Solids for Babies

Allergen workflow

Introducing allergens to baby

Cautious plan

Common allergen foods can be introduced as solids are introduced when baby is developmentally ready, but form and context matter. Use a baby-appropriate texture, avoid choking shapes such as whole nuts or sticky globs, try first servings when baby is well, and ask a clinician first for severe eczema, egg allergy, known allergy, or previous reaction concerns.

This guide supports planning and observation; it does not diagnose, treat, or personalize allergy care.

Step-by-step guide

  1. 1
    Check readiness and history

    Start from readiness for solids, then ask a pediatric clinician first if baby has severe eczema, egg allergy, a known food allergy, or previous reaction concerns.

  2. 2
    Pick one allergen food

    Use one new food at a time at first so it is easier to notice whether a problem appears.

  3. 3
    Use a baby texture

    Thin nut butter into another food, cook egg fully, soften wheat foods, moisten fish, and avoid whole nuts, thick sticky spoonfuls, or dry crumbly pieces.

  4. 4
    Choose a calm time

    Offer the first small serving when baby is well and you can observe comfortably, not when the meal is rushed.

  5. 5
    Record what happened

    Write the food, form, date, amount, and any symptoms or concerns you want to discuss with a clinician.

At-a-glance checks

Common allergens

CDC lists milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

Higher-risk context

Severe eczema, egg allergy, known food allergy, or previous reaction concerns need clinician input.

Texture first

The allergen plan still has to pass choking-shape and texture checks before serving.

Observation

Use calm first servings and keep notes for any symptoms or questions.

Allergen-introduction mistakes to avoid

  • Offering whole nuts, thick nut-butter globs, chewy shellfish pieces, dry egg, or dry fish as first forms.
  • Trying several new allergen foods together before baby has practiced them individually.
  • Starting a first allergen serving when baby is sick, very tired, or supervision is rushed.
  • Skipping clinician guidance for severe eczema, egg allergy, known allergy, or previous reaction concerns.
  • Using this guide to interpret symptoms instead of seeking pediatric guidance when concerns appear.

Quick questions

Which foods are common allergens?

CDC lists milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame as potentially allergenic foods.

Should peanut butter be served from a spoon?

No. Thick peanut butter can be sticky and hard to manage. Use a thin, smooth form mixed into another baby-appropriate food if peanut is appropriate for baby.

Sources reviewed