A major health organization in Australia and New Zealand has updated its guidelines on how to introduce common allergy-causing foods to babies. The new recommendations suggest that babies should start eating solid foods around 6 months old, and parents should introduce eggs and peanuts relatively soon after that. The guidelines also say that babies don’t need special hydrolyzed milk formulas to prevent allergies, and that breastfeeding mothers don’t need to avoid allergenic foods. These updated recommendations are based on the latest scientific evidence and expert opinion, and they’re designed to help reduce the risk of food allergies developing in infants.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: The best way to introduce common allergy-causing foods to babies to help prevent food allergies from developing
  • Who participated: This guideline was created by a team of allergy experts from Australia and New Zealand who reviewed scientific studies and used their professional experience to make recommendations for all infants in these countries
  • Key finding: Introducing babies to common allergenic foods like eggs and peanuts early (around 6 months old) and regularly (about once a week) may help prevent food allergies from developing, rather than delaying these foods
  • What it means for you: If you’re a parent in Australia or New Zealand, you should introduce your baby to solid foods around 6 months old and include eggs and peanuts in their diet soon after. This approach appears to be safer and more effective than avoiding these foods. However, always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods, especially if there’s a family history of allergies.

The Research Details

This guideline was created using a careful, multi-step process. First, experts reviewed all the published scientific research on infant feeding and food allergy prevention. They looked at studies that tested different feeding approaches to see which ones actually worked. When the research didn’t have clear answers, the expert team used a special method called a Delphi process, where multiple allergy specialists shared their professional opinions and came to agreement on recommendations. The team included doctors from major allergy organizations, research centers, and patient advocacy groups to make sure the guidelines were practical and helpful for real families.

Using this approach is important because it combines the best available scientific evidence with expert knowledge from experienced doctors. This ensures the recommendations are based on what actually works, not just theories. The involvement of multiple organizations and patient groups also means the guidelines consider different perspectives and real-world situations that families face.

This guideline was developed using the AGREE II framework, which is an internationally recognized standard for creating high-quality health recommendations. The fact that it’s an update of a previous 2016 guideline shows that the organization regularly reviews and improves their recommendations as new evidence emerges. The guideline was informed by a systematic review, meaning experts carefully examined all relevant published studies rather than just picking a few. Eight of the 16 recommendations are based directly on published research, while eight are based on expert consensus when research evidence was limited.

What the Results Show

The updated guidelines make several key recommendations about when and how to introduce allergenic foods. Babies should start solid foods around 6 months of age (but not before 4 months) when they show signs they’re ready, such as sitting up with support and showing interest in food. Soon after starting solids, parents should introduce well-cooked eggs and appropriate forms of peanuts. Other common allergens that the family eats should also be offered to the baby. Once a food is introduced, it should be offered regularly—about once a week—rather than avoided. These recommendations represent a shift from older advice that suggested delaying allergenic foods might prevent allergies; current evidence suggests the opposite may be true.

The guidelines also address several other important feeding practices. Breastfeeding is encouraged, and mothers do not need to avoid allergenic foods while breastfeeding. Babies who are formula-fed should not be given special hydrolyzed milk protein formulas specifically for allergy prevention, as these don’t appear to help. The guidelines note that mild redness or small bumps around a baby’s mouth after eating (called perioral rashes) may not indicate a true allergic reaction and shouldn’t automatically mean avoiding that food—parents should try offering it again after consulting their healthcare provider.

The 2016 ASCIA guideline recommended introducing allergenic foods, but the 2026 update provides more specific timing recommendations, particularly regarding when to introduce peanuts and eggs. The new guideline also includes clearer guidance about what mild skin reactions mean and when to continue offering a food versus when to be concerned about a true allergy. This reflects growing scientific evidence that early introduction of allergenic foods is beneficial for allergy prevention.

This guideline is based on a review of existing research, so its strength depends on the quality of studies that have been published. Some recommendations (8 out of 16) are based on expert consensus rather than strong research evidence, which means they’re educated opinions from experienced doctors but not proven by large studies. The guideline is specific to Australia and New Zealand, so recommendations may differ in other countries based on different food cultures and research. The guideline will need to be updated as new research emerges.

The Bottom Line

Parents in Australia and New Zealand should introduce solid foods around 6 months of age when their baby shows readiness signs. Include eggs and peanuts in the diet soon after starting solids, and offer common allergens regularly (about once weekly). Continue breastfeeding without dietary restrictions if possible. Don’t use special hydrolyzed formulas for allergy prevention. These recommendations are supported by moderate to strong evidence and expert consensus. Always discuss your baby’s feeding plan with your pediatrician, especially if there’s a family history of food allergies.

These guidelines are designed for parents and caregivers of infants in Australia and New Zealand. Healthcare providers including pediatricians, nurses, and dietitians should use these to guide families. Parents with a family history of food allergies should pay special attention, as early introduction may be particularly beneficial for them. These guidelines may not apply in the same way to infants with existing allergic conditions or severe eczema—discuss with your doctor in those cases.

The benefits of early allergen introduction for allergy prevention develop over time. You won’t see immediate results, but research suggests that regular exposure to allergenic foods during the first year of life helps train the immune system to tolerate these foods. It typically takes months of regular exposure to see the protective effect. If your baby does have an allergic reaction, it usually appears within minutes to a few hours of eating the food.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the introduction date and frequency of common allergens (eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, wheat, soy, sesame, fish, shellfish) offered to your baby. Record which foods were introduced, how often they’re being offered (aiming for weekly), and any reactions observed. This creates a clear record to share with your pediatrician.
  • Set weekly reminders to offer previously introduced allergenic foods to your baby. Create a simple checklist of common allergens and mark off each time you offer them. This helps ensure consistent exposure rather than one-time introduction followed by avoidance.
  • Maintain an ongoing food diary that tracks not just introduction of new allergens, but regular weekly offerings of previously introduced foods. Note any mild reactions (like perioral rashes) separately from concerning symptoms. Review this monthly with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re following the guideline recommendations and to discuss any concerns.

This guideline is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider before introducing new foods to your infant, especially if your baby has existing allergies, severe eczema, or a strong family history of food allergies. If your baby shows signs of a serious allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, or severe vomiting), seek emergency medical care immediately. These guidelines are specific to Australia and New Zealand and may not apply in other regions.