How to Safely Introduce Food Allergens to Your Baby’s Diet

Watching your baby explore new foods is an exciting (albeit messy) part of parenthood. Still, when introducing common food allergens, feeling a little nervous is normal. The good news? Research now shows that introducing these foods early and safely can actually help lower your baby’s risk of developing allergies in the future. But what does that mean, exactly? Here, we'll go over everything you need to know on safely introducing food allergens to your baby's diet.

Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance

The key difference between food allergies and food intolerance lies in how the body reacts to certain foods. A food allergy involves the immune system, which mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful and triggers a reaction. In contrast, food intolerance is generally less serious and does not involve the immune system. It occurs when the body has trouble digesting certain foods, often due to enzyme deficiencies (e.g., lactose intolerance) or sensitivities to additives.

Risk Factors for Developing an Allergy in Newborns

There are two primary risk factors that parents need to watch out for when considering food allergies. The biggest risk factor is the presence of severe eczema in newborns and babies. The main reason for this is thought to be an impaired skin barrier that occurs in severe eczema, as well-controlled cases don't have a heightened risk. If your newborn has any rashes or develops signs of eczema early, it's best to work with your pediatrician for treatment and guidance on introducing new foods. Asthma and hay fever may also increase your baby's risk.

Another risk factor is having a previously determined food allergy. For example, a baby who has been shown to have milk allergies may be at a higher risk for eggs or nuts. Family history of allergies may also play a role in development, although more research is needed.

Can You Prevent Food Allergy?

In the past, it was believed that delaying the introduction of major foods that cause reactions would decrease the chance of an allergy. However, the opposite seems to be true. Did you know that the early introduction of peanuts could reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy by up to 81%? It turns out that the earlier you give food to babies for allergy prevention, the less likely they are to develop allergies. Therefore, it's recommended to begin introducing allergens when you start with solids.

Common Food Allergens for Babies

Before introducing solid foods to babies, it's important to understand what could cause an allergic reaction and what's (generally) safe. While people can be allergic to any type of food, the most common food allergens include:

• Cow's milk
• Egg
• Peanut
• Soy
• Wheat
• Tree Nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.)
• Sesame
• Shellfish
• Fish (salmon, tuna, cod)

These foods are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions worldwide, so it's important to introduce them to your infant carefully. Foods that contain any of these products or that have come in contact with these allergens should have warnings on them, but always check to be sure.

How to Safely Introduce Food Allergens to Your Baby

You shouldn't give your baby any solid foods until they've passed a few major milestones, such as being able to keep supporting their head and sitting up without assistance. However, once your baby is ready, it's best to begin introducing allergens early and slowly. Although it can be a bit scary, remember that delaying the introduction of certain trigger foods can cause more problems. Follow these steps to introduce food allergens to your baby safely and learn what to do in case of an emergency.

Don't Rub Solid Food on Your Baby's Skin

Getting an allergen test as an adult includes exposing the skin to common allergies and seeing which area has a reaction. Those that do swell up or itch are then identified as an allergy. This doesn't work the same way with food, especially when introducing solid foods. Don't rub food on your baby's skin... it won't help you identify any common allergens from food or reduce the chance of developing a food allergy over time. You can, however, rub a little bit of the solid food inside your baby's lip to watch for any potential reactions. This may even be recommended as a first step if your newborn has any risks, such as severe eczema. When in doubt, talk to your pediatrician about your options.

Stick to One Type of Food at a Time

When introducing allergens to your baby, it's essential to stick to one type of food at a time. This helps you identify which food may be causing a reaction if symptoms occur. Start with a small amount, such as a teaspoon or less, and observe your baby closely for any signs of an allergy. If there's no response, you can increase the amount they have and repeat. Wait three to five before introducing another new food allergen. This allows enough time to monitor for delayed reactions, which are less common but still possible. Keeping a log of the foods you've introduced and any reactions can also help guide future steps and discussions with your pediatrician.

Introduce Allergens in the Morning

Introducing allergens in the morning is recommended because it gives you enough time to monitor your baby for any adverse reactions throughout the day. Allergic symptoms often appear within minutes to a few hours after eating but can sometimes be delayed. By introducing potential allergens early in the day, you can ensure that you have access to your pediatrician or medical care if necessary. Avoid introducing new foods before bedtime or late in the evening, as it can be harder to notice symptoms when your baby is asleep.

Keep Tested Allergens in Your Baby's Diet

Once your baby tolerates a common allergen, keeping that food in their diet is important. Consistent exposure helps maintain their tolerance and may prevent allergies from developing later. For example, if your baby does well with peanut products, include small amounts of peanut butter or peanut powder in their meals at least twice a week. The same applies to other allergens like eggs, dairy, or wheat. If you’re unsure about portion sizes or how to incorporate allergens into your baby’s meals safely, consult your pediatrician or a pediatric dietitian for guidance.

Signs or Symptoms of a Food Allergy

When you start introducing solid foods to your baby, it's important to always keep an eye out for any signs of an allergy. Allergic reactions to food tend to occur fast—usually within minutes or hours. However, in rare circumstances, reactions can be delayed by four to six hours or more. This is one of the main reasons it's recommended to introduce allergens in the morning, as it gives parents the longest period to watch for signs. Some of the most common signs of a food allergy may include one or more of the following:

• Hives (red, itchy welts on the skin)
• Eczema (dry, itchy, or scaly skin)
• Redness or rash around the mouth or face
• Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Excessive crying or fussiness
• Lethargy or appearing unusually tired

Most of these symptoms are mild and can be treated with an antihistamine. However, any signs of severe reactions (anaphylaxis) should be treated as a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention. Take your baby to an emergency room or call 911 if you notice any signs of anaphylaxis, including:

• Swelling of the throat or tongue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Pale or bluish skin

Working With Your Pediatrician

The idea of introducing problem foods can be a bit nerve-wracking for new parents, but remember that doing so early can actually help with allergy prevention. Still, it's best to work with your pediatrician to determine a timeline and identify potential risks your newborn may have. Ensure you ask questions and understand what to do in an emergency. While solid foods can be introduced starting from around six months, breast milk is still an essential part of your baby's diet. To help you make the most out of your nursing experience, don't forget to get your insurance-covered breast pump from Byram Healthcare. Contact us to learn more about our products, or start your order today.