Whether you are a new parent or have just welcomed a new little member into your household, introducing new foods into your child's diet is one of the many important decisions you have to make. Specifically, introducing high-allergen foods, which are those with a high risk of allergy.
These foods include:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Eggs
- Milk
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish
- Shellfish
Preventing Allergies in Children
Incorporating these foods for the first time can feel scary as the last thing we want as parents is to see our child in discomfort, experiencing an allergic reaction. Even more serious allergic reactions can be severe and even life-threatening. You may wonder, "Why would I give them to my child if there is a risk of a reaction?" Glad you asked!
Studies have shown that early introduction of allergenic foods, like those listed above, starting around six months of age and continuing throughout childhood, can decrease the likelihood of developing a food allergy. For example, a landmark study known as the LEAP study found that the early introduction of peanuts can significantly reduce the risk of peanut allergy in high-risk infants.
We recommend introducing high-allergen foods starting at six months of age.
How to Introduce High-Allergen Foods
It's important to introduce these foods in a controlled and gradual manner to help prevent the development of food allergies. Here are some tips that can help:
Introduce one new food at a time: Introduce one high-allergen food, such as peanuts or eggs, at a time and wait a few days to observe any reaction before introducing another new food.
Start with small amounts: Offer small amounts of the food and gradually increase the quantity over time.
Offer the food at regular mealtimes: Offer the food during regular mealtimes when the child is well-fed and relaxed.
Offer the food in various forms: Offer the food in different forms, such as cooked, mashed, or baked, to help the child become accustomed to it.
Avoid offering the food when the child is sick: It's best to avoid introducing new foods when the child is ill or experiencing other symptoms, such as a runny nose or skin rash.
Watch for signs of a reaction: Observe the child for any symptoms, such as itching, rashes such as hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, and seek medical attention if necessary. Food allergy reactions typically develop within a few minutes to 2 hours, often within 15 minutes. In rare cases, the reaction may be delayed by 4-6 hours.
Your Child is Unique
It's important to remember that every child is different; some may take longer to get used to new foods than others. Be patient and persistent, and remember that it may take several exposures before the child is comfortable with a new food. Don't forget your doctor is the best resource for questions on when or how to introduce new foods to your child's diet!