Food Allergy Information:

• Any food may cause an allergic reaction, but over 90% of food allergies in children are
• caused by these 9 common foods or food groups:  
  • Eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, wheat, sesame, fish, and shellfish.
• Offering these foods around 6 months of age can help to prevent food allergies.  
• If you are concerned your baby might have an allergy to certain foods, always discuss your concerns with your child’s primary care provider.

You can find more information here:

• Food Allergies in Children: Common Causes & Symptoms - HealthyChildren.org
• Feeding your baby to prevent peanut allergy- By Dr. Natalie Muth  
• Food Allergy 101 - Basics of Food Allergies | FARE

Introducing allergenic foods in general:  

• Wait at least one to three days between introducing new foods so that you can tell if a baby has an allergy.
• If your child has an allergy you might notice:  
  • Rash, vomiting, facial swelling, cough, or diarrhea.  
  • If your child has any of these symptoms after being given a food contact your child’s and primary healthcare provider and avoid the food.  
• When giving eggs, make sure they are fully cooked (no runny yolk).
• Try mashing them, giving a boiled egg or scrambling them into small pieces.  
• Do not offer milk until your child is 12 months old.  
• Cheese and yogurt can be offered sooner. 

Introducing peanut:  

• Research has shown that your child’s risk of having an allergy to peanuts can be reduced if you give your child peanut-based foods as described below.  
• More information can be found here.
• First, determine your baby’s risk of peanut allergy:
  • Low risk: no other food allergy or eczema.
  • High risk: your child has a food allergy (such as egg) or severe eczema.  
  • If you have any concerns or questions, contact your child’s primary care provider.  
• If your baby is at low risk, offer these allergy related foods freely (eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, wheat, sesame, fish, and shellfish).  
• If your baby is at high risk, discuss offering these allergy-related foods (eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, wheat, sesame, fish, and shellfish) with your child’s primary care provider or allergy specialist.
• All babies should be introduced to peanuts before 12 months old, and ideally by 6 months old.
• Tips on introducing peanut:
  • Peanut flour/powder or thinned peanut butter (creamy, with no added ingredients such as sugar/salt/oils).
  • Peanut butter should be thinned out with breastmilk, water, or formula to prevent stickiness.  
  • It can be mixed into purees, cereals, or mashed banana.  
  • Do not offer whole or partial peanuts as they are a choking risk.
  • May start with a small amount, with goal of reaching 1-2 teaspoons peanut butter/powder per serving on a regular basis  
  • Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling, coughing, trouble breathing, vomiting.  
    • If there is more than just a rash, seek medical help, or if you are concerned, call 911. 

Reviewed by: CPCMG Nutrition Committee, CY M.D., TT D.O. | 10/2024