Here we go, the start of weaning begins. Fruit or vegetable puree, first homemade meals and first textures, our baby is getting a whole lot of new experiences.
Starting solid foods also means starting to introduce allergens ! Healthcare professionals' recommendations have changed, and there's no need to wait: allergens can now be introduced right from the start of weaning, between 4 and 6 months. This crucial step allows babies to discover new tastes (yum… new flavors!) and also to develop their tolerance to these foods.<sup> 1 </sup>
But then, you must surely be wondering…how do I introduce allergens? When should I introduce them? Which allergen should I introduce and in what quantity? Don't worry!
As always, Good Goût supports you through every stage of food diversification!
Introducing solid foods: when and how to introduce allergens?
A baby can begin to explore all food groups between 4 and 6 months, including those that can cause allergies.<sup> 1</sup> To safely introduce new foods and allergens into your baby's diet, it's essential to follow certain rules and general principles. This will allow you to proceed step by step.
The main principles:
- Consult your pediatrician : Before introducing any allergens, you can consult an early childhood professional. This specialist can provide specific recommendations based on your baby's development and needs, especially if there is a family history of allergies.
- Introduce only one new allergen at a time : This way you can carefully observe your little gourmet's reactions. If there's a reaction, you can pinpoint the culprit. Ultimately, how do you introduce any new food? It's much simpler than looking for a needle in a haystack, don't you think?
- Start with small amounts : Every first bite, with or without an allergen, is a delicate adventure. That's why it's important to begin this exploration of allergens with appropriate quantities, tailored to your baby. This allows them to gradually become accustomed to the allergen and observe their tolerance, safely. In other words, it helps prevent things from going haywire!
- The keys to success are repetition and vigilance : Great, the first introduction of one of the allergens went well, it's time to start again. 3...2...1, here we go! Repeat the introduction for several days before moving on to the next one. And above all, remember: no matter what happens, always keep a close eye on your child! If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, stop giving the food and consult your pediatrician.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction?
The first signs of possible food allergies:
Skin-related: swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Red spots or patches on the body, itching or eczema.
Digestive: vomiting, repeated diarrhea.
Respiratory: difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, throat swelling, asthma.
Crying and sudden irritability.
Which allergens should be introduced?
It is recommended to introduce the major food allergens, with a few exceptions. We'll explain everything!
- Eggs : This is one of the main allergens in children. <sup>4 </sup> You can introduce whole eggs, meaning both the yolk and the white at the same time. Remember to cook them thoroughly. You can give them a small amount mashed and mixed into vegetable puree, or as an omelet!
- Milk : it can be introduced via a few spoonfuls of yogurt or by putting milk in a puree or a homemade recipe (pancake or waffle for example).
- Peanuts : you can, for example, give a small amount of peanut butter or peanut powder in your little one's puree.
- Nuts : specifically almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, Queensland nuts, and pistachios. Each nut is an allergen. Therefore, you can introduce them separately, for example, in powdered form, by making a delicious apple and almond tart.
- Gluten : it is found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and certain types of oats. Therefore, you can easily introduce it through infant cereals, pasta, bread, or biscuits.
- Sesame : you can introduce it with a piece of sesame bread, or a small amount of tahini mixed into a puree.
- Crustaceans , molluscs and fish: these should be introduced separately, well cooked. For example, well cooked, peeled and crushed shrimp, or shrimp in the form of rillettes.
- Celery : to be introduced well cooked in the form of a puree.
- Mustard : to be introduced by putting a small amount of mustard in a puree.
- Soy and sulfites : these should be introduced later.
- Lupin : to be introduced in the form of lupin flour in a recipe.
If you notice any signs of an allergy, stop giving the food and consult your pediatrician.
Sources:
- https://www.mangerbouger.fr/ressources-pros/ressources-documents-mooc-liens-utiles/professionnels-de-sante/introduire-les-allergenes-alimentaires-des-4-6-mois
- https://www.mangerbouger.fr/content/show/1500/file/Brochure-SPF-Mangerbougerfr.pdf
- https://www.mangerbouger.fr/ressources-pros/ressources-documents-mooc-liens-utiles/professionnels-de-sante/introduire-les-allergenes-alimentaires-des-4-6-mois
- https://www.afpral.fr/page/1639845-l-enfant-allergique
