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.