Delay Solids to Avoid Allergies?

[birdmommy]

I was just wondering if anyone has any opinions about waiting to introduce solids if you have a family history of allergy.

I've heard that introducing solids too early can cause allergies; which may be why so many people in their 30's have/had food allergies - apparently most of us were given rice cereal or pablum at about 6 weeks.  Oh, if only they knew then what we know now! 

If later is better for introducing solids, does anyone know of "the best time"?  I know 6 months is "normal", but what happens if you wait until 7 months or longer?

Thanks,
Robbie's Mummy

[Mom to M&M]

No real difference in waiting 6 or7 months. What kind of family history do you have? If family history of food allergies, like dairy or nuts, best to delay dairy until a year (or at least 9 months) and if nuts then at least 3 years. Also family history of asthma and hay fever play into things.

[Samuel's mum]

Just to say that I have come across parents on other sites who have introduced solids as late as 8-9 months as they wanted to stay with exclusive breastfeeding for health reasons. I don't know anyone in real life though. There was even one person who held off on solids for a year  with no ill effects but I'm not sure that would be officially recommended. It's often said that most bf babies need additional sources of iron after around 8 months. I think you could certainly wait until 7 months and then hold off on all sorts of foods until much later.

[Shellha]

Hi Robbie's Mummy

I had always intended to hold off on solids till 6 mths as my DH has allergies as does his family, however after long discussions with my Health Visitor and our homeopath it was suggested we start sooner (DS is almost 5 mths).

As my DH is allergic/intolerant to potato and tomato it was advised that we stay away from them - and our homeopath told me that babies stomachs aren't designed to process the starches in rice cereal, so to start with vege's - she suggested butternut pumpkin (he loves it) - and avoid rice cereal completely. It also has very little nutritional value apparently.

She also suggested staying away from the 'nightshade' vegetables - tomatoes, peppers/capsicum, potato and aubergine/eggplant as they have compounds to which a young child can be sensitive.

HTH

[litomi]

6mo is safe. Most doctors say it's safe to introduce solid as early as 4mo. But for some LOs, their digestive system is not well developed or have family history of allergy. By 6mo it's safe to introduce solids. Just start with rice, apples, pears, etc.

[birdmommy]

Thanks everyone!

We've been to the pediatrician, and to a dietitian (brought into the Ontario Early Years Centre by the local Health Unit).  Both suggested starting solids now, so that we can have an extended "introductory period" with adding a new food every 7 days instead of the usual 3 to 5 days.  They also recommended staying away from the most allergenic foods for as long as possible - luckily it's a pretty short list:

peanut (not before age 2 at the very earliest), soy, tree nuts, wheat, cow's milk (not before age 1), strawberries, fish and eggs (no whites before 1).

Hope this info is helpful to others as well!

Esther (Robbie's Mummy)