Allergy Prevention Tips for Babies

Introducing your baby to solid foods is exciting but it can also feel like a gamble when you consider the possibility of lurking food allergies. Awareness and preventative measures will help make this transition seem less like a game of Russian Roulette and more like a positive change.

By Tara Mataraza Desmond

Juice Images/Veer

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Timing of Solids

Is it true that introducing solids before 6 months of age will increase the likelihood that my baby will develop an allergy?

Dr. Wesley Burks, Professor and Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Duke University Medical Center, notes that breastfeeding exclusively for more than 4 months -- and waiting to introduce solids until 4 to 6 months of age -- are two of the best ways to help prevent the onset of allergies. In addition to immune system strength, your baby's gastrointestinal and motor strength will increase month by month. While a 4-month-old might be able to digest solid foods well, she might be more physically adept and attentive at 6 months, making the transition to new foods faster, easier, and less messy.

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Comments (2)

franquarcoo wrote:

Katgoddess79, all types of cereals are considered as solid food. If you now want to introduce your baby to solid food, it is recommended that you start with single cereal like rice. Don't mix until you know what your baby is confortable with....

7/27/2011 02:52:00 PM Report Abuse

katgoddess79 wrote:

what is considered a solid food

8/10/2010 02:00:11 PM Report Abuse