Baby Food and Allergies: Key Tips for Parents

Over the past few years, food allergies have been on the rise, including among the youngest children. In Europe, it is estimated that about 6 to 8% of children suffer from them, compared to 2 to 3% of adults. At the same time, in France, pediatricians are noting a marked increase in cases of food allergies and anaphylaxis (hypersensitivity to a substance) among their young patients. Two good reasons to pay attention to this topic, especially since prevention can be effective when it comes to allergies. This is where Dalipo comes in, with its targeted program of gradual and controlled allergen introduction for babies.

SUMMARY

• Food diversification: what are we talking about?
• Food allergies: why think about them so early?
• How can allergens be introduced naturally and safely?
• Focus on Dalipo: a valuable aid for stress-free diversification
• A little extra for parents: anti-stress and anti-allergy tips

Food diversification: what are we talking about?

The term "food diversification" refers to the gradual addition of solid foods to a baby’s diet, alongside breast milk or infant formula.

Generally started between 4 and 6 months, when a baby starts showing curiosity about what's on the adults’ plates, this ensures the enrichment and continuation of the nutritional intake needed for healthy growth.

Traditional diversification vs. baby-led weaning (BLW)

• Traditional food diversification involves adding water, smooth or pureed foods, compotes, then thicker textures, and finally small pieces, served by parents with a spoon.
• Baby-led weaning (BLW) gives baby a more active role. Encouraged to try foods with their hands, they discover not just flavors but also textures, and learn to manage their own eating.

Note that both methods have their advantages, and it is perfectly possible to combine them according to your baby's pace and family preferences.

Food allergies: why think about them so early?

For a long time, it was recommended to delay the introduction of allergens to babies to avoid adverse reactions. However, numerous studies (The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, National Institute of Health) now provide a very different viewpoint: the first months of food diversification are a key stage for the immune system to learn to recognize what is harmless and what is not.

Cow's milk 🐄, eggs 🥚, peanuts 🥜, tree nuts 🐿️, fish 🐟, gluten 🥖… These are among the foods most often cited in allergic reactions. By introducing them early and gradually, you may help reduce the risk by encouraging "oral tolerance," which is considered a natural defense mechanism. When the body is repeatedly exposed to small amounts of an allergen, it learns not to view it as a threat.

The goal is twofold: prevention rather than cure, and reassurance for parents. A supervised, step-by-step introduction, at home, under your attentive watch, remains the best way to help your baby explore foods with confidence.

Of course, every baby is unique. If you have a family history of allergies or an atopic background (eczema, asthma), talk to your pediatrician or an allergist before testing the related foods.

How can allergens be introduced naturally and safely?

First of all, potential allergens can be included right at the start of food diversification. The only condition? Go slowly and take time to observe your baby for any possible reactions.

🦐 The idea is simple: offer each food in very small quantities, one at a time, with at least several days between each new introduction. One week with a bit of eggs (white and yolk), another with cow's milk from a bottle, yet another with small pieces of shrimp… and so on.

This approach not only makes it easier to identify a possible reaction, but it also gives your child’s immune system time to adjust to these new substances. For clarity, avoid introducing a new allergen during a fever, right after vaccination, or during an infection that might mask symptoms.

Some reactions may appear within minutes or hours of consumption: redness, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the lips or face, or even difficulty breathing. If any of these signs occur, even if mild, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

💡To make sure nothing is missed and to also help your baby’s medical monitoring, keep a record of the dates and foods introduced, as well as any observed effects, in a small notebook or on your phone.

There are also solutions specifically designed to help guide you through allergen introduction, especially peanuts or tree nuts. Dalipo, for example, offers such an option.

Focus on Dalipo: a valuable aid for stress-free diversification

🔎 Dalipo offers small pre-measured sachets prepared in the Paris region, to add directly to your baby’s meal so you can introduce allergens (peanuts and tree nuts) without stress and with total safety.

How does it work?

Dalipo comes in the form of small liquid allergen doses tailored to a baby’s age. Just pour them into your baby’s puree or compote during diversification. There's nothing to calculate or count—simply add.

Each Dalipo pack (turnkey program or starter kit) is designed as a mini step-by-step progressive sensitization journey. The doses increase as the days go by, and the included calendar is filled with practical tips for detecting signs of intolerance or allergy if they appear.

Why is it reassuring?

• Simplicity: there’s only one step, no mixture to prepare.
• Safety: precise dosing and a formula approved by allergists.
• Adaptability: ideal for children at risk or parents with questions.
• Guidance: clear, progressive support that respects baby’s pace.

With Dalipo, introducing allergens is no longer a source of anxiety, but rather a real boost to help your baby move toward diverse, tolerant eating—without rushing, and with confidence.

A little extra for parents: anti-stress and anti-allergy tips

Even well-informed parents often feel a bit anxious when introducing allergens. Here are some tips to make this step as smooth as possible.

• Pick the right moment

Offer the new (allergen or non-allergen) food when your baby is healthy, calm, and showing curiosity. Also be sure you can observe them for at least two hours afterwards, in case of a reaction.

• Maintain regular exposure

Once a food has been introduced without reaction, make sure your baby regularly eats it—a few spoonfuls, one or two times per week—to help support the development and maintenance of tolerance.

• Opt for ready-to-use products

Ready-to-use products like Dalipo, designed for safe allergen introduction with ease, can provide real comfort… and a bit more peace of mind in your daily routine.

• Prepare a mini first aid kit

With medical advice, have an antihistamine suited for infants on hand. While there are few pediatric options, desloratadine (Aerius®) can be used from age one in syrup form.

Remember: Severe allergies are rare

Although allergists warn that allergic patients will increase in the years ahead, studies on the severity of cases are actually reassuring. Severe reactions on first exposure are very rare, even in infants considered "at risk".

In 2021, the journal Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology noted that systematic screening before introducing allergens is not recommended, specifically because the likelihood of a severe reaction at this stage is very low. 

Even better, introducing allergens early and regularly—before 6 months—may be one of the most effective ways to significantly reduce allergy risk, even in more sensitive infants. That’s the whole idea behind Dalipo.

Create a calm routine around meals

Food diversification isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s also about the environment you create at mealtime. To keep meals peaceful—and even fun (that’s where BLW comes in)—seat your baby with you and set up simple routines: same chair, same schedule, their bottle, their training cup, their utensils, your soothing voice… All so they can approach new things with confidence.

Also, give your child time to explore, touch, taste, and form an opinion without pressure. Observe their reactions calmly, without focusing on whether they finish their plate. The more pleasant the meals, the easier it will be for your child to accept new flavors—including allergens.

Mix up foods, even if you suspect an allergy

Finally, even if you are allergic yourself and are concerned for your baby, do not limit their exposure to foods unless advised by a doctor. Continue to offer your child a wide variety of foods to help them develop tolerance. And, of course, if in doubt, consult a healthcare professional to safely adapt their meals.

To sum up: Well-managed diversification helps prevent food allergies

Adding allergens as soon as your baby starts solids—in a gradual, regular, and age-appropriate manner—can play a key role in preventing allergies in adulthood.

Well-thought-out introduction doesn’t just mean strict rules, but rather an attentive approach. By creating calm mealtime environments, watching your child’s reactions, and moving forward at your own pace, you lay solid foundations for their long-term health.

And to lighten your load, explore solutions like Dalipo. Because good markers and the right tools will help you approach the subject of allergies with peace of mind.