Introducing allergens to your baby — the early-and-often approach

Early and one at a time

The advice on allergens has changed: rather than delaying them, guidance now supports introducing common allergens early, from around 6 months, because it can reduce the risk of a baby developing a food allergy.

The common allergens

Egg, peanut, tree nuts, cow’s milk, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame make up the core of the EU-14 and US top-9 allergen lists. Introduce each one deliberately.

How to do it

1. Pick one allergen and offer a small amount, prepared safely (well-cooked egg, thinned peanut butter, and so on).
2. Do it on a day you can watch your baby for a few hours afterwards.
3. If there is no reaction, keep it in the rotation and build up the amount.
4. Introduce the next allergen separately, so any reaction is easy to trace.

When to get advice first

Babies with severe eczema or an existing food allergy are at higher risk and should be assessed by a pediatrician or allergist before introducing peanut or egg. Seek urgent help for any breathing difficulty or widespread reaction.

Nibbino flags whether a food is a common allergen and gives a short, practical introduction note for it — so you know before you serve it.