With so much information out there about food allergens, it can be overwhelming. This is particularly true for parents of little ones who are starting food allergen introduction.
So in this blog, we’re breaking it down and providing you with simple and clear evidence-based guidance for introducing allergens to babies.
Following the updated recommendations of the 2026 Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) guidelines for Infant Feeding for Food Allergy Prevention, here are the most common myths about food allergens and the evidence-based truth to equip you with confidence in your food allergen journey!
Myth 1: Delaying food allergen introduction is better
False.
The best window for introducing allergens to babies is in the first 12 months of life, ideally at around 6 months but not before 4, when bub is showing signs of being ready for solids, with egg and peanut introduction being introduced first.
The latest research shows that early exposure, rather than later, can reduce the risk of developing allergies later in life, particularly in bubs with eczema, an existing food allergy or a family history of allergies.
Myth 2: Allergies can be cured
False.
While there are currently no cures for allergies, the good news is that with appropriate diagnosis and management, reactions / symptoms can be managed and ideally prevented in many cases.
Allergies and their prevention and treatment remain a health priority in Australia and across the world. Oral immunotherapy (OIT), while not a cure, currently presents the most promising advances in desensitising individuals and increasing the threshold at which they react to an offending allergen.
Myth 3: If rashes appear around bub’s mouth, you should never try the food allergen again.
False.
The latest guidelines advise that if rashes appear around the mouth during or immediately after consuming the food allergen, with no other symptoms of allergy, it may not be a sign of an allergic reaction and parents are encouraged to try the food again.
However, if more generalised symptoms develop upon further consumption, parents or carers should seek specialist medical advice before retrialling that food.
Tip: Keep an eye out for signs of allergic reaction in babies, especially if symptoms spread beyond the mouth area.
Myth 4: Introducing allergens to bub is more important than maintaining exposure to the allergen.
False.
Introducing allergens is just as important as maintaining exposure to them. Both are key to reducing the risk of allergies developing later in life.
The latest research shows that once bub has been successfully introduced to the allergen (with no symptoms), we must offer the food allergen at least once per week to maintain tolerance.
Myth 5: The order in which we introduce food allergens is not important.
False.
While there is no strict order when it comes to introducing food allergens, it's important to make it practical and easy for you and bub to follow by starting with the foods your family eats most often.
Starting with egg and peanut is also important. The updated ASCIA guidelines recommend introducing well cooked egg and peanut (in an age-appropriate form such as smooth peanut butter, finely ground peanut or peanut flour) as soon after bub is developmentally ready and has started solid foods. This has been shown to reduce the risk of infants developing a food allergy.
Myth 6: It's impossible to introduce all 9 allergens to bub by 12 months
False.
There are 9* common food allergens babies should be introduced to, including:
-
Egg
-
Peanut
-
Cow’s Milk (Dairy)
-
Tree Nuts (Cashew, Almond, Walnut, Hazelnut, Pine Nut, Macadamia, Brazil Nut, Pecan and Pistachio)
-
Wheat
-
Soy
-
Sesame
-
Fish
-
Shellfish (Molluscs & Crustaceans)
If we introduce 1 allergen per week, it gives you plenty of time to introduce all 9* allergens and monitor for reactions.
Plus, if you start introducing allergens at the 6 month mark, this schedule also gives you time to take a few weeks off if needed and still get all the food allergens done by 12 months.
*Please note all 9 individual tree nuts and both molluscs and crustaceans (classified as shellfish) must be tried individually as allergies can occur to one and not others within the same group of tree nuts or shellfish, respectively.
Myth 7: If bub is allergic to one food allergen, you should avoid all other allergens
False.
If bub has an allergy to a food allergen, has eczema or a family history of allergies, it is particularly important to introduce them to the other common food allergens to reduce the risk of them developing other allergies later in life.
Please also note that having an allergy to one food allergen, does not necessarily mean bub will have a reaction to another allergen. For example, bubs can be allergic to fish and not necessarily allergic to shellfish or they can have an allergy to crustaceans and not be allergic to molluscs. Always check with your immunologist or doctor.
Myth 8: Alternative tests and treatments are just as effective as conventional ones
False.
The use of non evidence-based allergy alternative tests and treatments provided by unorthodox/alternative practitioners are not recommended by ASCIA. These can include cytotoxic food testing, kinesiology, hair analysis, vega testing, electrodermal testing, pulse testing, reflexology, bioresonance, Bryan’s or Alcat tests, VoiceBio, allergy elimination techniques and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) to foods.
ASCIA recommends the use of reliable and scientifically validated allergy tests including skin tests and blood allergen specific IgE tests.These tests along with a medical history and examination can help your doctor confirm food allergens and are rebated by Medicare in Australia.
