May do in doctor's office
**Still introduce**
Usually still recommended, just with more care
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The LEAP Study Findings
What Research Showed
The landmark LEAP study found:
Group
Peanut Allergy Rate
**Early peanut introduction (4-11 months)**
3.2%
**Delayed peanut introduction**
17.2%
This 80% reduction revolutionized allergy prevention advice.
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What Doesn't Prevent Allergies
Things That Don't Help
Myth
Reality
**Avoiding allergens during pregnancy**
No evidence this helps
**Avoiding allergens while breastfeeding**
No evidence this prevents baby allergies
**Delaying introduction**
May actually INCREASE allergy risk
**Hypoallergenic formula**
Not proven to prevent allergies
**Probiotics**
Limited/unclear evidence
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Maintaining Tolerance
After Introduction
Action
Why
**Continue regular exposure**
Keeps tolerance active
**2-3 times per week**
Minimum recommended frequency
**Don't stop and restart**
Gaps may allow allergy to develop
**Variety of preparations**
Different forms of same allergen
Example Weekly Exposure
Day
Allergen Exposure
Monday
Egg at breakfast
Tuesday
Peanut butter in smoothie
Wednesday
Yogurt snack
Thursday
Fish for dinner
Friday
Wheat pasta
Saturday
Scrambled eggs
Sunday
Nut butter on toast
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My baby has eczema - should I avoid allergens?
A: No - in fact, early introduction may be even MORE important for babies with eczema, who are at higher risk. However, if eczema is severe, consult your doctor or allergist before introducing peanuts and eggs.
Q: Can I introduce multiple allergens in one day?
A: It's best to introduce new allergens one at a time, waiting 3-5 days between each new food. Once a food is tolerated, you can give it alongside other known-safe foods.
Q: What if my child had a mild reaction - can we try again?
A: Consult your doctor. Mild reactions (like a few hives) may not indicate true allergy, but should be evaluated. Your doctor may recommend allergy testing or supervised reintroduction.
Q: Do I need to wait between introducing new foods?
A: Wait 3-5 days between new foods, especially allergens. This helps identify which food caused a reaction if one occurs. Once a food is tolerated, you can continue offering it.
Q: Is organic food less allergenic?
A: No, organic foods are not less allergenic. The proteins that cause allergies are the same in organic and conventional foods.
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Key Takeaways
Early introduction helps - Around 6 months, not delayed
Include all allergens - Peanuts, eggs, dairy, wheat, fish, nuts
Start small - Tiny amounts first
One at a time - Wait 3-5 days between new allergens
