When Should I Introduce Allergenic Foods to My Baby?

If you're introducing solids and feeling nervous about food allergies, you're not alone.

I hear from so many parents asking:

“When is the safest time to give my baby peanut butter, eggs, or milk?”

The latest guidelines say this: Early introduction may help reduce the risk of developing food allergies.

What the Research Says

Studies like the LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) Trial have shown that introducing peanuts as early as 4–6 months can dramatically reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy in high-risk infants.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends:

• Introducing allergenic foods around 4–6 months, once your baby is ready for solids

• Introducing one allergenic food at a time (so you can monitor for symptoms)

• Not delaying introduction past 12 months unless otherwise advised

How to Introduce Allergens Safely

Start when your baby is healthy (no cold, fever, etc.)

1. Offer a small amount of the allergenic food in a safe texture (e.g., thinned peanut butter or mashed egg yolk)

2. Watch for signs of a reaction in the first 2 hours

3. If no reaction, continue offering the food regularly (2–3x per week)

If your baby has severe eczema or a known egg allergy, talk to your child’s healthcare provider before introducing peanuts.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Food allergy prevention is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

I created a free symptom tracker to help you monitor reactions and feel more confident when introducing new foods, download it now!

Want More Support?

In my upcoming course, I walk parents through:

• Understanding the Top 9 allergens

• How to recognize allergic reactions

• What to say to your child’s health care provider

• What to do if you suspect a food allergy

Sign up for newsletters to be the first to know when it launches!

And remember… always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before starting any allergenic foods.