So many children seem to have food allergies these days. However, there are some things you can do now that may help prevent your child developing one.
With food allergy, eating even a tiny amount can cause a reaction. Most will be mild to moderate, but in some cases can lead to life-threatening symptoms, known as anaphylaxis.
| If your infant or child has a serious reaction such as a swelling mouth, tongue or lips, or they have difficulty breathing or if they collapse, call 111 immediately for an ambulance. |
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Common foods that can cause allergic reactions are peanuts, eggs, fish and shellfish, cow’s milk (dairy), wheat, soy, seeds and tree nuts. Researchers aren’t sure why the number of children with food allergies is on the rise, but it is.
Allergies tend to run in families, so a baby with parents who have allergies is at a higher risk of developing food allergy. However, some babies can develop food allergy even though there is no family history of allergy.
Following the tips below may reduce the risk of your infant developing a food allergy. 
1. Include allergenic foods in your diet
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should eat a healthy, balanced diet, including allergenic foods. Cutting allergenic foods out will not prevent food allergy in your infant. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish) during pregnancy and breastfeeding may help prevent eczema in early life, so try to include up to 3 serves of oily fish per week.
2. Breastfeed if you can
Breastfeeding has many health benefits for infants. If breastfeeding is not possible, or your baby is partially breastfed, a commercial infant formula should be used for the first 12 months of age. When your baby is ready, at around 6 months but not before 4 months, start to introduce a variety of solid foods, starting with iron-rich foods, while continuing breastfeeding.
3. Expose your child to a variety of foods
Introduce one food at a time every 2 to 3 days (give them foods the family usually eats). Once they are eating solids, give your baby allergenic foods including peanut butter, cooked egg (not raw), dairy and wheat products within their first year of life. If possible, introduce cooked egg before 8 months of age. Cow’s milk can be introduced after 12 months of age.
If your baby has severe eczema and/or egg allergy, regular peanut intake before 12 months of age could reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy. If your child already has an egg allergy or other food allergies or severe eczema, you should discuss how to do this with your doctor.
4. Seek medical advice
If your baby has an allergic reaction to a food, seek medical help. Keep the food out of the baby’s diet until you have discussed this with your GP and possibly been referred to a specialist.
Don't remove food groups such as dairy or wheat products from your child's diet unless your child has an immediate reaction to the food. If this happens, it is important to get specialist advice including from a dietitian.
Remember, your infant or child could develop a food allergy at any time, regardless of what steps you take. If this happens, stop the food and see your doctor.
Learn more
Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy detailed guidelines offering practical steps to take that may help reduce the risk of infants developing allergies
Food allergies – advice for parents Health Navigator
Food allergy Allergy NZ