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During pregnancy, some mothers are Recent research has emerged showing
manipulating their diet hoping to reduce exposure to peanut pastes from between
food allergy risk for their child. However, 4 and 11 months of age, at least 3 times
this is not supported by research. It is per week may decrease the risk of peanut
recommended that a varied and healthy allergy significantly. Similarly, studies
diet is consumed during pregnancy and looking at cooked egg have shown
while breastfeeding. A varied diet includes introduction before 8 months of age
a range of grains, fruit, vegetables, dairy, can reduce the risk of egg allergy. This
eggs, nuts and meat. Restricting your diet is particularly in families where another
whilst pregnant should be avoided or done member has a food allergy. To introduce
with caution and medical consultation. peanut, use a peanut paste. To start
Risks of inadequate nutrition in a pregnant egg, use a boiled egg that is mashed.
mother include poor growth in babies and Gradually increase egg or peanut from
nutrient deficiencies. a ● baby spoon to full serves mixed with
other foods such as puree vegetables.
Any length of breastfeeding provides Once introduced, continue to offer both
benefit to mother and baby. Continuing foods at least twice a week.
to breastfeed during the age solids are
introduced may assist with food allergy If your baby does react to foods as they
prevention. Although scientific evidence are introduced, seek medical advice. For
around this has weakened in the past few those diagnosed with food allergy the only
years, there remains many other benefits current treatment is avoidance of that
to be gained from breastfeeding. food. A medical practitioner or accredited
practicing dietitian (APD) will assist with
The age of your babies first mouthful of advice to avoid foods if needed. This
food is one of the most studied aspects of requires a sound understanding of food
allergy prevention. Despite evidence not yet labels. In Australia, infant formula and
informing an optimal time, starting between infant foods must comply with mandatory
4-6 months is currently recommended. allergen declaration requirements to assist
Specifically, don’t start solids before 4 parents in selecting the right food for their
months and don’t delay solids beyond 6 children.
months as this may increase (rather than
decrease) the risk of allergy. Embrace sharing food and eating with
your child as it is an exciting and messy
Beyond commencing iron-rich foods as milestone that the whole family (including
one of the first foods (e.g. rice cereal), your furry friends) are sure to enjoy.
foods can be introduced in any order and
at a pace that suits your baby. There are Remember: All infants, including those
no particular allergenic foods such as at high-risk of food allergy should be
dairy, wheat, cooked egg, peanuts and introduced to foods that are common food
fish that need to be avoided or delayed. allergens before 12-months of age. These
These foods should be introduced before 12 include peanut butter, cooked egg, wheat
months of age along with fruits, vegetables products, dairy and fish.
and grains when the family are consuming
them. Further research is required to Lauren Gladman is a Accredited practicing
determine the best age to introduce these dietitian (APD) specialising in infant, children
foods. Trialling a new food every 2 days will and adolescent nutrition for 11 years. She
enable you to identify foods if they cause is also the proud mum to Isla, 3 years and
a reaction. Finn, 18 months.
26 may 2017 | mychild
