For years, parents were told to delay giving babies peanuts and eggs. The science has since flipped — and for most babies, introducing these foods early actually helps prevent allergies.
What Changed the Advice?
The landmark LEAP study (Learning Early About Peanut) found that introducing peanut to high-risk infants between 4 and 11 months of age reduced their risk of peanut allergy by around 81% compared with avoiding it.
Since then, guidelines worldwide have shifted from 'avoid' to 'introduce early.' Large real-world studies now confirm that peanut allergy rates have fallen since early-introduction advice became standard.
When and How to Introduce Allergens
- For most babies, common allergens like peanut and egg can be introduced from around 4–6 months, once your baby is developmentally ready for solids.
- Never give whole peanuts or hard nuts (choking risk). Use smooth peanut butter thinned with water, or infant-suitable peanut puffs.
- Introduce one new food at a time so you can spot any reaction.
- Once introduced, keep the food in the diet regularly — occasional exposure isn't enough.
Which Babies Need Extra Care?
Babies with severe eczema or an existing egg allergy are at higher risk of peanut allergy. For them, early introduction is still recommended — but it should be guided by an allergist, sometimes with testing first.
Signs of a Food Allergy Reaction
- Hives, redness or swelling around the mouth or face
- Vomiting
- Coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- In severe cases, anaphylaxis — a medical emergency
If your baby has a reaction, stop the food and seek medical advice. For any breathing difficulty or swelling, get emergency help immediately.
Talk to an Allergist First If…
- Your baby has moderate-to-severe eczema
- Your baby already reacts to another food
- There's a strong family history of food allergy
Unsure how to start solids safely? We guide families through early allergen introduction — and test when needed — at Dr. Mosam Maroo's Allergy & Asthma Centre in Thane.
Have these symptoms? Let's find the real cause.
Book a consultation with Dr. Mosam Maroo, Paediatrician & Allergist, at the Allergy & Asthma Centre in Hiranandani Meadows, Thane.