Fact vs. Fiction: 100 Foods Baby Confident Guide to Introducing Allergens (The NHS Approach)

Parenting comes with many anxieties, and one of the biggest is the fear of food allergies. Every parent has heard the old advice: Delay the peanuts! Wait on the eggs!

The good news? The current advice from the NHS and leading UK allergy specialists has fundamentally changed. The message today is not about delaying but about early, regular introduction. 

Here is our evidence-based guide to introducing the foods that matter most, following the latest NHS guidelines.

The Golden Rule: When to Start

The NHS advises that babies should start eating solid foods around six months of age. This is a general guide, not a deadline. However, when it comes to allergenic foods, delaying them is now considered a risk factor. 

Current research shows that holding off on introducing foods like peanut and egg beyond 6 to 12 months may actually increase the risk of your baby developing an allergy to them. 

When to Talk to a Professional First

If your baby falls into a higher-risk category, it is essential to discuss your weaning plan with your GP or Health Visitor before starting:

• Your baby already has a diagnosed food allergy. 

• Your baby has moderate to severe eczema, particularly if it started in the first three months of life. 

• You have a strong family history of food allergies. 

In these cases, a professional may recommend introducing solids - including egg and peanut - from four months of age, often under guided supervision. 

🥜 The Allergen Hit List: What to Introduce

The NHS identifies the following foods as the most common allergens. They should be introduced as part of your baby’s regular diet from around six months, just like any other food: 

• Cow's Milk (used in cooking or mixed with food, not as a main drink before age one) 

• Eggs (well-cooked and Lion-stamped in the UK) 

• Foods containing Gluten (e.g., wheat, barley, rye) 

• Nuts and Peanuts (always served as smooth butter or finely ground - never whole) 

• Seeds (finely crushed or ground, e.g., sesame/tahini) 

• Soya

• Fish and Shellfish (well-cooked) 

👩‍🔬 Our 3-Step Strategy for Safe Introduction

The process of introducing an allergen safely is simple and logical. The goal is to isolate the food so you can easily spot and identify any reaction.

Step 1: Prep and Timing

• One at a Time: Only introduce one new common allergenic food per day. This way, if a reaction occurs, you know exactly which food caused it.

• Choose the Morning: Introduce the new food early in the day when you and your baby are rested, and you have several hours to observe them. 

• Keep Baby Well: Only introduce new foods when your baby is healthy and free from colds, coughs, or skin flare-ups. 

Step 2: The Taste Test (Small Amounts)

• Start with a very small amount of the allergenic food - think a quarter to half a teaspoon. 

• Mix it in: Stir the allergen (e.g., thinned, smooth peanut butter or well-cooked, mashed egg) into a familiar food your baby already loves, such as porridge, breast milk, or formula.

• Monitor: Watch your baby for the next two hours. If there is no immediate reaction, continue with the rest of the meal and monitor for delayed symptoms (which can occur up to 72 hours later).

Step 3: Regular Exposure is Key

If your baby tolerates the food, congratulations!

The work isn't over, though. To help maintain the tolerance and prevent an allergy from developing later, the NHS recommends you continue to offer the allergenic food regularly - ideally at least a couple of times a week. 

⚠️ Signs of an Allergic Reaction: What to Look For

It is vital to know the difference between a mild reaction and a severe one.

Mild to moderate: Hives, itchy skin rash, swelling around the lips or eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain

What to do? Stop feeding the food, offer age appropriate antihistamines and seek advice from your GP or NHS 111

Severe (anaphylaxis): Difficulty breathing, severe and persistent cough, noisy breathing, sudden paleness, floppiness, collapse, swollen tongue

What to do? Call 999 immediately and state “I think my child has gone into anaphylaxis” - do not delay

Most babies introduce foods without any problems at all. Knowing these signs is simply about being prepared. 

The 100 Foods Baby Takeaway

The science is clear: early introduction is protection. By following this confident, step-by-step approach based on NHS guidelines, you are giving your baby the best chance to be an adventurous, allergy-free eater.

We want to hear from you! What allergen are you tackling this week? Share your success stories or questions in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on current NHS guidance. Always consult your GP or Health Visitor before starting weaning, especially if your baby is in a high-risk category.