Introducing new foods is fun and exciting; however; can be stressful when introducing known allergens! Begin introducing purees and baby foods at about 6 months old. Introducing low allergen foods early can assist in creating a wide range of foods and flavors your baby will accept. Introducing high allergen foods before 12 months old can reduce chances of a food allergy developing.
When offering new foods, introduce no more than one new food every three to five days to easily identify the food if it causes a reaction. Unless your baby has an allergic reaction to the food, continue to give the food to your baby regularly (twice weekly), as part of a varied diet. Trying a food and then not giving it regularly may result in a food allergy developing. Offer your baby foods that are the right texture for their stage of development.
Below are suggestions for the order of introduction to create a varied diet.
Foods that seldom cause allergies (try first):
- Sweet potatoes,
- apples,
- peaches,
- pears,
- carrots,
- or squash.
Foods that sometimes cause allergies (try next):
- Bananas,
- prunes,
- spinach,
- or beef.
Foods that often cause allergies (try last):
- Berries,
- coconut,
- corn,
- tomatoes,
- fish,
- peanut butter,
- or eggs.
It is important to note that some babies may still develop a food allergy even if this advice is followed.
Resources:
1. Abrams, E. M., & Becker, A. B. (2015). Food introduction and allergy prevention in infants. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 187(17), 1297–1301. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.150364
2. How to introduce Solid Foods for allergy prevention frequently asked … Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) . (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_PCC_How_to_introduce_solid_foo ds_FAQ_2020.pdf
Blog by: Jordan W. CCC-SLP
