Reducing your baby's risk of food allergies

Did you know when and how you introduce allergenic foods to your baby can impact developing food allergies?

In the United States, food allergies in children rose 50% from 1997 to 2011 (estimated about 1 out of 12 kids have a food allergy). Peanut and tree nut allergies even tripled during this time.

In the past, it was suggested to wait with allergenic foods until baby's first birthday. Today studies show that introducing the 9 allergenic foods between 6-12 months can actually decrease the risk of food allergies. It can help inform babies' immune systems to protect them against overactive responses to these foods. And the hope is that these new guidelines can help reduce the number of babies/kids with food allergies.

Here are the 9 allergenic foods that make up about 90% of all reactions in babies/kids (although any food could cause a reaction)

Cow's Milk

Hen's Egg

Peanut

Tree Nuts

Sesame

Fish

Shellfish

Soy

Wheat

Tips for introducing allergenic foods:

- Only introduce allergenic foods slowly. Small bites are enough for a start and working up.

- Repeat the same allergenic foods for at least 3 introductions (allergy reactions often don't appear after initial introduction).

- Allergenic foods can be offered with other low-risk foods that have been introduced successfully.

- Wait 3-4 days until introducing another allergenic food.

- Don't introduce allergenic foods if your baby is sleepy or not feeling well. - Consistency is key once you’ve safely introduced a food allergen; keep that food in regular rotation.

If you have any other questions about baby/kid's food allergies/sensitivities or eczema, you find more information about when and how to introduce food allergens to your baby in my 'First Foods Guide' (https://www.growingtummies.com/product-page/first-food-guide). Or book a free first consultation on my website (https://calendly.com/growingtummies/free-20-min-consultation)