Wondering when it's safe to give your baby peanut butter or eggs? For years, parents were told to wait — but the guidance has changed.
I'm Dr. Kelly Jeu, a pediatrician with Golden Gate Health, and one of the most common questions I hear from parents is when and how to introduce common food allergens. Here's what current thinking looks like — and why introducing allergens early may actually help.
Why the Advice Changed
Parents used to be told to delay foods like peanuts and eggs for years, in the hope of preventing allergies. Research has since shifted that thinking. For many babies, introducing common allergens early — rather than avoiding them — may help lower the chance of developing a food allergy.
Common Allergens to Introduce
The foods most often responsible for allergic reactions include:
- Eggs
- Milk and dairy
- Tree nuts
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish and shellfish
These can be offered in age-appropriate, baby-safe forms — for example, smooth peanut butter thinned with water or mixed into other food, never whole nuts or anything that could be a choking hazard.
When and How to Start
Most babies are ready to begin solid foods around 6 months, once they can sit up with support and show interest in eating. When you start:
- Offer a small amount and watch for symptoms over the next couple of hours.
- Once a food is tolerated well, keeping it a regular part of the diet is part of what helps.
Talk to Your Provider First
Some babies — especially those with eczema or an existing food allergy — are at higher risk and may need a specific plan or testing before certain allergens are introduced. This is exactly the kind of thing to discuss with your child's provider before you begin.
Signs of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, vomiting, or trouble breathing. If you ever see signs of a serious reaction, seek emergency care right away.
Introducing allergens can feel intimidating, but you don't have to figure it out alone. We're happy to walk you through a plan that fits your child.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. Before introducing allergens — especially if your child has eczema or a known allergy — talk with your provider or our team.