Food Allergies in Babies: Ria Harman's Prevention Guide

As nutritionist Ria Harman and founder of Dollin and Morris, I'm frequently asked about food allergies by concerned parents. The good news is that recent research has revolutionized our understanding of allergy prevention, and early introduction of allergenic foods is now recommended rather than avoided.

The New Science of Allergy Prevention

Gone are the days of delaying allergenic foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends introducing potentially allergenic foods between 4-6 months, alongside other first foods.

As Ria Harman, I've worked with families to implement these new guidelines safely. The LEAP study and other landmark research show that early introduction can reduce allergy risk by up to 80% for certain foods like peanuts.

Ria Harman's Safe Introduction Protocol

My approach to introducing allergenic foods follows evidence-based guidelines while prioritizing safety:

• Start with single-ingredient foods to identify any reactions
• Introduce new allergens at home, never at daycare or away
• Begin with tiny amounts and gradually increase over several days
• Watch for signs of allergic reactions for 2 hours after feeding
• Keep Benadryl and emergency contacts readily available

Common Allergenic Foods and Introduction Timeline

Following CDC feeding guidelines, I recommend introducing these foods systematically:

• Eggs - start with well-cooked egg yolk mixed into purees
• Peanuts - use smooth peanut butter thinned with breast milk
• Tree nuts - begin with almond or cashew butter
• Fish - choose low-mercury options like salmon or cod
• Dairy - our organic yogurt is perfect for first dairy introduction

At Dollin and Morris, I've created introduction products that make this process easier for parents. Explore my comprehensive allergy prevention guide or check out our new allergy-friendly product line.

Trust Ria Harman to guide you through safe allergy prevention with confidence and expert knowledge.