{"id":45092,"date":"2025-11-21T14:08:58","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T20:08:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/?post_type=nutrition_article&p=45092"},"modified":"2025-11-21T14:08:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T20:08:58","slug":"reducing-the-risk-of-food-allergy-key-information-health-professionals-can-share-with-parents","status":"publish","type":"nutrition_article","link":"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/nutrition\/articles\/reducing-the-risk-of-food-allergy-key-information-health-professionals-can-share-with-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"Reducing the Risk of Food Allergy: Key Information Health Professionals Can Share with Parents"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Emerging research has changed the way experts think about food allergies in infancy. Introducing certain allergenic foods, such as peanut and egg, early in a baby\u2019s diet may reduce the risk of developing an allergy to those foods.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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This overview outlines what parents and caregivers should know about timing, preparation, and safety when introducing potential allergens, based on current evidence and expert recommendations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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When Should I Introduce Potential Food Allergens?<\/strong>
Early introduction of peanut and egg may reduce your child\u2019s risk of developing allergies to those foods.1<\/sup> Potential allergens should be introduced around 6 months of age<\/strong>, depending on a child\u2019s specific risk factors. Evidence does not support withholding potential allergens like milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soy to prevent food allergies.1,2<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Is My Child at Risk for Food Allergies?<\/strong>
The following are generally accepted as key risk factors for developing a food allergy: severe eczema, first-degree relative with allergies, existing food allergy. If your baby has any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about introducing potential allergens between 4-6 months, especially peanut.3,5<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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How Do I Introduce Potential Food Allergens to My Infant?<\/strong>
All foods should be fed to a baby in a form appropriate to their development and under supervision. Purees, thinned pastes, and well-cooked and soft forms are just a few ways to easily introduce foods. Once successfully introduced, potential allergens should continue to be fed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Tips for Introduction<\/strong>4<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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  1. Feed when baby is healthy with no fever or signs of illness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Introduce new foods early in the day before a nap, so you can observe for 2 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Wait 2 to 3 days between introducing a new potential allergen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Try a small amount of food on the tip of a spoon. Wait 10 minutes and feed more if there are no signs of a reaction with the goal of 2 teaspoons of the allergen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Stop feeding baby and seek medical care if signs of a reaction are seen: hives, vomiting, coughing, swelling of the mouth, wheezing, lethargy. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n
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    If you have questions about introducing potential allergens to your child, speak to your pediatrician.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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    Early Introduction: What’s on the Menu?<\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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    Here are some ideas for safely feeding baby:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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