Nip Allergies in the Bub

To help prevent food allergy, give your baby the common allergy causing foods before they turn one

Health Professionals

Why introduce food allergens before your baby is one?

Research shows that giving your baby the common allergy causing foods before they are one year of age can greatly reduce the risk of them developing an allergy to that food. Delaying the introduction of the common allergy causing foods does not prevent food allergy.

When your baby is ready at around 6 months, but not before 4 months, start to introduce first foods including peanut (such as smooth peanut butter/paste) and well-cooked egg. Once the food is introduced, make sure your baby eats that food at least twice a week.

Introduce the common allergy causing foods one at a time. By introducing only one common allergy causing food at each meal, it will make it easier to identify the problem food if an allergic reaction occurs.

Breastfeeding is recommended for the many benefits it provides to both mothers and babies. If you are breastfeeding, it is important to continue to breastfeed while you introduce solid foods to your baby.

Can you introduce common allergy causing foods to all babies before one?

Yes you can. This advice is recommended for all babies, whether you have a family history of food allergy or not.

Babies with eczema have a higher chance of developing a food allergy, especially if the common allergy causing foods are not introduced before one year of age, so following this advice is even more important.

If your baby is allergic to a particular food, DO NOT feed your baby that food. If you think your baby has a food allergy, you should seek advice from your doctor. It is important that food allergies are confirmed by a doctor.

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Content updated June 2023