If you do decide to take dietary supplements, complementary and alternative medicines to treat or prevent various medical conditions, inform your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking them because side effects and interactions with medications may occur.
Myth 9: Breastfeeding mothers should remove common food allergens from their diet to reduce the risk of bub developing a food allergy
False.
It is not necessary to remove common food allergens from the diet of breastfeeding mothers to reduce the risk of bub developing a food allergy. In fact, excluding common food allergens from the maternal diet during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended.
Continue breastfeeding for as long as you and your baby wish, and introduce allergenic foods into bub’s diet at around 6 months of age (not before 4) when bub is developmentally ready.
This aligns with breastfeeding and food allergy prevention guidance.
Myth 10: Infant formula based on alternative proteins are recommended for food allergy prevention
False.
Infant formula based on alternative proteins are not recommended for food allergy prevention. This includes infant formula based on goat milk, sheep milk, rice, oat, pea, or coconut protein.
Myth 11: A good way to test if bub is allergic to a food is by smearing it onto their skin.
False.
Avoid rubbing or smearing allergenic foods or oils on bub’s skin, especially if they have eczema, as this can irritate the skin and will not help to identify a potential food allergy. In fact, this could sensitise bub, who may then go on to develop an allergy to that food. Instead, try a safer “lip smear” test (tiny dab inside the lip, not on their skin) and wait a few minutes before offering ¼ teaspoon of the allergen.
Take Home Message
Introducing bub to allergenic foods comes with big learning curves but you don’t have to do it alone. If you ever have concerns about food reactions or allergies, talk with your doctor. With evidence-based guidance, you can feel empowered and calm as you confidently explore new foods with your little one.
Nourishing Bubs is here to support you on your allergen journey! Our Allergen Intro Pack was designed to make the process of early introduction and maintenance, as easy as possible for you and your little one. Containing 14 of the most common food allergens in a powdered form, it's ready to mix into a puree already tolerated by bub!
We also understand that not everyone (e.g. for cultural or religious reasons, or a simple dislike) consumes seafood and even for those who do, it may not be on a regular basis. That’s why we’ve created our Prawn Powder and Fish Powder, as optional extras in our allergen range to make allergen introduction and maintenance simple and convenient.
Here’s to joyful mealtimes and growing healthy, confident little eaters, one bite at a time!
FAQS
Q1. When should I start food allergen introduction for my baby?
The latest ASCIA guidelines for Infant Feeding for Food Allergy Prevention recommend starting food allergen introduction at around 6 months (not before 4 months) when bub shows readiness for solids. This is the key window for introducing allergens to babies.
Q2. Which allergens should I introduce first, egg or peanut?
Both egg and peanut introduction should be prioritised (in age-appropriate forms like well-cooked egg and smooth peanut butter) as part of early allergen introduction.
Q3. How often do I need to keep giving allergens after I introduce allergens to my baby?
After successful introduction, maintaining allergen exposure to babies matters. Offering the allergen at least once per week can help maintain tolerance.
Q4. What are the signs of allergic reaction in babies when introducing allergens?
Mild signs of allergic reaction in babies can include hives, rashes, redness, mild vomiting or swelling of the lips, eyes or face. For these signs, stop feeding, monitor closely, and call your doctor. For more severe signs like difficulty/noisy breathing, persistent vomiting, swollen tongue, pale or floppy appearance, seek urgent medical care by calling 000 immediately and administering an EpiPen if prescribed.
Q5. How can I test a food allergen safely at home when introducing allergens?
To test a baby for food allergens safely, avoid smearing food on skin. Offer a tiny amount by mouth (such as a small “lip smear” inside the lip), wait, then gradually increase if no symptoms appear.
Q6. How does breastfeeding relate to food allergy prevention?
Current guidance does not recommend removing allergens from the breastfeeding mother’s diet for food allergy prevention. Continue breastfeeding as desired while introducing allergens to bub when ready.
Q7. What are the common food allergens babies should try in the first year?
Common food allergens babies should be introduced to include egg, peanut, cow’s milk, wheat, soy, sesame, fish, shellfish (molluscs & crustaceans) and tree nuts (cashew, almond, walnut, hazelnut, pine nut, macadamia, brazil nut, pecan and pistachio). For tree nut introduction, each nut should be tried individually.
References
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, 2024a. Allergic and Toxic Reactions to Seafood Frequently Asked Questions. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pc/ASCIA_PC_Seafood_Allergy_FAQ_2024.pdf [Accessed 19 Feb 2026].
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, 2024b. Common Myths about Allergy and Asthma. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/about-allergy/common-myths-about-allergy-and-asthma [Accessed 19 Feb 2026].
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, 2026. ASCIA Guideline: Infant Feeding for Food Allergy Prevention- Summary of Recommendations. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/infant-feeding-and-allergy-prevention [Accessed 19 Feb 2026].
