Introduce solid foods for babies

Introduce solid foods for babies

Researchers who looked at a large body of scientific evidence on the introduction of solid foods in an infant's diet conclude introducing solids before the age of 6 months raises the risk for allergies later on.

"The best way to nourish infants age 6 months and younger is through exclusive breastfeeding, according to one study.

The Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is publishing its recommendations in new guidelines aimed at helping doctors advise new mothers on an optimal diet for their newborns.

Among the recommendations:

• Cow's milk in the early months of life significantly raises the risk of a child experiencing allergies by age 10
• Eggs, peanuts, other nuts, and seafood also pose a high risk for allergies. Fruits, vegetables, meats, soy, and cereals may play a role in allergy development as well
• Older infants should not receive mixed foods until each food type has been individually introduced into the diet first
• Cooked and homogenized foods are preferable to their fresh counterparts in infants deemed at high risk for allergies

"This report reinforces the consensus of organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, which recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months as optimal for infant and maternal health," says lead author Alessandro Fiocchi, M.D., chair of the Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee of the ACAAI."