Mothers are not in an easy situation, as the recommendations regarding the introduction of allergens have changed more in the last five years than in the previous decades combined. 

Did you know? Research aimed at uncovering the relationship between the rhythm of complementary feeding and food allergies all point in one direction: children who are introduced to certain allergen groups after the age of one or two are much more likely to show signs of allergies than their peers who encounter the main allergens shortly after the start of complementary feeding. 

According to our current knowledge, we are acting correctly if we introduce every food group to the baby before the age of one during complementary feeding. 

General rules for introducing allergens

Naturally, we want the best for our baby, so we want to pay attention to everything. Although we cannot control everything, there are things worth considering before starting complementary feeding and introducing allergens.

1. Everything has its time! The optimal time to start complementary feeding is somewhere after 4-5 months, but no later than around the 6th month, although it depends on the baby when exactly the time comes. If the little one is already five-six months old, shows interest in food, shows excitement when others eat, reaches for food, or makes chewing motions, it is worth trying. It is also important that for safe feeding - to avoid the risk of choking - only start complementary feeding with a baby who can sit.

2. Puree or BLW, it doesn't matter! Mothers tend to feel that the care approach they represent is the only way. But not at all! - and that's what makes motherhood so wonderful. Whether you choose the traditional spoon-feeding method or decide on BLW, there's no need to worry.
During spoon-feeding, babies first learn to swallow, and later how to chew food. With BLW, it's the opposite: chewing comes first and then swallowing. Those who fear that the baby will starve due to BLW need not worry, as nutritional experts' experiences show that there is no significant difference in the healthy development and weight of similarly fed babies of the same age.

3. Pay attention to the signs! If the little one initially rejects complementary feeding, there's no problem, just try again a few days or even weeks later! But if, despite repeated attempts, the baby is still rejecting everything except breast milk or formula at 6-7 months, consult a health visitor or pediatrician! The rejection may be due to neurological immaturity or muscle tone issues, which justify involving a specialist.

4. Take notes! There is a recommended waiting period for introducing each allergen, which is advisable to adhere to after introducing the allergen. (This can be 1-3 days or even a week.) During this period, do not give the baby any other new food, because if an allergic reaction occurs, we will not know exactly which allergen the child reacted to. For graphomaniac mothers, a nutrition diary is a good idea, which helps record what and when the little one ate, and what changes (redness, stool, pain, etc.) each allergen caused in the child.
If there are known food allergy sufferers in the family, always be extremely cautious when introducing allergens and consult the pediatrician for the optimal timing!

5. Check the source of the ingredients! Only buy fruits, vegetables, and meat from reliable sources. If possible, avoid salt, sugar, and other additives!

Introducing Milk

Yogurt, kefir: 6th month, cottage cheese, cheese, sour cream, cream: 7-8th month, milk (as a drink): after the 1st birthday

Lactose intolerance, as well as milk sensitivity or allergy, are among the most well-known food sensitivities, so it is especially important to follow the recommendations and give the baby yogurt or kefir after the completed 6th month! Choose sugar-free natural products and add a teaspoonful to the little one's vegetable or fruit puree. Then spoon the loosened delicacy in the usual way! If no allergic reaction is observed, the tasting can be repeated after 24 hours.

Cottage cheese, grated cheese, and sour cream can be given from the 7-8th month, similar to yogurt, but wait until the first birthday before consuming whole milk as a drink! Initially, the condition for milk consumption is that the milk is given to the little one only after boiling, in a heat-treated manner, mixed into food, and in small quantities!

Introducing Eggs

Between 6-7 months

Eggs are a food rich in vitamins and minerals, easy to prepare, and low in calories, so we enjoy consuming them. 

After introducing some vegetables and fruits, eggs can also be added to the list of foods to be introduced. They can be introduced whole, or if you prefer to follow the old recommendations, you can introduce the white and yolk separately. The main thing is to be as confident as possible! 

Introducing Gluten

From the start of complementary feeding 

Gluten is the fancy name for gliadin. This substance, which naturally occurs in wheat and other grains, is actually a mixture of proteins called gliadin and glutenin. Consumption can cause digestive difficulties, absorption disorders, and other health problems in those who are sensitive to it.

The optimal time to introduce gluten is between 4-6 months of age, when small amounts - a maximum of 3 g per occasion - of flour or oats, cereal porridge are mixed into the baby's purees and vegetable dishes. If there are no issues, later on, blended - milk and egg-free - pasta, bread crusts, and ice cream cones can also be added to the food! 

Introducing Peanuts

After 6 months of age

Ideally, peanuts, known as a super-aggressive allergen, can be introduced after six months of age but before the age of one, in the form of peanut butter. A half teaspoon of thick peanut butter mixed into porridge or fruit puree is enough to see how the baby's body reacts to the treat. Since peanuts are rich in folic acid, B and E vitamins, oils, and fats, and peanut butter can be conveniently made at home, it is worth experimenting with it!