Weaning and food allergies

From peanuts to eggs, the list of potential allergens can feel overwhelming. Before you begin weaning, it's crucial to understand food allergies to ensure a safe transition for your little one. When it comes to food allergies, awareness is key. Among the myriad of potential allergens, some stand out as more common culprits. Please see the list below.

8 MOST COMMON FOOD ALLERGENS

A baby sitting on a high chair and eating

When to introduce allergens to your baby

There is no need to delay introducing common allergens to your baby. However, the NHS advices that you introduce one common allergen at a time.
For babies without a higher risk of food allergies, starting around 6 months is generally safe.
For babies at a higher risk of food allergies, such as those with a family history, it is recommended that you talk to your GP or Health Visitor before introducing these foods. Please check the NHS Advice (link below) for more information.

NHS Website

HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS OF AN ALLERGIC REACTION

Nasal

• Congestion • Runny nose • Watery eyes • Sneezing

Skin and mucosal tissue

• Hives • Itching • Redness • Swollen lips, face or eyes

Cardiovascular

• Weak pulse • Tachycardia • Change in skin colour (pale, blue…) • Dizziness

Gastrointestinal

• Nausea • Pain/cramps • Vomiting • Diarrhoea

Respiratory

• Coughing • Throat tightness • Shortness of breath

PLEASE NOTE: While many allergic reactions tend to be mild, it's crucial to be prepared for such situations. Refer to NHS advice for further details on how to handle them effectively.

How to introduce potential allergens to your baby

- Start your weaning process.
- Offer your baby foods that may trigger an allergic reaction once other foods are already tolerated.
- Only introduce foods that may trigger an allergic reaction, one at a time.
- Only offer these foods when you are at home.
- If there's no reaction, you can gradually increase the amount offered over the next following days.
- Once these foods are tolerated, they can be part of your baby's regular diet.

For more information on safely introducing new foods to your baby, please visit our A to Z of Great Food.
A complete guide to help you spark your little one's love of great food from day one.

Organix A-Z of Great Food

Please note: This guide has been created with the information provided by the Hero Institute for Infant Nutrition, and the NHS in the UK. It has been published for information purposes only and not as medical advice. Please contact your GP or Health Visitor if you have any questions.