- What's happening
- Early, regular allergen introduction reduces allergy risk.
- What helps
- From 6 months, one at a time, at home, repeated regularly.
- When to get help
- Any reaction beyond mild local redness; emergency for breathing or swelling.
- One tiny next step
- Pick one allergen to introduce this week and write down when.
What's going on?
Current UK and international guidance is to introduce common allergens early and regularly from around 6 months, alongside other solids — including for babies at higher risk (eczema, family history).
Delaying or avoiding allergens does not reduce the risk of allergy; in many cases it increases it. Early, repeated exposure helps the immune system learn what is safe.
The allergens to introduce are: cow's milk, egg, wheat, soya, peanut, tree nuts (as smooth nut butters or ground), sesame, fish and shellfish.
Common signs and symptoms
Very common
- No reaction — most introductions go smoothly.
- Mild redness around the mouth from contact, which usually isn't allergy.
Less common
- Hives, vomiting, swelling, breathing difficulty (true allergic reaction).
Is this normal?
Yes — most babies tolerate allergens with no problem. Reactions, when they happen, are usually mild and respond well to treatment.
Practical things that help
Introduce one new allergen at a time
Easier to spot a reaction if one occurs.
Offer in age-appropriate forms
Smooth peanut butter thinned with milk, well-cooked egg, mashed fish — never whole nuts under 5.
Keep allergens in the diet regularly
Tolerance is maintained by ongoing exposure, not a one-off introduction.
Do introductions at home, daytime, when calm
Easier to spot symptoms and access help if needed.
What can accidentally make it harder?
Delaying allergens to be safe
Delay is associated with higher allergy risk, not lower.
Stopping after one good introduction
Children can lose tolerance if allergens drop out of the diet.
These are gentle observations, not blame. None of us avoid all of them all of the time.
What should I say?
- “We're trying peanut butter today, then again next week.”
Red flags and when to seek help
Worth an assessment
- Repeated mild reactions to a specific food.
- Eczema worsening with certain foods.
Urgent — same day
- Hives spreading rapidly, vomiting, swelling around the face.
Emergency — call 999
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of lips/tongue/throat, floppy or unresponsive — call 999 and use adrenaline auto-injector if prescribed.
GP for suspected food allergy; paediatric allergy team for confirmed or high-risk cases.
If your child is seriously unwell or in danger, get help now.
One tiny next step
Pick one allergen to introduce this week and write down when.
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