The Parent's Guide to Introducing Allergens (It's Easier Than You Think!)

Starting your little one on solid foods is exciting and introducing allergens doesn't have to be scary! Here's everything you need to know to do it safely and confidently.

Start Early (When Baby Is Ready for Solids)

All babies can benefit from early allergen introduction. We're talking about common allergens like egg, peanut, and dairy.

The sweet spot is usually around 6 months, alongside other food when your baby is developmentally ready. Studies show that babies who are introduced to allergens earlier and eat them regularly are actually less likely to develop food allergies later on.

One at a Time

Introduce just one new allergenic food at a time. This way, if there's any reaction, you'll know exactly what caused it and can respond quickly. For example, if you're serving our Shakshukka (contains dairy and egg), and your baby has already been safely introduced to dairy, then egg would count as the only new allergen in the dish. That makes it safe to trial as a single allergen!

Start in the Morning

Timing matters! Introduce new allergens earlier in the day when your baby is:

• Well-rested and alert
• Feeling healthy (no fever, cough, or rash)
• In good spirits

This gives you plenty of time to watch for any reactions throughout the day. Plus, if your baby isn't feeling well, you might confuse allergy symptoms with regular illness symptoms — so always wait until they're in tip-top shape.

It's Not One and Done

The secret to building tolerance? Regular exposure. If your baby handles an allergen well, keep it in rotation! Aim to include it in their meals a few times a week.

If you notice mild symptoms, pause and wait until they clear up. Then try again after 1-2 weeks with your doctor's guidance. 

The Takeaway

Introducing allergens early is one of the best things you can do for your little one's health. Trust the process and watch for reactions. It might feel overwhelming at first, but trust the process, stay observant, and remember — every baby's journey is different. Explore our range of baby meals and introduce allergens with confidence💛