Gradual introduction of allergens for your child

Please note: this challenge should only be followed under the direction of a clinician.

Children with one or more food allergies are usually able to tolerate a wide range of other foods without any reaction.

To ensure your child’s nutritional needs are met, it is important to provide them with a varied diet containing many different types of food. There is growing evidence that suggests it may be beneficial to introduce possible allergens into a child’s diet earlier rather than later. This guide is designed to help you offer new foods safely into your child’s diet.

Golden rules

• Ensure your child is well before introducing a new food.
• Introduce new foods in your home so you can easily obtain help/advice if needed
• Introduce the food in the morning, preferably not just before the child is due a nap, but when you have plenty of time to monitor your child at home.
• Should an allergy reaction occur you should act promptly.
• Ensure you have your emergency allergy treatment close to hand.

Gradual introduction

• Day 1: offer a pea size amount of the food orally. If no reaction go to day 2.
• Day 2: offer two pea sized amounts of the food orally. If no reaction go to day 3.
• Day 3: offer four pea sized amounts of the food orally. If no reaction go to day 4.
• Day 4: offer a teaspoon of the food orally. If no reaction continue to double the quantity offered until the child is able to tolerate an age-appropriate portion of the food.
• Continue to have the new food regularly in the diet, ideally a few times a week.

Possible allergic symptoms