The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) has updated its guidance on early introduction of solid foods to support food allergy prevention, based on new evidence.
The advice applies to all babies, including those with eczema, existing food allergy, or a parent or sibling with allergies. Solid foods should begin when a baby shows developmental readiness, usually around six months and not before four months, and breastfeeding should continue where possible during the transition to solids.
Parents and carers are advised to introduce common allergenic foods within the first year of life (by 12 months), starting with foods already part of the family’s usual diet, to help reduce the risk of developing allergy to those foods. Products include cow’s milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, sesame, fish and shellfish. Well-cooked whole egg and smooth peanut butter/paste should be offered soon after solids commence.
When introducing allergens, ASCIA recommends offering only one new allergenic food in the meal to help identify the trigger if a reaction occurs, and once tolerated, keeping these foods in the diet at least weekly in age-appropriate servings to help maintain tolerance.
ASCIA also clarifies that a mild rash around the mouth without other symptoms is not usually an allergic reaction and the food should be offered again. Any broader reaction warrants medical advice before re-trial. The guidance advises against smearing foods on the skin and notes that hydrolysed cow’s milk formulas and alternative‑protein formulas are not recommended for preventing food allergy.
Source: ASCIA PC Fast Facts: Introducing Solid Foods to Babies for Food Allergy Prevention (2026)
