[Katie16]

As far as allergies goes the recommendation is to introduce earlier rather than later. Earlier introduction to allergens can reduce their risk of developing an allergy by 5 times.

So go for it with the eggs, peanut butter, shellfish, etc

Not honey or whole nuts.

As far as dairy allergies goes, most kids grow out of them by two and they recommend that you periodically try to introduce them to see if the reaction is gone. Try things like cheese and yoghurt as they are low lactose and the milk proteins (that cause most of the allergies) have been shortened in the process.

My son developed a milk allergy as a small baby which meant I had to go dairy free for a few months as I was breastfeeding at the time. He has been able to tollerate cheese and yoghurt since he was about 9 months and even whole milk in foods from about 11 months. He is now 13 months and the only thing he reacts to is formula so we are still breastfeeding.

[sarkazm76]

"They" change the recommendations all the time - solids at 4 months/ solids at 6 months/ solids at 4 month/ foods earlier = less change of allergies/ makes no difference/ less chance of allergies.

We waited until after 12 month vaccinations and the GP said now he's 1 year he can try peanut butter/ eggs/ honey. There is so many other things to feed them it made no difference whether he had these or not until now. And he still prefers eating porridge anyway

[Lokum]

"They" change the recommendations all the time - solids at 4 months/ solids at 6 months/ solids at 4 month/ foods earlier = less change of allergies/ makes no difference/ less chance of allergies.

We waited until after 12 month vaccinations and the GP said now he's 1 year he can try peanut butter/ eggs/ honey. There is so many other things to feed them it made no difference whether he had these or not until now. And he still prefers eating porridge anyway

Well, one consideration is the current possibility that early introduction reduces allergy risk. What is clear is that delaying doesn't reduce risk.

Another consideration is that you introduce it early, and then you have the information. If you know they're allergic/intolerant, you can take steps to keep them safe.

If you don't introduce it, you don't know, and the older they get, the more likely they are to have an incidental exposure while away from you or without your awareness or scrutiny. Then there's the possibility of a severe reaction with someone who's not prepared, or a severe reaction and no-one's that sure what it was from... (eg they ate a bit of food they found on the slide/in another kids pocket, some friendly person in the shop gave to them etc etc)

We went with early intro, and luckily no allergies so no worries. I wanted to know so that I could keep him safe and put everyone on high alert if he turned out to be allergic.

[WinterIsComing]

New research shows that especially for those with history of allergies, introducing potential allergens such as eggs BEFORE 6 months can potentially help avoid allergies.

NSW health still recommends 6 months for all solids but they are now reviewing the new research.