Baby Food Allergy Guide — Introducing Allergens Safely

UK paediatric guidance recommends introducing allergenic foods from around 6 months — the same time as starting solid foods. There is no evidence that waiting beyond 6 months reduces allergy risk. The LEAP trial demonstrated the opposite: early peanut introduction significantly reduces peanut allergy risk. If your baby has severe eczema or a known egg allergy, speak to your GP or paediatrician first.

The 9 most important allergens to introduce deliberately are: peanuts, tree nuts, egg, cow's milk (in food), wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame, and soya. The remaining 5 (celery, mustard, lupin, molluscs, sulphur dioxide) are less commonly allergenic in infancy and often introduced naturally through normal weaning. Focus on the 9 first.

Mild reactions include: redness or a rash around the mouth or face, itchy watery eyes, mild swelling of the lips, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) include: swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, pale or blue skin, or sudden collapse. For any severe symptoms, call 999 immediately.

This depends on the severity of the eczema. Mild to moderate eczema is not a reason to delay allergen introduction — proceed as normal. Severe eczema (particularly if already managing an egg allergy) is a higher-risk situation. Speak to your GP or paediatric allergist before introducing peanuts and tree nuts specifically. They may recommend supervised introduction.

Smooth peanut butter (never whole peanuts — choking risk) mixed into porridge, purée, or yoghurt. A pea-sized amount on first introduction. At home, in the morning, when your baby is well. Wait 20 minutes, then offer a slightly larger amount if no reaction. Continue to offer peanut-containing food 3 times per week once tolerated.

A family history of allergy means your baby has a higher risk — but it does not mean allergen introduction should be delayed. The current guidance is to introduce all foods, including allergens, from around 6 months regardless of family history. For high-risk babies (severe parental or sibling allergy), your GP may recommend a supervised first introduction.

BabyBite Meal Planner includes allergy filter options for the most common allergens: nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten, fish, sesame, and more. You can also set dietary preferences including halal, vegetarian, and vegan. BabyBite Compass strictly excludes any ingredient that conflicts with your selected filters when generating meal ideas.

If your baby has a mild reaction (redness around the mouth, mild rash, or vomiting) after eating a new food, stop giving that food and contact your GP for advice. Do not reintroduce the food without medical guidance. Your GP may refer you to a paediatric allergist for formal allergy testing if the reaction was significant.