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Guidance on introducing allergenic foods has shifted significantly in recent years — current pediatric guidance generally favors earlier introduction, not later, as a way to potentially reduce allergy risk, a reversal from older advice to delay these foods.
Common allergens to introduce
- Peanut (as a thinned peanut butter or peanut powder, never whole nuts — a choking hazard)
- Egg
- Dairy
- Tree nuts (as smooth nut butter, not whole)
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish and shellfish
- Sesame
A general approach
- Start once your baby is developmentally ready for solids, generally around 6 months.
- Introduce one new allergen at a time, waiting a few days before adding another.
- Offer a small amount first, then gradually increase if there's no reaction.
- Give allergens regularly once introduced, rather than a one-time taste — regular exposure appears to matter.
- Introduce at home, when you can watch for a reaction, rather than somewhere you can't monitor closely.
Signs of a mild reaction
Hives, mild rash around the mouth, or mild vomiting can indicate a reaction — stop that food and contact your pediatrician for guidance on whether and how to reintroduce it.
Signs of a serious reaction — seek emergency care
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or persistent coughing.
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Widespread hives combined with other symptoms.
- Sudden paleness, lethargy, or repeated vomiting.
A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a medical emergency — call emergency services immediately if you notice these signs after a new food.
If your baby has eczema or a family history of allergies
Babies with moderate-to-severe eczema or an existing food allergy are at higher risk for developing other food allergies, and current guidance often recommends introducing peanut specifically even earlier, sometimes with pediatrician guidance or supervision — talk to your pediatrician about a plan tailored to your baby.
