When to give dairy and gluten?

[FeelLikeTweedleDee]

As the title says, when should I introduce these foods to my baby?

They are fine from 6 months. Milk can be used in cook/food but not as a main drink.

I read that gluten should be introduced at a certain time. Too early and it can lead to allergies. Too late can also lead to allergies!

Gluten definitely not before 26 weeks but at any time after should be fine. I have worked with families (was a nanny) who kept kids gluten free until 1 and others and myself have introduced it at 6 months with no problems in either camp. Both my DDs loved their toast when weaning.

gluten should not be introduced before 4 months and not after 7 months as both have been shown to increase coeliacs disease - 6 months is about right!

I didnt give dairy till 6 months either despite petit filous saying it is suitable from 4 months!

There is very little good evidence about age of introducing foods and allergies, although there is some research going on at the moment (EAT study).

Coeliac UK seem to agree that about 6 months is right for gluten - they say definitely not before 17 weeks.

NHS recommends that if there is a family history of food allergies, eczma or hay fever, then you EBF (or EFF) until 6 months, then introduce potential allergens (including milk and wheat) one at a time.

HTH

4 to 7 months alongside breastfeeding minimising the risks with gluten.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/allergies/1100098-When-to-wean-potentially-allergenic-foods

Hope this link works. Its a thread where I posted our dietician's advice on weaning - for babies at risk of allergies (in our case older brother with milk/egg/fish allergies).

It sounds as though advice may change in future from the strict 6 mo cut off which they still use, but they haven't changed advice yet. But the above thread also has useful advice for being ready for reactions (e.g. put a bit on their lip, do it early in day, not when somewhere remote, keep piriton handy).
Most people probably don't need to be this paranoid but we had had bad experiences with our first baby!

Thanks everyone