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 | Reactions and allergies | Babies' immune systems are immature and while they are still developing they may have a reaction to a food that later in life they can tolerate and will enjoy eating.
Some babies have allergies and to be certain your baby may not be allergic to some foods it is a good idea to introduce new foods separately. Try only one new food at a time so the effect can be monitored and you learn your baby’s preferences. Introducing a new food in a very small quantity allows your baby's developing digestive system to adjust more readily.
Some foods are known to be more likely to trigger a reaction. These include eggs (especially the egg white), fish, honey products, peanuts, strawberries and, in some cases, cow's milk. Be particularly careful how these foods are introduced.
Eggs
When your baby is about six months old, and in the absence of any known allergies, you can try half a teaspoon of egg yolk — cooked is best and mashed with a fork.
As egg white is more likely to cause an allergic reaction, it should not be introduced until 12 months. One way to introduce egg white is as scrambled egg, and try just a spoonful. Once you are sure this is fine, you can gradually introduce more egg white into baby's meals.
Cow's milk
Cows milk can be used in small amounts in cooking when your baby reaches six months. It should be gradually introduced; try a little cow’s milk in their regular milk, on rice cereal, or in soup. If successful, it can then be used in foods such as white sauce and custards.
Herbs and spices
A baby's palate is too young for strong herbs and spices, so avoid them. Instead, try a little parsley, which has great vitamin content, or basil. These should be chopped very fine and introduce in tiny amounts.
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