Weaning - When to introduce allergens?

[BourbonBiscuit88]

My 6m old started weaning 3 weeks ago but it isnt going too well. They gag on everything including purées. Theyve swallowed small bits a few times as I’ve seen it come out the other end but other times there’s 100% nothing getting swallowed. Sometimes plays with food, sometimes seems uninterested and distressed. I’ve read it’s important to introduce allergens the sooner the better but should I wait until theyre actually eating and stick to fruit and vegetables for a bit or just slowly try adding in some allergens as well? I’ve been doing a mixture of purées and finger foods.

I'd give things like toast fingers or scrambled egg. Strips of chicken? You can give most things at 6 months except whole nuts, high salt/sugar, honey and unpasteurised dairy products.

You can introduce allergens right away, it's recommended to do it along with everything else

@dementedpixie @Rowen32 would you still offer things if you know they’re unlikely to eat any of it?

I would, we have DS scrambled egg recently (also started solids, and he is not that interested and gags a lot, same as your LO), and even though he didn't really swallow any he did get reaction to eggs on his face just by having them in his mouth. Apparently it's better to give allergens sooner rather than later (one at a time). I'm trying peanut butter today.

You dont know if they will refuse it until you try

I’m also new to this but I think you only need a tiny amount to test for an allergic reaction. I gave my DD a spoon of boiled egg mixed with milk yesterday. Also tried hard boiled egg as a finger food but don’t think she ate any. I’m going to do the same tomorrow with peanut (a small amount of peanut butter mixed with milk or maybe banana).

I offered little bits (finger and puree) only expecting them to take maybe 1 spoonful at first or perhaps just play with it (putting it in and out of their mouth).

They found things like strawberry's great at they would mush up easily in their mouth. I also gave smooth peanut butter on toast early on.

Apparently it takes up to 15 times for them to like something so you're meant to keep offering!

Also remember that eating is a massive skill for babies to learn and get used to. Some aren't necessary ready just because they hit 6months.

My baby did didn't actually swallow anything until 8 months!!

At 6 months you just keep offering foods, if they don't like just give something else and try again in a few days, or make on a different way.

If nothing gets swallowed, no big deal as they are still on milk feeds.

Don't let it be stressful for you or baby.

Allergens you can introduce straightaway but my best advice is to never introduce a new allergen on the weekend or evenings as the doctors won't be open!