Starting solids can feel exciting… and a little daunting, especially when food allergies are part of the conversation. The good news? The latest evidence gives us clearer guidance on how to reduce the risk of food allergies in babies.
The ASICA (the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand) has recently updated its food allergy prevention guidelines, and we’re here to break down what this means for families.
The big picture
For most babies, introducing allergenic foods isn’t about testing whether they’ll have an allergy, it’s about early and regular exposure. Research shows that introducing common allergens early (once your baby is ready for solids) can actually reduce the risk of developing food allergies.
It’s also important to know that some babies will develop food allergies regardless of doing “all the right things”. These guidelines reflect the best evidence we have right now to help lower risk…
Key messages for food allergy prevention
1. Breastfeeding and food allergies
Continue breastfeeding if possible. There’s no need to avoid allergenic foods (like dairy, egg, or nuts) from your own diet while breastfeeding to prevent food allergies.
If you’re worried your baby may be reacting via breastmilk, speak with a health professional experienced in allergy care before removing important foods from your diet.
For healthy, exclusively breastfed babies, infant formula should generally be avoided in the first week of life, unless there’s a medical reason or regular supplementation is expected.
If you’re pregnant and planning to breastfeed, it’s worth discussing feeding plans with your healthcare provider ahead of time.
2. Choosing a formula
If you’re formula feeding, there is no need to use hydrolysed (partially or extensively) formulas or plant-based formulas for food allergy prevention, these are not recommended for this purpose.
If you suspect your baby may be reacting to a formula, speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes.
3. When to introduce allergenic foods
The best time to begin solids is when your baby is developmentally ready, which is usually around 6 months of age. It is important not to start solids before 4 months. Begin by offering a few small tastes of iron-rich foods, healthy fats and some vegetables. Shortly after this, introduce allergenic foods.
Not sure if your baby is ready for solids? You can find helpful guidance here:
👉 https://preventallergies.org.au/feeding-your-baby/introducing-solid-foods/
4. Babies with eczema
If your baby has severe eczema, it’s important that their skin condition is well managed before introducing allergenic foods.
If you’re unsure, discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting allergen introduction.
5. Avoid skin exposure to foods
Ideally skin exposure to allergens should be avoided for the first couple of exposures:
- By giving bub a first 2-3 tries of the allergen with a spoon
- Never rub or smear food on the skin, this does not help identify allergies and may actually increase allergy risk
6. One new allergen at a time
When introducing common allergy-causing foods:
- Introduce one new allergen per meal
- Foods your baby already tolerates can still be offered alongside the new food
7. Rashes around the mouth
A rash around the mouth where food has touched the skin isn’t always a true allergy, it may be a contact reaction.
If this happens:
- The food should usually be offered again
- Use a barrier cream (such as Vaseline or an ointment) around the mouth before the next exposure
Learn how to recognise allergic reactions here:
👉 https://preventallergies.org.au/allergic-reactions/how-to-recognise-an-allergic-reaction/
8. First allergenic foods to try
Well-cooked egg and peanut (as a paste or powder) are recommended as some of the first allergenic foods once solids have begun.
There is strong evidence that early introduction of egg and peanut can reduce the risk of developing these allergies.
9. The goal by 12 months
Aim to have all 9 common allergens introduced by 12 months of age.
10. Keep allergens in the diet
Once an allergenic food has been introduced and tolerated:
- Include it regularly in your child’s diet
- At least once per week in age-appropriate servings. (This is a change from previous guidelines, which recommended twice weekly.)
11. What about food allergen starter packs?
There’s now more clarity around commercial food allergen starter packs:
- These products can be unnecessary and costly if common allergens are already part of family meals
- If used, they should be introduced after allergens have already been tried
- The best approach is usually to include allergens naturally through family foods
More information can be found here:
👉 https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-prevention/infant-feeding-products
Feeling Unsure?
If you’re feeling uncertain, want reassurance, or are worried your baby may have a food allergy, our dietitian can support you with personalised advice tailored to your baby and family. Call us now on 9328 0501 or visit our website to book an appointment.
For practical, step-by-step guidance on introducing allergenic foods, these resources are excellent:
👉 How to introduce common allergy causing foods
👉 Royal Children’s Hospital guide to introducing new foods