Introducing Allergens to Baby: When, How & What You Need to Know

Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone—but when it comes to food allergens, many parents feel nervous. The good news? Research shows that introducing allergens early and safely can actually reduce the risk of food allergies. Here's everything you need to know about when and how to introduce common allergens to your little one.

🍼 What Are Food Allergens?

Food allergens are foods that commonly cause allergic reactions, especially in babies and young children. The most common ones include:

• 🥚 Eggs
• 🥜 Peanuts
• 🌰 Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
• 🐟 Fish
• 🦐 Shellfish
• 🥛 Cow’s milk
• 🌾 Wheat
• 🌱 Soy
• 🍚 Sesame

⏰ When to Introduce Allergens

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO), most babies can start trying allergens around 6 months of age, once they’ve started solids and shown signs of readiness.

Key tip: Introduce allergenic foods early and often, ideally before 12 months, unless advised otherwise by your pediatrician.

⚠️ Signs Baby Is Ready for Solids (and Allergens)

• Sits up with minimal support
• Has good head control
• Shows interest in food
• Can close mouth around a spoon

✅ How to Introduce Allergens Safely

1. Start With One Allergen at a Time

Wait at least 3 days between introducing new allergens to monitor for any reactions.

2. Serve in Baby-Safe Forms

• 🥚 Eggs: Fully cooked, mashed hard-boiled yolk mixed with breastmilk/formula or scrambled eggs cut into tiny pieces.
• 🥜 Peanuts: Mix smooth peanut butter (never chunky) with warm water, breastmilk, or oatmeal.
• 🥛 Cow’s milk: Use in cooking or yogurt/cheese—not as a drink before 12 months.
• 🐟 Fish: Fully cooked, flaked, and boneless.

3. Start Small

Offer a small amount (¼ tsp) the first time. If no reaction, gradually increase the portion next time.

4. Offer Early in the Day

This gives you time to monitor for reactions while your pediatrician's office is open, just in case.

❗ Watch for Signs of an Allergic Reaction

Mild symptoms:

• Rash or hives
• Swelling (face, lips)
• Vomiting

Severe symptoms (seek immediate medical help):

• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Repeated vomiting
• Pale or blue coloring
• Loss of consciousness

If there's any family history of food allergies, eczema, or asthma, talk to your pediatrician before introducing allergens.

📝 What If Baby Already Has an Allergy?

If your baby shows signs of an allergy to a specific food:

• Stop offering it immediately.
• Speak with your pediatrician or an allergist.
• Do not reintroduce without medical guidance.

💡 Bonus Tips for Success

• Introduce allergens when baby is healthy—not during illness or teething.
• Continue offering the allergen 2–3 times a week once it’s been tolerated.
• Don’t delay introducing peanuts or eggs—early exposure helps prevent allergies.

👶 Final Thoughts

Introducing allergens to your baby can feel a little scary—but with the right timing, safety steps, and support from your pediatrician, it becomes a smooth part of their feeding journey. Early, safe exposure is key to building tolerance and supporting long-term health.