Your Guide to Introducing Allergens with Confidence

Starting solids is an exciting milestone, and part of this journey is introducing common allergens safely. Research shows that offering allergens early and often can actually reduce the risk of food allergies later in life.

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous — but the good news is that most babies tolerate these foods without problems. In fact, there have been no reported cases of fatal allergic reactions in infants under 12 months in Australia.

If your baby is at higher risk of allergies (for example, with severe eczema or a strong family history), speak with your healthcare professional about your plan. Importantly, a family history of allergy is not a reason to delay. In fact, it’s even more reason to introduce allergens early and safely.

The Main Food Allergens

In Australia and New Zealand, the most common allergens are:

• Cow's milk

• Egg

• Soy

• Peanut

• Wheat

• Fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, white fish, sardines)

• Sesame

• Tree nuts (e.g., almond, cashew, walnut, pecan, hazelnut, pistachio, macadamia, brazil nut, pine nut)

• Shellfish (e.g. prawns, crab)

How to Introduce Allergens Safely

1. Make sure your baby is ready for solids

Start solids around 6 months, but not before 4 months.

Signs of readiness include:

• Loss of tongue-thrust reflex (not pushing food out automatically).

• Good head and neck control, able to sit upright with support.

• Showing interest in food (reaching, watching, or opening their mouth when offered).

2. Introduce allergens early — before 12 months

Once solids are established, try to introduce common allergenic foods early. And ensure that all major allergens are introduced before your baby turns 1 year old.

3. It's best to offer one new allergen at a time

This makes it easier to identify the cause if a reaction occurs. Choose a day when your baby is well and settled.

4. Pick the right time

Offer new foods at home, earlier in the day, so you can observe your baby for at least 2 hours.

5. Keep it consistent

• If tolerated, offer the allergenic food at least twice a week to maintain tolerance.

• Continue offering allergenic foods up to around 5 years of age.

• If your family rarely eats certain foods (e.g., shellfish), it may be better not to introduce them, as infrequent exposure could increase allergy risk.

6. Use safe, age-appropriate textures

• Nuts → only smooth nut butters or finely ground (never whole nuts).

• Egg → well cooked for babies under 1

• Gradually progress textures (purees → soft lumps → finger foods).

7. Start small, then build up

There’s no exact proven “right” amount to prevent allergies. It is suggested to begin with a tiny taste (even a smear inside the lip), then slowly increase to a normal age-appropriate serve.

Note

• Do not rub food on your baby’s skin. This doesn’t prevent allergies and may increase risk, especially in babies with eczema.
• A little redness around the mouth is usually due to irritation, not allergy.
• If a family member has a food allergy, your baby should still be offered that food — safely, by a non-allergic parent or carer.

What Reactions To Look For 

Reactions can happen on the first or later exposure.

If you notice any reaction:

• Stop offering the food immediately

• Seek medical advice

• Note what your baby ate and the reaction observed

A proper diagnosis is important — avoiding foods unnecessarily may increase allergy risk or lead to nutritional gaps. Remember, some symptoms can occur for reasons other than allergy.

Mild to Moderate Reaction

Stay with your baby and watch closely to make sure symptoms don’t progress.
Sometimes symptoms can be subtle — for example, your baby may just seem very unsettled.

Signs of a mild to moderate allergic reaction:

• Swelling of the face, lips, or eyes

• Hives or welts anywhere on the body

• Vomiting or tummy pain

Severe Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

⚠️ This is a medical emergency.

• Call 000 immediately

• Lay your baby flat (not upright). If vomiting or unconscious, position them on their side. 

• Use an adrenaline injector if available

Signs of anaphylaxis:

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing

• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat

• Wheezing or persistent cough

• Suddenly pale, floppy, very tired, or collapsing

Key take-outs

✔ Introduce allergens early, once solids are established.
✔ Offer one new allergen at a time.
✔ Keep serving tolerated allergens regularly (at least twice a week).
✔ Always supervise and be ready to respond if needed.