Introducing common food allergens to your baby is super important and can actually help prevent allergies. Here’s the latest scoop from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

The AAP says to introduce peanuts and other common allergens before your baby turns one. Early exposure can lower the risk of allergies. Common allergens include cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.

There’s no need to wait—once your baby starts solids, you can start introducing these allergens. This goes for all babies, even if they have a higher risk for allergies. The old advice about waiting three days between new foods isn’t a must anymore, but you can still introduce allergens one at a time if it makes you feel more comfortable. Acidic foods like fruits and tomatoes might cause a temporary rash around the mouth or cheeks, but it’s usually no big deal and goes away quickly.

Look out for symptoms like rashes, hives, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Reactions can vary, so keep an eye on your baby when trying new foods. If your baby has eczema, asthma, or a family history of allergies, they might be more likely to develop food allergies. It’s a good idea to chat with your pediatrician to get a personalized plan.

If you’re worried about allergens, especially if your baby is at higher risk, your pediatrician can give you tailored advice based on your baby’s health and family history.

Introducing common allergens can be safe and might even reduce the risk of allergies. Just follow the latest advice from the AAP and your healthcare team, and you’ll be good to go!