Introducing allergens to your baby: when and how to begin
Common allergens can be included when your baby is ready for solids, usually around six months. Solid foods are not appropriate before your baby is at least 4 months old. Known allergy, severe eczema or a previous reaction calls for an individual plan first.
Readiness still matters
Your baby needs head control, an upright supported sitting position and the ability to swallow food. Continue breast milk or infant formula. An allergen schedule should not make you start before your baby is ready.
How to offer egg and peanut
Try well-cooked egg mashed into familiar food or smooth peanut butter thinned well into cereal or puree. Never offer whole nuts or thick spoonfuls of nut butter. Milk in food, wheat, soy, fish and sesame are other common allergens.
A first taste is not a completed task
Introduce one new allergen at a time when you can observe your baby. Record the food and date. If tolerated, keep it in the usual diet and follow local advice about frequency. A food log cannot confirm tolerance or protection.
National differences and higher risk
NHS advice starts around six months. ASCIA emphasizes readiness and continued inclusion, particularly egg and peanut. US advice may call for earlier clinician-guided peanut introduction for some high-risk infants. Do not combine these into a universal timetable. Early introduction can lower some allergy risks but cannot guarantee prevention.
If you notice a reaction
Stop the suspected food and seek medical advice. Breathing difficulty, swelling affecting breathing or sudden collapse needs emergency help: call your local emergency number. Do not use a food log to judge seriousness or plan another trial.
FirstBites
Keep track of solid foods.
When to ask for advice
Ask your doctor, pediatrician, or local healthcare professional about concerns with feeding, growth or well-being. Seek individual advice for known allergy, severe eczema or a previous reaction. For breathing difficulty or a severe reaction, call your local emergency number.
Sources
Content prepared by LilleStart.
- NHS: Baby food allergies (UK)
- ASCIA: Introducing solid foods for allergy prevention (Australia/New Zealand)
- CDC: Starting solid foods (US)