How to Introduce Allergens to Baby: EU Guidance and Safe Step-by-Step
The guidance on allergen introduction has changed fundamentally in the past decade. The previous approach, delay common allergens until 1–2 years, is now understood to increase allergy risk, not reduce it. The current European consensus is clear: introduce early, introduce regularly.
Why Early Introduction Reduces Allergy Risk
The landmark LEAP study (2015) showed that early introduction of peanuts to high-risk infants reduced peanut allergy development by 81%. Subsequent research confirmed this principle extends to other major allergens. The mechanism: the immune system learns tolerance through early, regular exposure. Delaying exposure means the immune system encounters the allergen for the first time later, without the prior tolerance-building, increasing the risk of an allergic response.
ESPGHAN (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) now recommends introducing all complementary foods including allergenic ones around 6 months, and explicitly advises against deliberate avoidance or delay of allergenic foods.
The Top 14 EU Allergens
EU regulation requires these 14 allergens to be labelled on all packaged food:
| Allergen | How to introduce to baby | Typical age |
|---|---|---|
| Peanuts | Smooth peanut butter (no salt/sugar) thinned with water or breast milk, on a spoon or mixed into porridge | 6+ months |
| Tree nuts | Ground/blended. never whole nuts (choking hazard). Almond or hazelnut butter thinned | 6+ months |
| Egg | Well-cooked scrambled egg or hard-boiled egg, start with a small amount of yolk | 6+ months |
| Fish | Cooked white fish or salmon, well-mashed. Low-mercury fish first (cod, salmon, haddock) | 6+ months |
| Shellfish | Well-cooked, finely mashed, start with one type at a time | 6+ months |
| Cow's milk | In foods (cheese, yoghurt, cooked in sauces). not as a main drink before 12 months | 6+ months in food |
| Wheat / gluten | Baby porridge, bread, pasta, introduce like any other food | 6+ months |
| Sesame | Tahini (sesame paste) thinned with water, small amount on food | 6+ months |
| Soya | Tofu (soft), edamame pureed, small amounts | 6+ months |
How to Introduce Each Allergen
The protocol for safe introduction:
- One new allergen at a time, introduce a new allergen every 3–5 days. If a reaction occurs, you'll know which food caused it.
- Small amount first, a quarter teaspoon for the first exposure. If no reaction after 20–30 minutes, give a little more at the same sitting.
- Regular ongoing exposure, once tolerated, include the food regularly (at least weekly). Tolerance requires continued exposure; stopping after the first successful introduction can allow sensitivity to develop.
- Morning introduction, introduce new allergens in the morning so you can observe for several hours and have access to medical help if needed. Not before sleep.
- Don't introduce when baby is unwell, an already stressed immune system increases reaction risk.
Recognising and Responding to Reactions
Mild reactions (monitor at home):
- Hives (raised, itchy red welts) limited to the face or body
- Redness around the mouth
- Mild swelling of the lips
Severe reaction, call 112 / 999 immediately (anaphylaxis):
- Swelling of tongue, throat, or significant facial swelling
- Difficulty breathing, wheeze, or noisy breathing
- Sudden pallor or limpness
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting combined with the above symptoms
⚠️ Anaphylaxis is rare but requires immediate action
Severe allergic reactions to food in infants are uncommon, but if they occur, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms resolve. If your baby has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen), use it as directed and call emergency services.
High-Risk Babies: Different Protocol
Babies with severe eczema or an existing diagnosed food allergy are at higher risk of food allergies. For these babies:
- Consult your paediatrician or paediatric allergist before introducing high-risk allergens
- Peanut introduction in severe eczema may be recommended as early as 4–6 months, but under medical guidance
- Some high-risk babies may undergo supervised allergen introduction in a clinical setting for the highest-risk foods
Affiliate disclosure: links earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more