Allergen Introduction Schedule for Babies

The AAP recommends introducing allergenic foods around 6 months of age (no earlier than 4 months) after your baby has been tolerating simple solid foods for about 2 weeks. For high-risk babies — those with severe eczema or existing egg allergy — consult your pediatrician first; earlier introduction may be recommended.

Babies with severe eczema, existing food allergies, or a sibling with peanut allergy are considered high-risk. These babies may benefit from allergy testing (skin prick or blood test) before introduction, and an allergist can guide a supervised first exposure.

The Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial found that introducing peanut-containing foods to high-risk infants between 4–11 months reduced the risk of developing peanut allergy by up to 81% compared to avoiding peanuts. This landmark study changed global guidelines toward early introduction.

Never offer whole peanuts, peanut pieces, or thick peanut butter to babies — they are choking hazards. Safe options include: thin pea-sized smears of smooth peanut butter mixed into purée, peanut puff snacks (Bamba), or peanut butter powder stirred into baby food.

Yes — this is critical. The LEAP study found tolerance only persisted while children continued eating peanut-containing foods regularly (2–3 times per week). Stopping after introduction may cause allergy to develop. Continue offering each tolerated allergen as part of your baby's normal diet.

Mild reactions: hives, rash, runny nose, watery eyes. Moderate: vomiting or diarrhoea. Severe (anaphylaxis): difficulty breathing, wheezing, sudden pallor, limpness. Call 911 immediately for any breathing problems. For mild reactions, contact your pediatrician before giving the food again.