Weaning a baby with a food allergy/intolerance
Please note, this page is printable by selecting the normal print options on your computer.
If your baby has already been found to be allergic to a food e.g. cow’s milk, soya, we would suggest some extra guidelines when you introduce some other foods.
Avoid the food that you already know your baby is allergic to. For example, if your baby has reacted to cow’s milk, do not give any foods containing cow’s milk.
Your dietitian will give you more information on how to do this.
Other Foods – If your baby already has a food allergy/intolerance, we would suggest you take extra precautions when you introduce certain other foods. This is because there are other food groups that are also known to be allergenic. It is still important to try these foods as it is unlikely your child will be allergic to them, and they are important foods in a child’s diet. These foods should not be introduced before the age of 17 weeks however, their introduction should not be delayed beyond the age of 6 months.
These include:
Cow’s milk e.g. cow’s milk, yoghurts, butter, most margarines, cakes and biscuits made with cow’s milk or butter, baby jars or packet food containing milk as an ingredient.
Gluten containing cereals including wheat, barley and rye. e.g. breads, biscuits (these may also contain cow’s milk), pasta, breakfast cereals, gravies or sauces thickened with wheat flour.
Eggs e.g. eggs, quiche (will also contain cow’s milk and wheat), some mayonnaises, baked egg in cakes. Under a year old (unless the egg is stamped with a Lion mark) eggs must be provided fully cooked.
Fish e.g. all kinds of fish such as tuna, cod, salmon etc. or shellfish such as crab, lobster, prawns, shrimps.
Soya products e.g. soya yoghurts or puddings, soya flour (found in most kinds of bread), soya cheese.
Nuts e.g. smooth peanut butter/ nut butters, ground nuts. Whole nuts should not be given to children under the age of 5 due to the risk of choking.
Sesame e.g hummus and tahini.
Introduce these foods one at a time at a time your child is generally well, i.e. if you try wheat on a Monday, you could try fish the following Monday. Give only small amounts e.g. 1-2 teaspoons for the first few days, gradually increasing the amount you give, and keep a close eye on your baby while they are eating. Try and give the new food you are trying every day if you can. If they tolerate the food this can then become a regular part of your child’s diet.