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How to introduce allergy foods

Once your baby is ready to start on solids, you can start introducing allergy foods. This is usually from around 6 months and should be done before they reach 12 months of age.

An allergy food is simply a type of food that can cause an allergic reaction. Common allergy foods include eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, tree nuts (such as almonds, coconut and hazelnuts), shellfish and wheat.

When should I introduce allergy foods to my baby?

The best time to introduce allergy foods is when you are introducing solids – usually from around 6 months, but not before your baby is 4 months of age. It is also recommended that you introduce allergy foods before your baby reaches 12 months of age since leaving it until they are older has been shown to increase the chances of their developing an allergy.

Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention Guidelines

The Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention Guidelines have been developed by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy to help guide parents and health professionals on the best time to introduce allergy foods.

It was previously recommended that allergy foods shouldn’t be introduced until after 12 months. However, further studies and research have shown that it is better to do so from 6 months.

Which allergy foods should I introduce first?

Start with the allergy food you would like your baby to try first, but remember that the food should also be age-appropriate (smooth, soft foods to start with then moving to more textured foods). A good place to start is with soft foods like a well cooked egg or smooth peanut butter..

How do I introduce allergy foods?

1. Start with one allergy food at a time. That way, if your baby does have an allergic reaction, it will be easier to identify which food is causing the reaction.
2. Mix a small amount of the food in with your baby’s usual food. For example, a quarter teaspoon of well cooked egg in with some vegetable puree.
3. If your baby doesn’t have a reaction, you can increase the amount you include with their usual food.
4. Continue to include that type of food in your baby’s regular diet so they maintain their tolerance to the food.
5. You can try a new allergy food each day – but remember to keep giving your baby the food once you have introduced it to their regular diet.

If you want to test a type of food before your baby eats it, rub a small amount of the food on the inside of your baby’s lip. If there is no reaction after a few minutes, then your baby can try eating it.

Don’t rub food on your baby’s skin. This will not indicate whether your baby will have an allergic reaction.

Breastfeeding has also been shown to help reduce the risk of allergic reactions later in life, so if you are breastfeeding, continue to do so as you introduce solids.

Is there a good time of the day to introduce allergy foods?

Try introducing new allergy foods during daytime feeds. That way, if your baby does have a reaction, they will be easier to watch and respond to if required.

If your baby is going to have a reaction to a type of food, you will probably notice it quite quickly – usually within a few minutes.

How can you tell if your baby is having an allergic reaction?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually develop within 30 minutes. Mild symptoms often include:

• hives or red welts (bumps) on the skin
• swelling of the lips, face or eyelids
• red rash around the mouth where the food has touched the skin
• tingling in the mouth
• tummy pains
• vomiting

More serious symptoms can indicate anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is rare, but it is a medical emergency. These more serious symptoms include:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the tongue
• tightness in the throat
• hoarse voice
• cough or wheeze
• collapse or going 'floppy'

What should I do if my baby has an allergic reaction?

Anaphylaxis can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If your baby is having any of the symptoms above, they will require immediate and urgent attention. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance or got to your nearest hospital emergency department.

If your baby only has a mild reaction, avoid giving them that food again and see your doctor for advice and an accurate diagnosis.

What if my baby does have a food allergy?

If your baby does have an allergy to a certain type of food, it’s important to consult with your doctor so the allergy is properly diagnosed and managed.

You might also need to speak to a dietitian to make sure your baby still gets the right nutritional intake for their growth and development if they need to avoid certain foods.