Baby Food Allergies: Signs, Triggers & Action | Parenting Hub
How to introduce common allergens safely, recognise mild and severe reactions, and what to do if your baby reacts to a new food.
Australian guidelines recommend introducing common allergy foods in the first year, including peanut and egg. Here's how to do it safely and what to do if your baby reacts.
Why early introduction matters
Current Australian guidance (ASCIA) is to introduce common allergy foods — including peanut, egg, dairy, wheat, soy, sesame, tree nuts, fish and shellfish — in the first 12 months, alongside other solids, then continue regularly. Early introduction reduces the risk of food allergy.
Wait until your baby is showing signs of readiness for solids (around 6 months, not before 4 months). Always introduce a new food when baby is well, at home, and earlier in the day.
Signs of a mild reaction
Mild reactions usually appear within minutes to two hours of eating the food.
- Hives or welts around the mouth or on the body
- Redness or a flushed face
- Swelling of lips, face or eyes
- Vomiting or tummy pain
Signs of a severe reaction (anaphylaxis)
Any one of these signs means call triple zero (000) immediately.
- Noisy or difficult breathing, wheeze or persistent cough
- Swelling of the tongue or throat, hoarse cry
- Pale and floppy (in babies under 2)
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
What to do if your baby reacts
For a mild reaction: stay calm, stop the food, and watch your baby closely for at least 2 hours. See your GP and get an ASCIA action plan. For any severe symptoms, lay baby flat and call 000 — don't try to drive to hospital.
What helps prevent severe reactions
A few practical principles.
- Introduce one new allergen at a time, ideally with breastmilk or formula already in the diet
- Start with a tiny amount, then gradually increase
- Keep allergens in the diet at least twice a week once introduced
- If baby has severe eczema or already a known food allergy, talk to your GP before introducing peanut/egg
When to seek urgent care
Any severe reaction is an emergency — don't wait.
When to seek help
- Difficulty breathing, wheeze, or noisy breathing
- Swelling of tongue, throat or face
- Pale, floppy, or unresponsive
- Persistent vomiting after eating with other symptoms
- Widespread hives plus any of the above
Common questions
Should I avoid allergens while breastfeeding?
No — there's no need to avoid common allergy foods while breastfeeding or pregnant. Avoiding them does not prevent allergy.
Do I need to do allergy testing first?
No, unless your baby already has another food allergy or severe eczema. For most babies, foods can be introduced at home from around 6 months.