Allergies and Feeding Your Baby: A Guide for Parents

As parents, we all want the best start for our little ones, especially when it comes to their health and nutrition. Understanding the connection between feeding and allergies can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can confidently make choices that support your baby's needs. Here’s what you need to know about allergies, breastfeeding, formula feeding, and introducing new foods.

Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for around the first 6 months of life. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for your baby and can even help reduce the risk of some allergies. However, not all parents are able to breastfeed — and that's okay!

If your baby has a diagnosed cow’s milk allergy and you’re not breastfeeding, consult your GP to determine the best type of hypoallergenic formula for your baby. Specialized formulas are available that can provide all the nutrients your baby needs while avoiding potential allergens.

What About Pregnant or Breastfeeding Moms and Allergens?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you don’t need to avoid foods that can trigger allergic reactions (like peanuts), unless you have a personal allergy to those foods. There's no strong evidence that avoiding these foods will prevent allergies in your baby.

Introducing Foods That May Trigger Allergies

Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone! Around 6 months of age, start introducing common allergenic foods one at a time and in small amounts. This way, you can watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.

If your baby already has an existing allergy (such as eczema or a diagnosed food allergy) or a family history of allergies, eczema, asthma, or hay fever, take extra care when introducing new foods. It’s a good idea to speak with your GP or health visitor for personalized advice.

Common Foods That Can Trigger Allergic Reactions

When you’re ready to introduce allergenic foods, here are the most common ones to be mindful of:

• Cow’s milk
• Eggs (only serve eggs with a red lion stamp raw or lightly cooked)
• Foods containing gluten (like wheat, barley, and rye)
• Nuts and peanuts (always serve crushed or ground to avoid choking hazards)
• Seeds (serve crushed or ground)
• Soya
• Shellfish (avoid raw or lightly cooked shellfish)
• Fish

These foods can become part of your baby’s diet alongside other foods. If your baby tolerates them well, continue to include them regularly. Early and consistent exposure can help reduce the risk of developing allergies to these foods.

The Importance of Timing

Research suggests that delaying the introduction of certain allergenic foods, such as peanuts and hen’s eggs, beyond 6 to 12 months may increase the likelihood of developing an allergy. For example:

• Peanuts: Introducing peanuts between 6 to 12 months may reduce the risk of peanut allergy.
• Eggs: Early introduction of hen’s eggs, once your baby is ready for solids, can also help lower the chances of an egg allergy.

It’s also worth noting that many children eventually outgrow allergies to milk or eggs. However, a peanut allergy is more likely to be lifelong. If your child has a food allergy, carefully read food labels and avoid products if you’re uncertain about the ingredients.

Final Tips for Parents

• Introduce allergenic foods in a safe environment, where you can monitor your baby for any reactions.
• Signs of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If you notice these, seek medical attention immediately.
• Once an allergenic food is tolerated, keep it in your baby’s diet regularly to maintain their tolerance.
• Work with your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your baby’s unique needs.

Every baby is different, and what works for one family might not work for another. The key is to stay informed, stay patient, and always trust your instincts as a parent. You’ve got this!