9 common food allergies in babies: When to introduce high-allergy foods?

Food allergies affect about 8% of children in the United States [1], and in recent years, that number has been on the rise. Understandably, many parents worry about introducing high-allergen foods to their babies when starting solids. Keep reading for more information on everything you need to know about the top allergy foods for babies including when to introduce them. 

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Top 9 high allergy foods for babies

When should you introduce high-allergy foods to your baby?

Things to know about each allergenic foods

Least allergenic foods for babies

Takeaway

FAQ about common food allergies in babies

Top 9 high allergy foods for babies

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the following foods are responsible for 90% of food allergies in children [2]: 

• Milk

• Eggs

• Wheat

• Shellfish

• Fish

• Tree nuts

• Peanuts

• Soy

• Sesame

When should you introduce high-allergy foods to your baby?

For most families, introducing high-allergy foods to your baby can begin as soon as you begin solid foods. If you have a family history of food allergies or eczema, be sure to discuss introducing high-allergy foods with your pediatrician as a different approach may be necessary. 

While previous guidance recommended delaying the introduction of the top allergenic foods, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated these guidelines in 2018 to reflect the latest research. In fact, the early introduction of high-allergy foods, such as peanuts, may help to reduce the likelihood of food allergies [3]. 

It is still best practice to introduce one top allergenic food at a time in order to best be able to identify the cause if an adverse reaction occurs. 

Things to know about each allergenic foods

Milk

Cow’s milk allergy occurs when the body reacts to a protein found in cow’s milk or cow’s milk products such as cheese or yogurt. It is different from lactose intolerance and is a common food allergy in young children. Cow’s milk should not be introduced as a beverage to babies under one, but you can introduce yogurt or cheese. 

Eggs

Eggs are another common allergy in young children and many times it is outgrown. Some people with egg allergies can eat them when they are baked in a dish like a cake or a cookie. When introducing eggs to your baby make sure they are well-cooked. Popular egg preparations for babies are scrambled or hard-boiled.

Wheat

Babies who are allergic to wheat need to avoid foods such as breads, pastas, and crackers as well as certain whole grains such as farro, rye, and barley. A wheat allergy is separate from a gluten allergy or Celiac disease. Toast and soft pasta are two wheat-based foods that are easily introduced to babies. 

Shellfish

A shellfish allergy is different from a fish allergy and includes foods such as lobster, crabs, shrimp, and mussels. Some research shows that a shellfish allergy is more common in adults than children [4]. Shellfish can be difficult to introduce to babies due to their texture. Try serving it in a puree or chopping it into bite-sized pieces once your baby is able to eat finger foods. 

Fish

A fish allergy is an allergy to finfish, not shellfish, and includes foods such as salmon, cod, whitefish, and tilapia. Fish can be introduced to babies when starting solids and may be easier to eat when made into a burger or patty. 

Tree nuts

Tree nut allergies include allergies to the following kinds of nuts: walnut, almond, hazelnut, pecan, cashew, and pistachio. Whole nuts are a choking hazard and should not be served to babies. Rather, serve as nut butter, very thinly spread on a piece of toast, or mixed thinly into oatmeal or yogurt. 

Peanuts

A peanut allergy is an allergy to peanuts and peanut products like peanut butter. It is one of the most common food allergies in kids, and for this reason, many daycare centers and schools are peanut-free. Whole peanuts and peanut pieces are choking hazards for young babies. Instead, serve peanut butter thinly spread on toast or mixed thinly into oatmeal or yogurt. 

Soy

A soy allergy includes soybeans and soybean products such as tofu. Many packaged foods contain some form of soy, so it’s important to read nutrition labels closely. When introducing soy to babies, try soft tofu. 

Sesame 

Sesame is now considered one of the top allergen foods and is required to be disclosed on nutrition labels starting in January 2023. To introduce sesame to a baby, try serving hummus made with tahini thinly spread on toast. 

Least allergenic foods for babies

A food allergy can occur with any food, but certain foods are typically low-allergenic. They include:

• Fresh or frozen vegetables

• Fresh or frozen fruits

• Meat

• Poultry

• Rice-based grain products

• Corn-based grain products

Takeaway

Food allergies can be a top concern for parents who are introducing food to their babies. As a general rule, the top allergenic foods should be introduced early and on multiple occasions. If you have any concerns, discuss a plan with your pediatrician.