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When should I introduce allergens to my baby?
When should I introduce allergens to my baby?

Navigating common allergens and when to offer them

Elizabeth Gellene avatar
Written by Elizabeth Gellene
Updated over a week ago

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends introducing peanuts before a baby’s first birthday and has declared that there is no reason to delay the introduction of any food allergens to babies starting solids. Some of the most common allergens are:

  • Cow's Milk

  • Eggs

  • Peanut

  • Sesame

  • Shellfish

  • Soy

  • Tree Nuts

  • Wheat

For non-allergenic foods there is no longer a need to wait for 3 days after introducing them to look for a reaction. Some parents prefer to introduce common allergens on days that their baby doesn't eat anything else so they know if that allergen was the cause. Acidic foods, such as fruits and tomatoes can sometimes cause a temporary and harmless rash when in contact with your baby's mouth, chin or cheeks while eating. It should go away after a few minutes, but be sure to dab their face with a warm cloth to clean up!

The most common symptoms of a food allergy reaction are rashes and hives, although allergic reactions can present themselves in different ways in babies. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can also be signs of an allergic reaction.

There are some risk factors that can make your baby more predisposed to allergies such as eczema, asthma, or a family history of allergies. If you have particular concerns about allergens, talk to your pediatrician about the best introduction plan for your little one.

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