Allergy Prevention and Infant Feeding

Feeding the most common allergy causing foods to babies (infants) by 12 months of age may prevent or reduce the chance of them developing food allergy. These foods include egg, peanut, cow’s milk (dairy), tree nuts, soy, sesame, wheat, fish, and other seafood. They can be introduced to around six months of age (not before four months), while continuing to breastfeed if possible. It is important to feed these foods to children regularly as part of a varied diet once they are introduced. Not eating the foods regularly may result in food allergy development.

Health Professional Information

ASCIA Allergy Prevention e-training for health professionals  

ASCIA Guidelines - Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention

ASCIA FAQ - How to Introduce Solid Foods to Babies for Allergy Prevention

ASCIA Guide - Introduction of Peanut to Infants with Severe Eczema and/or Food Allergy

Nip Allergies in the Bub - a National Allergy Council initiative

ASCIA Position Statement - Packaged Foods for Infants that Contain Most of the Common Food Allergens 

ASCIA Clinical Update - Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention 

References - Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention 

Further Information

Content updated November 2024