Allergic Reactions in Babies: Prevention and First Aid Tips

Why Early Introduction of Allergens Matters

For years, parents were told to delay introducing foods like peanuts or eggs. We now know that advice was wrong.

Current research shows that introducing common allergy-causing foods early and often—from around 6 months of age (but not before 4 months)—can help prevent the development of food allergies.

Common allergenic foods:

• Peanuts

• Eggs

• Cow’s milk (in cooked form)

• Fish

• Shellfish

• Soy

• Wheat

• Sesame

• Tree nuts (smooth pastes only)

👶 If your baby is developmentally ready and you’ve started solids, they’re likely ready for allergens too.

Step-by-Step: How to Introduce Allergenic Foods Safely

1. Wait until baby is well (no cold, teething, or recent vaccines)

2. Introduce one allergen at a time

3. Offer a small amount mixed with a familiar food

4. Give it in the morning or daytime, so you can observe them

5. If no reaction, continue offering 2–3 times a week to maintain tolerance

💡 Introduce foods at home, not at daycare or a café. And stay with your baby for at least two hours after introducing a new food.

How to Recognise an Allergic Reaction in a Baby

Reactions usually occur within minutes to 2 hours after exposure.

Mild to Moderate Signs:

• Red rash or hives

• Swelling of the lips or eyes

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Irritability or unsettled behaviour

Severe Signs (Anaphylaxis):

• Pale, floppy, unresponsive

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of the tongue

• Sudden wheezing or cough

• Hoarse cry or voice

📞 Call 000 immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis. Even if symptoms seem to settle, your baby must be assessed in hospital.

First Aid Response for an Allergic Reaction

If it’s mild to moderate:

• Stop feeding

• Keep baby calm and upright

• Monitor symptoms

• Seek same-day medical advice

If it’s severe:

• Call 000 immediately

• If prescribed, administer adrenaline (e.g. EpiPen Jr)

• Lie baby down (unless struggling to breathe)

• Stay with them and reassure until help arrives

💡 Even first-time reactions can be severe. It’s always better to overreact than to wait and see.

What About Babies at Higher Risk?

Your baby is at higher risk if:

• They have moderate to severe eczema

• They have a parent or sibling with food allergies

• They’ve had a reaction in the past

In these cases, consult your GP, paediatrician, or allergy nurse. They may recommend a supervised food introduction or referral to a specialist.