A major survey of 550 doctors, allergists, and nutrition experts across Europe asked what advice they give parents about introducing solid foods to babies—especially those at risk for food allergies. The results showed big differences in what professionals recommend depending on where they work and their background. Most doctors agree that family history of allergies and skin conditions are important warning signs, but they disagree on when to start solid foods and which supplements to recommend. The study suggests that doctors need clearer, evidence-based guidelines that work across different countries and cultures.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What advice healthcare professionals give parents about introducing solid foods to babies and how to prevent food allergies
  • Who participated: 550 healthcare professionals including pediatricians (doctors for kids), allergists (allergy specialists), and dietitians (nutrition experts), mostly from Europe, surveyed between December 2023 and May 2024
  • Key finding: Doctors recommend starting solid foods at around 6 months for breastfed babies and 5 months for formula-fed babies, but recommendations vary significantly by region—Northern European doctors start earlier while Southern European doctors prefer waiting longer
  • What it means for you: If you’re a parent, you might get different advice depending on where you live and which doctor you see. This suggests the medical community needs more consistent, clear guidelines to help parents make the best choices for their babies’ health.

The Research Details

Researchers from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) created an online survey and asked 550 healthcare professionals about their practices and recommendations for introducing solid foods to babies. The survey covered topics like when to start solid foods, which allergenic foods to introduce, vitamin and supplement recommendations, and strategies to prevent food allergies. The survey was conducted over six months (December 2023 to May 2024) and included doctors, allergy specialists, and nutrition experts from different regions, with about 68% from Europe.

The researchers analyzed the responses to see if recommendations differed based on the professional’s location, type of job, and education level. They looked at patterns in what doctors recommend for babies at high risk of allergies versus those at lower risk.

Understanding what healthcare professionals actually recommend in real-world practice is important because parents rely on their doctors for guidance. If doctors in different regions give very different advice, it can confuse parents and make it harder to develop clear, science-based guidelines that work everywhere. This study helps identify where doctors agree and where they disagree, which is the first step toward creating better, more consistent recommendations.

This study surveyed a large number of healthcare professionals (550) across multiple countries and professional backgrounds, which gives a broad picture of current practices. However, the study only asked what doctors say they do—it didn’t verify whether they actually follow these practices with their patients. The survey was conducted online, which means it may have missed some professionals who don’t use email or online surveys regularly. The study is descriptive (describing what doctors do) rather than testing whether one approach is better than another.

What the Results Show

Healthcare professionals recommended starting solid foods at a median age of 6 months for breastfed babies and 5 months for formula-fed babies and babies at high risk for allergies. This suggests doctors believe formula-fed and at-risk babies may benefit from starting solid foods slightly earlier.

The survey revealed major regional differences in recommendations. Northern European healthcare professionals (countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Finland) tended to recommend starting solid foods earlier and introducing allergenic foods (like peanuts, eggs, and fish) sooner, often without following a specific structured plan. In contrast, Southern European professionals (countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece) preferred a more structured approach with specific sequences for introducing foods and recommended waiting longer before starting solid foods.

When it came to recognizing risk factors for food allergies, there was strong agreement: 94% of professionals identified atopic dermatitis (a type of skin condition) as a risk factor, and 87% recognized family history of allergies as important. This shows doctors widely understand these warning signs.

The survey also examined supplement recommendations. Vitamin D was the most commonly recommended supplement (49% of professionals), followed by probiotics (28%) and omega-3 fatty acids (18%). These recommendations varied by region and professional type, suggesting different approaches to preventing allergies through nutrition. The study found that professional background mattered—allergists, pediatricians, and dietitians sometimes gave different advice, likely because they have different training and expertise.

This study adds to existing research by showing what healthcare professionals actually recommend in practice, rather than what official guidelines say they should recommend. Previous research has suggested that early introduction of allergenic foods may help prevent allergies, but this survey reveals that doctors don’t consistently follow this approach. The findings align with growing evidence that regional and cultural differences influence medical practice, even when the underlying science is similar.

The study only surveyed what doctors said they recommend—it didn’t observe actual patient visits or verify whether professionals follow their stated practices. The survey was conducted online, which may have excluded some healthcare professionals who are less comfortable with technology. About 68% of participants were from Europe, so the findings may not represent practices in other parts of the world like Asia, Africa, or the Americas. The study describes current practices but doesn’t test whether one approach is more effective than another at preventing food allergies.

The Bottom Line

Based on this survey, there is no single ‘best’ recommendation that all healthcare professionals agree on. However, the findings suggest that: (1) Starting solid foods around 5-6 months is generally recommended, with slight variations based on feeding method and allergy risk; (2) Recognizing family history and skin conditions as allergy risk factors is important; (3) Vitamin D supplementation appears to be widely supported. Parents should discuss their baby’s individual situation with their healthcare provider, as recommendations may vary based on regional practices and the baby’s specific risk factors. Confidence level: Moderate—this reflects current practice but not necessarily the strongest scientific evidence.

This research is most relevant for parents of babies, especially those with family histories of allergies or skin conditions. Healthcare professionals (doctors, allergists, dietitians) should care about these findings because they highlight inconsistencies in current practice that could be improved. Parents in different regions may notice they receive different advice—this study explains why that happens. This research is less relevant for families with older children or adults, as it specifically addresses infant feeding.

Changes in feeding practices take time to show effects. Parents shouldn’t expect to see allergy prevention benefits immediately—the impact of early food introduction on allergy risk develops over months and years as the baby’s immune system matures. Most studies tracking allergy prevention look at outcomes when children are 1-3 years old or older.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the introduction of new foods with dates and any reactions observed (rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling). Note which foods were introduced, how much was given, and the baby’s response. This creates a personalized record to share with your pediatrician.
  • Use the app to set reminders for introducing new allergenic foods (one at a time, several days apart) and to track vitamin D or other supplement doses. Create a checklist of recommended foods to introduce and mark them off as you go, helping you follow a structured approach if your doctor recommends one.
  • Over the long term, use the app to log any signs of food allergies or intolerances as your baby grows (eczema flare-ups, digestive issues, reactions to specific foods). This helps identify patterns and provides valuable information for your pediatrician at check-ups. Review monthly to see which foods have been successfully introduced without problems.

This survey describes what healthcare professionals currently recommend but does not provide personalized medical advice. Every baby is unique, and feeding decisions should be made in consultation with your pediatrician or healthcare provider, who can assess your individual baby’s health status, risk factors, and family history. If your baby shows signs of a food allergy (such as rash, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing), seek immediate medical attention. This research reflects practices across Europe and may not apply to all regions or healthcare systems. Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific recommendations for your baby.