Offering Allergens Without Fear

If you are feeling confused about introducing priority allergen foods to baby, it may be because guidelines have changed drastically over the years! In the past, the recommendation was to delay the introduction of common allergens until children were at least 2 years old. This came from the misconception that delaying exposure would help prevent food allergies, which research has since shown is incorrect! Canadian Pediatric Society guidelines now state that delaying introducing allergens could actually promote the onset of allergies. It is now recommended to introduce priority allergens around 6 months, at the same time you begin introducing solids.

You might be surprised to hear that if your baby is considered high risk (has an immediate family member with a food allergy, or has asthma, severe eczema, hay fever or another known food allergy) the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend that common food allergens, in particular egg and peanut, are fed early to babies as early as 4 months. Every situation is unique, so before introducing early, be sure to discuss with your child’s healthcare team.

​So, what foods are included when we talk about highly allergenic foods or “priority allergens”?

1. Peanuts ​

2. Treenuts

3. Soy ​

4. Eggs ​

5. Milk ​

6. Sesame ​

7. Fish ​

8. Shellfish ​

9. Mustard

10. Wheat & Triticale

It can feel intimidating offering allergens for the first time, but there are some general tips to help you do so safely, and with confidence:

• Spoon feed your baby if possible, as self feeding can cause skin irritation and be confused for allergic reaction

• Introduce one priority allergen at a time (can be offered with previously accepted allergens, or other known tolerated foods)

• Give a small taste and wait 10 minutes

• If no reaction, finish meal and observe for 2 hours (so offer early in the day, not right before bed!)

• Introduce allergens at home

• Offer allergens regularly (2-3x/week) to maintain tolerance

Many parents take comfort in the fact that the risk of a baby having a severe reaction the first time they eat a food is extremely low. In fact, the risk of reaction is so low that it is important to offer the same food a second time, allowing you to make sure there were no symptoms that may have been missed the first time around. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of food allergies prior to offering so that you know what you are looking for. Once all allergens have been offered (and tolerated) it is important to keep offering each food at least weekly to help prevent the development of an allergy.

For more information, check out the “Introducing Allergens” section of our Tiny Tastebuds 101 Program!