30 Jun Wondering  “When should I start feeding my baby solids?“

Wondering  “When should I start feeding my baby solids?“ and “Should I avoid giving my child peanuts or egg in case they have an allergic reaction?”

To help clear the confusion about infant feeding and allergy prevention, here are the latest feeding guidelines according to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (May 2016):

When your infant  is ready, at around 6 months, but not before 4 months, start to introduce a variety of solid foods, starting with iron rich foods, while continuing breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding  is recommended for at least 6 months and for as long as mother and infant wish to continue. There is no consistent evidence that breastfeeding is effective for the prevention of allergic disease. However, breastfeeding is recommended for the many benefits it provides to mother and infant. 

Breastfeeding  during the period that solid foods are first introduced to infants from around 6 months may help reduce the risk of the infant developing allergies, although evidence for this is low.

All infants should be given allergenic solid foods including peanut butter, cooked egg, dairy and wheat products in the first year of life. This includes infants at high risk of allergy. It is important to understand that the facial skin in babies is very sensitive and that many foods (including citrus, tomatoes, berries, other fruit and vegemite) can irritate the skin and cause redness on contact – this is not food allergy. Smearing food on the skin will not help to identify possible food allergies.

Hydrolysed (partially and extensively) infant formula is not recommended for prevention of allergic disease. Regular cow’s, goat’s milk (or other mammal derived milks), soy milk, nut and cereal beverages are not recommended for infants as the main source of milk before 12 months of age.

Some infants will develop food allergies. If there is any allergic reaction to any food, that food should be stopped and you should seek advice from a doctor with experience in food allergy.

Quick Tips from your Friendly Team at My Favourite Physio

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