Gerber is proud to be a supporting sponsor of the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) led food allergy prevention initiative to help increase awareness and education about the benefits of early food allergen introduction. Gerber met with Dr. Cleary, MD, Senior Director of Education and Support Programs at FARE to get answers to top questions about food allergen introduction. You can learn more at foodallergyprevention.org
Q: When should I introduce common food allergens (dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, shellfish, finned fish, sesame) to my baby?
A: Each baby develops at their own pace, but most babies are ready for solid food around 4-6 months. Signs that an infant is developmentally ready include:
· Good head and neck control
· Ability to sit upright unassisted (or with minimal support)
· Showing a general interest in food
Studies show that early introduction of food allergens can be beneficial in preventing food allergies, especially in those that are at high risk. If your baby has severe eczema and/or a known egg allergy, they are at higher risk for developing a food allergy to peanut and other foods.
Begin introducing common food allergens around the same time as other baby foods when your baby is ready for solids. Make sure you are offering infant-safe forms of these top allergen foods. One infant safe example is creamy peanut butter thinned with water, breast milk or formula. You can check out FARE’s materials and videos with early allergen introduction feeding tips here.
Q: Is there an order for introducing the top 9 common food allergens?
A: Typically, it is recommended to start solid foods such as vegetables, fruits, and grains that are less likely to cause an allergy. This is why many caregivers choose to start with sweet potato, banana or infant cereal.
It’s important to remember that infants can be allergic to any food. An allergic reaction can include symptoms such as rash, vomiting or diarrhea.
Once your baby has tolerated some foods with a low allergy risk, you can begin to introduce more highly allergenic foods. Introduce single-ingredient, infant-safe foods every 2-3 days to monitor for any reactions. While research shows the benefit of early peanut and egg introduction, there is no evidence to delay the introduction of any foods as a strategy to prevent food allergies.
Currently, there is no defined order for introduction of allergens, but consider offering foods that you regularly serve in your home. Other top allergen foods you might consider introducing include infant-safe forms of wheat, tree nuts, soy and milk products. Remember not to give whole nuts to a child under 5 years old and do not give peanut butter in lumps off a spoon until after 4 years of age. The nuts should be in powder form or smooth nut butter mixed with water, breastmilk or formula to a thin consistency.
Q: How should I introduce these new foods to my baby?
A: There are a few steps to consider when introducing potential allergens to baby:
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Introduce allergens one at a time and start off with a small amount. Serve these common allergenic foods alone or with foods already tolerated by the infant. This will make it easier to know which foods may have caused symptoms. If a reaction occurs, stop serving the food immediately.
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It’s important that all foods have infant-safe textures and forms. When introducing allergenic foods, note that cow’s milk is not recommended as a beverage until baby is 12 months or older, but you can introduce dairy products such as whole milk yogurts or soft cheeses.
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Once you’ve introduced an allergen, you’ll want to keep feeding it regularly and often by incorporating it into other age-appropriate foods.
Q: What precautions should I take during the introduction process?
A: Talk to your pediatrician or other pediatric healthcare providers about starting solids. If your baby has moderate to severe eczema and/or has had an immediate allergic response to another food, such as egg, it’s important to have this conversation with your doctor early to create a feeding plan that is safest for your baby.
Don’t delay – studies have shown that in babies at high risk for peanut allergy, early introduction of peanuts has decreased the likelihood of developing a peanut allergy by over 80 percent!
Q: How will I know if my baby is having an allergic reaction?
A: An allergic reaction is an immune system response. The most common reaction seen in infants is mild, with symptoms such as a rash, vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect a reaction, stop feeding that food and speak with your pediatrician or other pediatric healthcare provider.
If your baby has a more severe reaction, which is very unlikely, you may notice symptoms such as irritability, wheezing, or breathing difficulties. In the unlikely event of a severe reaction, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Q: How soon after consuming the food will my baby have a reaction if they are allergic?
A: An allergic reaction will occur immediately or up to 2 hours after consuming a food.
Q: Where can I find more information about common allergens?
A: FARE offers many resources for families on early introduction at foodallergyprevention.org and resources for families managing food allergies at foodallergy.org
About FARE
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) enhances the lives of individuals with food allergies empowering them to lead safe, productive lives with the respect of others through education and advocacy initiatives and improved awareness around healthcare options and treatment. FARE’s mission is to improve the quality of life and health of those with food allergies through transformative research, education, and advocacy.
You can learn more at foodallergyprevention.org
