Allergens can feel intimidating- but hereโs 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:
โข A little smooth peanut butter thinned into breastmilk or formula
โข Hard boiled egg
โข Yoghurt stirred through purรฉe
*Allerstart sachets which can be stirred through a puree or dipped onto a finger food
You donโt need to rush them all in at once. And you donโt 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 isnโt about testing your nerves. Itโs about gently building tolerance over time.
Donโt let the โwhat ifโsโ 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. ๐
