Why Early Allergen Introduction Matters


Introducing allergenic foods at the right age can help reduce the risk of food allergies. Most experts recommend starting around 4–6 months, once your baby is ready for solids. Baby-led weaning (BLW) allows babies to self-feed soft, safe foods, which can include allergenic foods in an age-appropriate form.


Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solids and BLW

  • Sits with support and has good head control
  • Shows interest in food
  • Can pick up and bring food to their mouth

Allergenic Foods Suitable for Baby-Led Weaning


When using BLW, allergenic foods should be offered in soft, manageable forms to reduce choking risk:

  • Peanuts – serve as smooth peanut butter thinned with water or yogurt, spread on toast strips
  • Eggs – scrambled, soft-boiled, or in small omelet pieces
  • Fish – cooked, flaked into soft pieces
  • Dairy – yogurt or cheese sticks
  • Tree nuts – as smooth nut butter on soft foods
  • Wheat – soft breads or pancakes
  • Shellfish – cooked and mashed
  • Soy – soft tofu cubes

Tips for Introducing Allergens Safely with BLW

  1. Offer one new allergen at a time, waiting 2–3 days before trying another.
  2. Start with small amounts at home rather than daycare.
  3. Serve foods in safe textures: soft, mashed, or spreadable to prevent choking.
  4. High-risk babies (severe eczema, existing allergies, strong family history) should consult a pediatrician first.
  5. Watch for allergic reactions: hives, vomiting, swelling, or difficulty breathing — seek help immediately if these occur.

Quick Timeline for Allergen Introduction

Baby’s Age

Feeding Milestone

Allergen Introduction

0–4 months

Breast milk or formula only

None

4–6 months

Ready for solids & BLW

Begin allergenic foods (peanut, egg, etc.)

6–12 months

Variety of solids

Continue regular exposure to tolerated allergens via BLW or spoon-fed foods


Key Takeaways


Introducing allergenic foods through baby-led weaning is safe and can help prevent food allergies while encouraging self-feeding and fine motor skills. Offering a variety of foods regularly helps your baby develop healthy eating habits and a diverse palate.


FAQ: Introducing Allergens with Baby-Led Weaning

Q1: Can I give peanuts to my baby using baby-led weaning?
A: Yes! Use smooth peanut butter thinned with water or yogurt, or spread on soft toast strips. Avoid whole peanuts. Introduce peanuts at 4–6 months if ready and consult your pediatrician for high-risk babies.

Q2: How do I prevent choking when introducing allergens with BLW?
A: Serve foods in soft, manageable pieces like scrambled eggs, flaked fish, tofu cubes, and soft breads. Always supervise your baby while eating.

Q3: How often should I offer allergenic foods?
A: Once tolerated, offer allergenic foods a few times per week. Regular exposure helps reduce allergy risk.

Q4: What signs indicate a food allergy?
A: Watch for hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical help immediately if any of these occur.

Q5: What if my baby has severe eczema or a family history of allergies?
A: Consult your pediatrician before introducing high-risk allergens like peanuts or eggs. Testing or supervised introduction may be recommended.

Q6: Can I combine spoon-feeding with BLW for allergen introduction?
A: Absolutely! Offer allergenic foods both as soft finger foods for BLW and via purees or spoon-feeding. Regular exposure in safe textures is the key.