Introducing [Allergenic] Solids to Your Baby Early [Earlier] to Prevent Food Allergies

Apr 20, 2010 Allergies, Friendly Baby Food Advice, Resources, Solids and Weaning

It seems like the advice and recommendations for introducing solid foods that are top allergens is constantly changing.  Changes to recommendations can be a nightmare for new, and experienced, parents who are bombarded with [conflicting, old wives tales etc] advice on how to best feed their little ones.  There has been one confusing item in particular that a few parents are emailing about; starting baby on solid foods early, prior to 4 months of age.  This really needs to be cleared up and clarified so I thought I would post for all to read.

In particular,  the new studies have lead some to believe that the current winds of change mean that babies can be started early on solid foods.   In other words, some parents are believing/wondering if it’s now ok to start solids earlier than 4 months of age.

The only change regarding timing of introducing solid foods is the change in when to introduce foods that may cause allergies.  It is important to note that the AAP continues to recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, while the AAP Commmittee on Nutrition states that solids are fine to introduce anytime between 4 and 6 months of age.  One AAP report specifically notes that

“Although solid foods should not be introduced before 4 to 6 months of age, there is no current convincing evidence that delaying their introduction beyond this period has a significant protective effect on the development of atopic disease regardless of whether infants are fed cow milk protein formula or human milk. This includes delaying the introduction of foods that are considered to be highly allergic, such as fish, eggs, and foods containing peanut protein.” Click to view report

There are 8 foods that make up 90% of all allergenic foods.  These 8 foods are

• Milk
• Egg
• Peanut
• Tree nut (walnut, cashew, etc.)
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Wheat

Since early 2008, several studies have been done that point to the conclusion that delaying these allergenic foods may not prevent “atopic disease” e.g asthma and eczema.   For families with a history of food allergies and intolerance, the recommendation continues to be one of caution and delay.

More Resources:

German Study “This study found no evidence supporting a delayed introduction of solids beyond 4 or 6 months for the prevention of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food or inhalant sensitization at the age of 6 years.”

Dairy Introduction past 9 months ” More delay in introduction of cow milk products was associated with a higher risk for eczema.”

ESPGHAN study “Exclusive or full breast-feeding for about 6 months is a desirable goal. Complementary feeding (ie, solid foods and liquids other than breast milk or infant formula and follow-on formula should not be introduced before 17 weeks and not later than 26 weeks. There is no convincing scientific evidence that avoidance or delayed introduction of potentially allergenic foods, such as fish and eggs, reduces allergies, either in infants considered at increased risk for the development of allergy or in those not considered to be at increased risk.

Finnish Study – Late Introduction of Solids “Late introduction of solid foods was associated with increased risk of allergic sensitization to food and inhalant allergens. Eggs, oats, and wheat were most strongly related to food sensitization, whereas potatoes and fish were most strongly related to inhalant sensitization.

Solid Food Chart – New chart posted is grouped by foods!

Jan 18, 2010 Food Safety Tips, Friendly Baby Food Advice, Nutrition, Resources, Solids and Weaning

Many of our visitors have asked that we create a chart according to foods and food groups;  so today I created a page as well as a download.  I hope you find it helpful.  Please do remember that charts on wholesomebabyfood.com are conservative compared to many other resources.  I have always felt that when feeding babies, it’s better to be conservative – esp. when you have multiples

Please send in your feedback about the chart!  Enjoy

Solid Food Chart Grouped by Foods

One Page Complete Solid Food Chart by Ages/Foods

Tags: charts

Baby’s Teeth – Dental Care of Baby’s Teeth

Dec 30, 2008 Resources

We thought you might find this information useful regarding baby’s teeth and the care of baby teeth.  This comes from Talking About Health with Harvard Doctors @ www.harvardhealth.gather.com

New recommendations from the Academy of Pediatrics suggest that you find a dentist for your baby by the age of one. Previously, the group had recommended that children first see a dentist at age three, with the thought that little could be done for those tiny little baby teeth. At either one or three, the dentist certainly will not have a cooperative patient unless the baby is extremely mellow, or the dentist is good at winning over wee ones.

But baby teeth do need attention. Babies start cutting teeth—usually the lower incisors come first—at the age of four months, on average, but there is tremendous variation. I have seen babies go as long as fifteen months before cutting the first tooth. Dentists tell me that they want to see a baby that has not cut a tooth by the age of fifteen months. If there is no sign that a tooth will be poking through soon, they would then do an x-ray to be sure that teeth are present. These very late bloomers are rare.

As soon as your baby has teeth, you should start to clean them to remove plaque and any sugar residues. Lactose is the sugar in milk products (unless the milk is lactose free) and should not sit on the tooth enamel for long periods of time. A simple piece of gauze wrapped around your finger is a good way to clean these early teeth. In the second year, your baby may let you brush his teeth with water or baby toothpaste. Do not use adult toothpaste, as babies do not spit out the excess paste and can ingest too much fluoride.

Read more of this article

Tags: baby teeth, dental care