Introducing common food allergens to your little ones can be scary, but you’re not alone.
Introducing your baby to food allergens might seem scary, but it’s a crucial part of their healthy development. In fact, early exposure to potential allergens can actually help prevent allergies later in life. Contrary to old school advice that suggested delaying the introduction of common food allergens, recent research indicates that early and repeated introduction is highly beneficial. Studies have shown that introducing allergens like cow’s milk products, egg, and peanuts early on can significantly lower the risk of developing food allergies by 78-86%. This month, in recognition of Food Allergy Awareness Month, we’re exploring ways to safely introduce the top 5 common food allergens to your child, helping you to set them up for a healthy life full of delicious, nutritious meals.
The Top 5 Food Allergens:
Peanuts
Peanuts are the most common allergen worldwide. They contain various proteins that the immune system can mistakenly identify as harmful invaders. Notably, proteins in peanuts are particularly stable and resistant to digestion, which increases the likelihood of triggering an immune response. Additionally, the way peanuts are processed, such as through roasting, can impact how allergenic these proteins are.
Eggs
Egg allergy is a common food allergy in children, but many eventually outgrow it. This allergy is usually triggered by the proteins found in egg whites. One of these egg white proteins is particularly heat-stable, which means that even cooked eggs may still provoke reactions in sensitive individuals.
Tree Nuts
This category includes nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and hazelnuts. Children who have one tree nut allergy often develop allergies to other types as well. Similar to peanuts, tree nuts contain specific storage proteins that are strong allergens. These proteins are very stable and difficult to break down. Cross-reactivity is also a concern, meaning that if a person is allergic to one type of tree nut, they are more likely to have a reaction to another type of tree
Milk
Cow’s milk allergy is common among young children, though this is another food allergy that is often outgrown. This type of allergy occurs as an immune response to the proteins found in cow’s milk. These proteins in cow’s milk can trigger two types of allergic reactions: immediate and delayed.
Shellfish
Shellfish allergies involve reactions to two main categories: crustaceans (such as shrimp, crab, and lobster) and mollusks (including clams, oysters, and scallops). This type of allergy is more commonly observed in older children and adults, and it often persists throughout life. The primary allergen in shellfish is a muscle protein that is particularly stable and resistant to breakdown during cooking, which makes it a strong allergen. Additionally, cross-reactivity is a concern—individuals who are allergic to shrimp are also more likely to develop allergies to crab and lobster.
Introducing Milk and Other Allergens: A Step-by-Step, Parent-Friendly Guide
Experts now recommend introducing allergenic foods—including milk, peanuts, eggs, and more—between 4 to 6 months of age, as long as your baby is developmentally ready and your pediatrician agrees. Starting early (but never before 4 months!) gives your baby’s immune system a chance to build up tolerance, which may lower the risk of allergies later on.
Here are a few tips to help make this process smoother and more reassuring:
- Start small: When trying out a new allergenic food, offer just a tiny amount at first.
- Go one at a time: Only introduce one new food every 3 to 5 days. This helps you spot any reactions and pinpoint which food may be the cause.
- Choose the right time: Offer new foods during the day, not at bedtime, so you can watch for any signs of reaction while your baby is awake and alert.
- Focus on preparation:
- Thin nut butters with water, breast milk, or formula to make them safe and smooth.
- Cook eggs and shellfish thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.
- When it comes to milk, try using yogurt, cheese, or adding fully cooked milk into purees or other foods.
- Avoid giving whole cow’s milk as a drink until your child is over 1 year old.
- And remember—no whole nuts for babies and toddlers, as they’re a choking hazard.
Recognizing Allergic Reactions: What to Watch For
As you begin introducing allergenic foods to your baby, it’s helpful to know what signs to look out for—just in case. Most babies will handle new foods just fine, but staying informed gives you peace of mind.
Allergic reactions can show up in different ways, and they might happen within minutes or take a few hours to appear.
Here are some common symptoms tied to the top five food allergens:
- Peanuts and tree nuts can cause fast-acting symptoms like hives, swelling (especially around the mouth or eyes), and trouble breathing. In rare cases, they can trigger a serious reaction called anaphylaxis.
- Milk allergies may lead to digestive upset (like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas), skin rashes, or even mild breathing issues – these reactions can be immediate or delayed. An immediate milk allergy means the reaction happens quickly—usually within minutes to a couple of hours after drinking milk or eating dairy and can include hives, vomiting, wheezing, or even a severe reaction like anaphylaxis. A delayed milk allergy takes longer to show up—sometimes hours or even days after consuming milk. Symptoms are usually more related to the digestive system, like stomach pain, diarrhea, or blood in the stool. Delayed milk allergies are typically more common in infants and young children.
- Eggs often cause skin reactions like hives, but in some cases, symptoms can be more serious.
- Shellfish allergies may result in hives, swelling, or stomach issues like nausea and cramps. These reactions can also escalate quickly.
If you notice any mild symptoms after introducing a new food—like a few hives or a little tummy trouble—pause that food and call your pediatrician for guidance. If your child has difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or any signs of a serious reaction, seek emergency care right away by calling 911 or going to the nearest ER.
If your child has been diagnosed with a food allergy, having an emergency plan in place is key. This includes:
- Knowing how to use epinephrine (if it’s been prescribed),
- Keeping a list of your child’s allergies and any medications,
- And having emergency contacts saved and easy to access.
Being prepared—and trusting your instincts—can make a big difference. And remember, you’re not alone in this. Your pediatrician is a great resource, and each small step you take helps keep your child safe and healthy.
Begin Introducing New Foods with Confidence via The Baton Rouge Clinic
Before introducing allergenic foods to your child, it’s important to start by consulting with your pediatrician—especially if your child is around 4 to 6 months old and showing signs of readiness for solids. Your pediatrician can help determine the best approach based on your child’s individual development and health history.
If your child has existing food allergies, eczema, or a strong family history of allergies, your pediatrician may recommend working with one of The Baton Rouge Clinic’s board-certified allergists. Our Allergy, Asthma & Immunology specialists offer comprehensive testing and personalized care plans to help you safely manage any allergy-related concerns.
Take the first step toward confident, safe food introductions with the support of The Baton Rouge Clinic.
With many of our physicians practicing for over 30 years, our team is committed to making allergy care easier, safer, and more effective for your family.