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The 4 Day Wait Rule When Introducing Solid Food - Homemade Baby Food & Baby Food Recipes
Allergies & Baby Food 
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What is the "4 Day Wait Rule" and why is it Important to follow the "4 Day Wait Rule" when starting solid foods?
The "4 Day Wait Rule" is an an easy way to check for food allergies or sensitivities.
Introduce new foods, one food at a time and at a space of 4 days apart
For example, introduce baby to avocado on Monday and then wait until Thursday to introduce another food.
When you introduce a new food over the course of several days, you are better able to determine exactly how your baby is reacting to that food. It is very important to follow the "four day wait" rule when introducing your baby to new solid foods. This is most important if you and/or your family members have a history of food allergies.
Following the four day wait rule and introducing new foods one at a time will also enable you to easily begin an "elimination diet". If you suspect your infant has had an adverse reaction to a new food, you will have just a few foods to look to as the culprit.
Introduce new foods during the morning or early afternoon.
This will enable you to deal with any adverse reactions when your pediatrician is in office. Should an adverse reaction occur during the morning/early afternoon, it will cause the least amount of disruption in baby's fragile routine.
The " 4 day wait rule" is a good practice to follow.
It helps pinpoint allergic reactions and to pinpoint any digestive issues a new food may cause.
Allergic reactions typically will occur within the first 24 hours. Digestive issues with new foods may take longer to appear.
When Can I Mix Foods Without Worrying About the 4 Day Wait Rule?
Once you have introduced several new foods without a reaction, you can then begin to mix them together as you wish.
When Can I Stop Paying Attention to the 4 Day Wait Rule?
When your baby is around 9-10 months of age, you will have introduced many new foods and will have a good idea about what foods may be allergenic or cause your little one digestive upsets. At this stage, paying less attention to the 4 day wait rule is common. As you loosen up the 4 day wait rule, it is still important to pay attention to the new foods you offer your little one, especially those foods that do pose an allergy risk. Of course if your family has a history of food allergies and/or intolerances, you may want to continue to follow the 4 day wait rule until your baby is at least 12 months of age. As always, you should consult with your baby's pediatrician.
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ALWAYS follow the 4 day wait rule when introducing a new food to baby. It may seem silly however if your baby has a reaction to a suspected food, you will be better able to pinpoint the specific food.
Always consult with your pediatrician regarding any foods that may be allergenic.
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