Early Introduction Program

The idea that highly allergenic foods, such as peanuts, should be introduced into the diet early to prevent risk of allergy.

All infants. There are different recommendations for babies based on their risk of allergy.

Having an egg allergy or severe eczema.

You can introduce peanuts any time based on your family’s preferences.

You can introduce peanuts around six months of age, after other solid foods have been started.

Your child will be seen and evaluated by an allergy specialist to determine his/her risks.

Yes. It was previously thought that waiting to introduce allergenic foods would decrease the likelihood of a food allergy; however, food allergies have actually since increased.

There have been many studies that led to the formation of a committee of experts to make these new recommendations. The studies show Early Introduction, when appropriate, reduces the risk of food allergy in the long-term.

Your doctor will review your child’s medical history and perform testing to determine your child’s risk of having a peanut allergy.

Skin prick testing and blood allergy testing.

Your doctor will discuss your child’s results and make a plan for home or in-office introduction or discuss avoidance if your child is considered high-risk.