Food allergies can affect any baby, but there are steps parents can take to help reduce the risk and better manage potential reactions.
Breastfeeding and Allergies
For families with a history of eczema, asthma, or food allergies, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is strongly advised. While breastfeeding may not prevent food allergies entirely, it can reduce their severity.
Cow’s milk and eggs are common allergens in babies and toddlers, but most children grow out of them. Peanut allergies are often lifelong, and avoiding peanuts early on does not guarantee that your baby won’t develop an allergy later. However, if you or your partner are allergic to peanuts, it is safer to avoid them for your baby as well.
When and How to Start Solids
Solids should be introduced around 6 months of age, alongside continued breastfeeding. At this stage, babies need more energy and nutrients, and are also more curious about new textures and tastes. Introducing solids at 6 months may help lower the risk of allergies. Babies do not need solids before this age if they are exclusively breastfed.
Safe First Foods
Start with foods that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. These include:
- Root vegetables: carrot, sweet potato, parsnip, swede, yam
- Other vegetables: broccoli, spinach, green beans, cauliflower, courgette
- Fruits: apple, pear, banana, plum, peach, apricot, avocado (remove pits)
- Grains and starches: baby rice, cooked flaked rice, quinoa, rice-based cereals, corn or quinoa pasta/noodles
- Proteins: lamb, beef, chicken, pork, lentils, and pulses
You can cook meals with tomato, but avoid raw tomatoes at first. Citrus fruits and berries can be introduced later on.
Introducing High-Allergy Foods
High-risk foods like milk, eggs, wheat, soya, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, and foods with gluten can be introduced from 6 months. Introduce these foods one at a time, a few days apart. This helps you monitor any reactions more easily.
What to Watch For
Allergic reactions may happen quickly or take a few hours to appear. Early signs include:
- Itchy rash or hives
- Swelling
- Eczema flare-up
- Wheezing or coughing
- Runny or blocked nose
Delayed symptoms (after 2 hours or more) can include:
- Loose, foul-smelling poo
- Blood or mucus in poo
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Reflux
- Nappy rash
- Poor weight gain
- If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor or paediatrician immediately.
How to Lower the Risk
- To help prevent food allergies:
- Exclusively breastfeed for 6 months
- Start solid foods from 6 months while continuing to breastfeed
- Introduce common allergens one at a time
- Talk to a healthcare professional before offering peanuts if your family has a history of allergies
Breastfeeding remains one of the best ways to support your baby’s immune system and reduce the likelihood of food allergies.
