Allergens can feel intimidating- but here’s the reassuring part: introducing them early (when baby is ready for solids) may actually help reduce allergy risk.
Common allergens include:
- Peanut
- Egg
- Milk
- Wheat
- Soy
- Sesame
- Fish
- Seafood
- Tree Nuts
The key? Small amounts, introduced one at a time, and offered consistently once tolerated.
For example:
• A little smooth peanut butter thinned into breastmilk or formula
• Hard boiled egg
• Yoghurt stirred through purée
*Allerstart sachets which can be stirred through a puree or dipped onto a finger food
You don’t need to rush them all in at once. And you don’t need to avoid them either (unless medically advised).
There is also new research which highlights that egg and peanut (in appropriate forms) are amazon allergens to start with, because when offered as close to 6 months as possible, they may have the longest lasting benefits!
This isn’t about testing your nerves. It’s about gently building tolerance over time.
Don’t let the ‘what if’s’ of allergen introduction scare you into delaying them altogether. We know from research that introduction from 6 months (and before 12 months) has a lasting benefit on reducing their risk of developing allergies. 💛
