Top Baby Allergens to Try (and Tips from a Real Mom)

Starting solids can feel like such a milestone — and also a little nerve-wracking when you hit the big ones: allergens. When we began introducing allergens around 6 months, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. The good news? With a slow and steady approach, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Here’s what worked for us and the tips I wish I’d heard sooner 👇

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🍼 Our Allergen Journey

We started testing allergens right at 6 months, beginning with egg and then peanut, since those were two we knew we’d encounter often during baby-led weaning. We didn’t have any eczema concerns (if your baby does, definitely check in with your pediatrician — they may recommend medical supervision).

Each time we introduced a new allergen, we did it after a nap, when our baby was well-rested and we had a few hours of awake time to watch for any reaction. He’d sit in just a diaper, taste the food, and then play for a bit — that way, we could easily monitor for any skin changes or reactions.

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👶 Top Allergens to Try

Here are the common allergens experts recommend introducing early and gradually:

• Cow’s milk

• Eggs

• Tree nuts

• Peanuts

• Wheat

• Soy

• Fish

• Sesame

• Shellfish (this one took us a little longer to try — availability and timing!)

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💡 Tips for Introducing Allergens

1. Introduce slowly. Start with a tiny amount and offer only one allergen at a time.

2. Wait between new foods. Give it 2–3 days before introducing another allergen, so you can pinpoint any reaction.

3. Use the “small taste” rule. Offer a small taste, wait 48–72 hours, and then try again.

4. Keep it in the diet. Once tolerated, reoffer regularly so your baby stays familiar with that food.

5. Avoid doubling up. Don’t introduce a new allergen and a new food on the same day — keep it simple!

6. Watch for skin sensitivity. Redness, hives, or swelling can be early signs of a reaction.

7. Exposure > quantity. Even touching or tasting counts as exposure — you don’t need a full serving.

8. Offer allergens first. Serve them before your baby gets full or distracted to make sure they actually taste it.

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❤️ Mom-to-Mom Tip

The best advice I got before starting was: know the signs of an allergic reaction before you start.That way, you can feel confident instead of panicked. A little preparation goes a long way.

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Introducing allergens doesn’t have to feel scary — it’s just another step in learning your baby’s preferences and helping them build a healthy, confident relationship with food. You’ve got this, mama.