Ep. 110: Early Introduction of Allergenic Foods – Preventing Food Allergies Before They Start
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Genentech and Acquestive for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 110:
Did you know you could potentially reduce your baby’s risk of developing food allergies by up to 80%?
That’s the power of early allergen introduction. Feeding a baby the top 9 allergens consistently starting between 4 to 6 months can make a life-changing difference.
We’re launching a brand-new series about food allergies at various stages of life. Whether you’re just starting solids, navigating a new diagnosis, or in a new stage of life, this series is here to support you with evidence-based tips and real talk. In this first episode, Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta explore how to potentially prevent food allergies before they even develop.
Why do you want to know more about introducing allergens to baby?
For years, parents were told to wait until toddlers were older before introducing allergenic foods. But groundbreaking research, including the LEAP, LEAP-On, and PETIT studies, turned that advice on its head.
We no longer wait to feed babies food allergens. Instead, early (around 4–6 months) and sustained exposure to top allergens like peanut and egg is recommended for all babies. In this episode, Dr. G and Kortney explain the studies, walk you through how to do it safely, and bust common myths that leave parents confused or anxious.
What we cover in our episode about early allergen introduction:
Why guidelines changed: Learn how the LEAP & PETIT studies reshaped allergy prevention.
How to introduce the top 9 allergenic foods safely, including forms that are appropriate for infants.
What “sustained exposure” means and how often to serve allergens after that first taste.
How eczema increases allergy risk and what transcutaneous sensitization means.
What allergic signs to watch for: mild hives vs. serious allergic reactions and when to call the doctor.
Listen now! Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music
Other episodes about food allergies and babies
More resources about food allergy prevention
Early food allergen introduction in a nutshell
Early and regular introduction of allergenic foods teaches the immune system to tolerate them rather than attack. Here’s the big picture:
Start early: Introduce allergens around 4–6 months when the baby is ready for solids. Spacing out the introduction of foods by 2-3 days.
Start small: Begin with ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of thinned food.
Stay consistent: Offer each introduced allergen 2–3 times a week.
Care for the skin: Moisturize babies with eczema daily to support the skin barrier.
Relax (a little): First exposures are rarely emergencies. Talk to your healthcare team and trust your instincts.
Creative ways to keep allergens in the diet (without the stress)
Worried that feeding peanut, egg, and all nine top allergens multiple times a week sounds overwhelming? We get it. The key is consistency, not perfection, and it can be easier (and tastier!) than you think.
Here are some simple, creative ways to include allergens in your baby’s meals:
Peanut Butter Oatmeal: Mix a tiny amount of thinned peanut butter into baby’s morning oats.
Yogurt with Nut Powders: Use blended tree nut powders (almond, cashew) or products like Ready, Set, Food! Mix-ins.
Scrambled Eggs or Egg Muffins: Soft, scrambled eggs or mini egg muffins are great finger foods.
Cheesy Pasta or Toast Strips: Introduce dairy and wheat with soft-cooked pasta or toast topped with cheese.
Fish & Veggie Mash: Flake cooked salmon into mashed veggies.
Frozen Yogurt Bark: For older infants, blend yogurt with fruit and freeze into bark that includes allergens like milk and sesame.
Pro tip: Batch-prep and freeze portions of allergenic foods so you always have a quick way to maintain exposure, even on hectic days.
You can find more ideas and detailed prep instructions from trusted sources like:
Timestamps
Our episode explores why you want to introduce your baby to the top 9 allergens by 6 months old.
01:04 Why food allergen guidelines changed
02:05 The LEAP Study: introducing peanut early
04:18 The LEAP-On Study: does protection last after stopping?
06:30 The PETIT Study: preventing egg allergy in babies with eczema
08:30 What are the top 9 allergenic foods?
09:09 How to introduce allergenic foods safely
11:16 How long to wait between introducing new foods
12:14 What is sustained exposure and why is it important?
16:19 What happens if you stop giving the food?
17:03 Why early allergen introduction is recommended for all babies
18:37 Eczema and food allergy: what’s the connection?
21:50 Why covering baby’s skin can help during feeding
23:00 Tips for anxious parents
24:32 Signs of an allergic reaction: mild vs. serious
28:29 Should you start with egg white or yolk?
28:57 What if there’s no family history of allergies?
29:17 Does breastfeeding prevent food allergies?
29:35 Can early feeding prevent all food allergies?
30:34 Final recap and take-home message
