Introducing complementary foods
Introducing complementary foods
Families with a history of allergy should be advised that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months appears to give the best protection against developing allergies.15 When introducing complementary foods to high-risk infants, introduce the foods that commonly cause allergies (milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, seeds, fish and shellfish, celery, soya, mustard) one at a time;15 don't give two new foods on the same day so that any reaction can be identified.16
Continuing breastfeeding while these foods are introduced may also protect against the development of allergy. Other foods (e.g. fruit, vegetables, rice) can be introduced alongside to encourage a varied diet.15
Did you know?
- SMA H.A.® Infant Milk can reduce the risk of a baby developing atopic eczema by 50 per cent in the first year of life.11
- Recent evidence shows that introducing allergenic foods at the same time as other solid foods may protect against developing food allergies.17