The current recommendation to help reduce your baby's risk of developing allergies is to introduce common allergenic foods between four and six months of age. After introduction, regular consumption of these foods is crucial for maintaining tolerance.
Here's a breakdown of how to approach this:
Introduction of Allergenic Foods:
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Timing is Key: Start introducing potentially allergenic foods when your baby is between 4 and 6 months old, and showing signs of readiness for solids. These signs include good head control, the ability to sit up with support, and showing interest in food. Do not introduce solids before 4 months.
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Introduce One at a Time: Introduce new allergenic foods one at a time, with a few days in between. This will help you identify if your baby has a reaction to a specific food.
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Start Small: Begin with a small amount of the allergenic food (e.g., 1-2 teaspoons) and gradually increase the quantity if there's no reaction.
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Common Allergens: The major allergenic foods include:
- Cow's milk (dairy)
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.)
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
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Preparation Matters: Introduce foods in a safe form. For example:
- Peanut butter: Thinly spread on toast or mixed into yogurt. Never give whole peanuts to a baby due to choking hazard.
- Eggs: Well-cooked and mashed.
- Cow's milk: Can be introduced in baked goods.
Maintaining Tolerance:
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Regular Exposure: Once an allergenic food has been safely introduced and tolerated, continue to offer it to your baby regularly (several times a week). This helps their body maintain tolerance and reduces the risk of developing an allergy.
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Consistency is important: Consistent exposure reinforces the body's acceptance of the food.
Important Considerations:
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Consult Your Pediatrician: Before introducing allergenic foods, especially if your baby has eczema or if there's a family history of food allergies, consult your pediatrician or an allergist. They can provide personalized guidance.
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Recognize Allergic Reactions: Be aware of the signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, rash, swelling (especially of the lips, tongue, or face), vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or a change in behavior. If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop feeding the food immediately and seek medical attention.
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Family History: If you or your baby's other parent have allergies, or if one of your baby's siblings has an allergy, your baby may be at higher risk of developing allergies themselves. Talk to your doctor about this.
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Eczema: Babies with eczema are at higher risk of developing food allergies. Early introduction of allergenic foods, especially peanut, may be beneficial, but this should be done under the guidance of your pediatrician.
By following these guidelines and working with your pediatrician, you can take proactive steps to potentially reduce your baby's risk of developing allergies.
