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This advice aligns with the 2026 Infant Feeding Guidelines from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy<\/strong> (ASCIA).\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n Allergenic foods should be introduced soon after starting solids, <\/strong>which is usually around 6 months of age, but not before 4 months (when your baby is developmentally ready<\/a>). Early introduction reduces risk, but unfortunately it doesn\u2019t eliminate it entirely. Some babies will still develop food allergies despite ideal timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before You Introduce Any Allergen<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important for a baby\u2019s exposure to food allergens to be through the gastrointestinal system (ie. by eating them) rather than through the skin. That\u2019s why we recommend avoiding skincare that contains food products or food proteins, especially prior to introducing allergens in solids. It\u2019s also important to ensure that eczema is well controlled whilst introducing dietary allergens, so that allergens don\u2019t come in contact with broken skin.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you can introduce low-allergenic foods such as fruits, vegetables and meat in combination, allergenic foods should be offered individually at first. After your baby has three separated tolerated exposures, you can start to combine with other tolerated allergens (for example, combining egg, wheat and dairy in a pancake).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a baby reacts to one allergen, it\u2019s recommended not to offer that allergen again, but to continue introducing the others (unless a health professional recommends otherwise). For example, there is some cross reactivity amongst tree nuts so we recommend seeking medical advice before introducing other tree nuts, if your baby has reacted to one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make this easy, download our FREE Allergen Introduction Tracker<\/a><\/strong> – a simple, parent-friendly template to record foods, dates, exposures and any symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early introduction is not enough – ongoing weekly exposure is essential<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The current ASCIA recommendation is to offer each allergenic food at least 3 times, and if there is no allergic reaction, continue to give that allergenic food to your baby once a week.<\/strong>1<\/sup> This is to maintain tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so through the introduction of solids where possible. This is recommended for overall infant health but can also act to reduce the risk of allergies developing.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n These foods account for approximately 90% of childhood food allergies. Prioritise early introduction (around 6 months).<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try:<\/strong> Our wakame omelette<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prioritise early introduction (around 6 months).<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not offer whole nuts (choking risk).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, macadamias, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts<\/p>\n\n\n\n Introduce each nut individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Never offer whole nuts (choking risk). How to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best choice: Low-mercury<\/a>, nutrient-dense fish like sardines, salmon and mackerel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try:<\/strong> this baked fish recipe<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Crustaceans (prawns, lobster, crab) + molluscs (oysters, mussels, scallops).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Introduce crustaceans and molluscs individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try:<\/strong> this prawn pancake<\/a><\/em> How to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try:<\/strong> This edamame and avocado puree<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n How to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about introducing dairy here<\/strong>.<\/a> How to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n ASCIA 2026 guidelines emphasise prioritising egg and peanut<\/strong> as these two foods have the strongest evidence for allergy prevention. Large studies show that introducing peanut and egg in the first year of life significantly reduces the risk of IgE-mediated food allergy.\u00b2 After this, all other common allergens should ideally be introduced before 12 months of age.<\/strong>\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Boob to Food, we recommend this order as it prioritises ease of digestion, nutrient density and it is in line with the ASCIA guidelines. But if your family eats a certain food more often, and it\u2019s later on the list, it is reasonable to start with that food so your little one can enjoy meals with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are four broad categories of reactions parents should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This refers to anaphylaxis and other severe allergic reactions which are caused by cells in our immune system reacting to specific food proteins. These reactions typically occur within minutes; occasionally up to 2 hours after ingestion. We would usually see IgE mediated allergic reactions on the second\/third or occasionally more subsequent exposures to a new allergen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms develop rapidly and may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Signs of anaphylaxis include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a medical emergency.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not reintroduce the food unless advised by your GP or allergist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your doctor will provide an anaphylaxis management plan, prescription for adrenaline auto-injector and arrange specialist referral\u00b9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These involve different pathways and cells of the immune system; activated in the gastrointestinal system. Reactions are usually not life-threatening, but still require medical review. These include food protein intolerances in breastfed babies and FPIES (food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome). Coeliac disease could also be considered a non IgE mediated food allergy. Non IgE mediated allergies can result from exposure to the top 9 allergens listed above, but also from other foods like grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms typically appear later – from 2 hours after exposure and potentially up to several days later. Common features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a rare non-IgE mediated gastrointestinal food hypersensitivity disorder that primarily affects infants and young children. It presents as recurrent severe episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea about 1-4 hours after ingestion of a triggering food protein (symptoms can occur up to 8 hours after ingestion but this is rare). Babies are often pale and floppy and may require treatment in hospital, but fortunately recover relatively quickly. The first episode is often misdiagnosed as gastroenteritis but an allergy pattern is more obvious after repeated episodes. Any food can trigger FPIES. The most common triggers for infants and children are rice, oat, cow’s milk and egg.3<\/p>\n\n\n\n These occur when sensitive infant skin is irritated by food touching the skin. These reactions are common and usually mild. Common triggers include citrus, berries, tomatoes, nightshades and stone fruit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not usually a true allergy\u00b9 and as such we would not expect to see other associated symptoms such as wheeze, mouth\/ facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing or widespread hives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes people can react to certain foods and have symptoms that are similar to an allergy, such as diarrhoea or mild rashes. Symptoms are not usually caused by the immune system but rather are due to difficulties digesting\/ absorbing some foods (as is the case for lactose or gluten intolerance), reactions to chemicals in food (such as caffeine or MSG) or reactions to preservatives (such as sulfites). Certain preservatives can also rarely trigger asthma or anaphylaxis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If possible, we try to avoid cutting foods out completely for a long duration if there\u2019s not an allergy – because doing this can in fact increase the risk of an allergy in the longer term. For example, if you\u2019ve noticed your little one has a sensitivity to lactose or gluten, it may be that they can tolerate small amounts in certain foods; to allow ongoing exposure to the wheat and dairy proteins. If you\u2019re concerned that your little one has a food sensitivity, we strongly recommend getting some support with a plan and this is something our team in the Boob to Food clinic<\/a> can help with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t have to do this alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re feeling unsure, anxious, or want a personalised allergen introduction plan<\/strong>, we have an online clinic, where our practitioners can guide you through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a consultation here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you want the full roadmap, evidence, recipes and feeding philosophy in one place, you\u2019ll love our bestselling book Milk to Meals<\/a><\/strong> – your complete guide to starting solids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have quite a few podcasts you can listen to on introducing allergens with Dr. Chaitanya Bodapati, a dual-trained paediatric allergist\/immunologist and general paediatrician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this episode we discuss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen Should You Introduce Allergens?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Through the mouth<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Introduce One at a Time<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Continue Weekly Exposure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Top 9 Allergens (and How to Offer Them)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Egg<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Peanut<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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5. Fish<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Shellfish<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n8. Dairy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n9. Wheat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nWhat Order Should You Introduce the Allergens?<\/strong>
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What Are the Signs of a Food Allergy in Babies?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Immediate (IgE-Mediated) Allergic Reactions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nNon-IgE-Mediated (Delayed) Reactions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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FPIES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What To Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Contact Reactions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Food sensitivities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What To Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Need Support Introducing Allergens?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nPodcast Listen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introducing allergens<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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