Starting solids? Here’s how to introduce allergens safely, incuding updated guidelines.

(*Information correct as of publishing – in February 2026*)

Starting solids can feel exciting – and overwhelming.

With updated allergy guidance released by ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy), many parents are wondering what has changed, what hasn’t, and what this means for their journey into solids.

Here’s what you need to know – in practical, parent-friendly terms.

First: What hasn’t changed

The core recommendations have not changed significantly since 2016.

ASCIA continues to recommend:

• Introducing the most common food allergens (allergy-causing foods) in the first year of life (by 12 months of age) when infants are showing signs of readiness, which is usually around 6 months of age and not before 4 months. This has been shown to reduce the risk of infants developing food allergy.  
• Continued breastfeeding if possible whilst introducing solid foods into the infant’s diet, and for as long as mother and baby wish to continue.
• Only introduce one new common food allergen at each meal. This allows the trigger food to be more easily identified in the event of an allergic reaction.

Now: What has changed

1️⃣ Early introduction of peanut and egg

Guideline Recommendations 3 and 4 – Introduction of well-cooked whole egg and peanut (in appropriate forms, such as smooth peanut butter/paste) soon after starting solid foods. 

This now comes with a stronger emphasis on introducing these early on – research shows early introduction can reduce the risk of developing food allergies, particularly peanut and egg allergy.

2️⃣ Regular feeding still matters

Guideline Recommendations 9, 10 and 11 – Ongoing feeding once introduced (at least once a week). If these foods are not continued in the child’s diet, it may increase the risk of developing a food allergy. This is a change from twice a week, based on the lack of evidence to guide how much or how often the food should be offered, as well as the practical aspects of feeding babies.

The key message remains: continued exposure helps maintain tolerance.

3️⃣ Redness around the mouth isn’t always an allergy

Guideline Recommendation 7 – Perioral rashes (redness or contact urticaria). If a rash appears around the mouth during or immediately after eating, with no other allergy symptoms, they may not be a sign of an allergic reaction, and parents or carers should be encouraged to try the food again. 

This clarification helps reduce unnecessary avoidance. Always seek medical advice if unsure.

4️⃣ Alternative protein formulas and allergy prevention

Guideline Recommendation 15 – The use of infant formula based on alternative proteins. Due to insufficient evidence, infant formula based on alternative proteins is not recommended for preventing food allergy. This includes infant formula based on goat milk, sheep milk, rice, oat, pea, or coconut protein. 

There is insufficient evidence that these formulas reduce the risk of allergies. They should only be used if medically indicated, not for allergy prevention.

5️⃣ Formula use in the first week of life

Guideline Recommendation 16 – Transient supplementary feeding with infant formula. In healthy breastfed infants, transient supplementary feeding in the first week of life with cow’s milk-based infant formula should be avoided, unless it is required for a medical reason or regular use is anticipated.  If newborn infants require alternatives to breastmilk in the first week of life, other supplementary feeding options should be considered. Options include prenatally expressed colostrum, donor breastmilk, and extensively hydrolysed or amino acid infant formula. If cow’s milk formula is introduced in the first week of life, taking a broad view of infant and maternal health, at this stage, there is inadequate evidence to advise whether or not ongoing cow’s milk formula should be recommended.  

For parents who wish to exclusively breastfeed, there may still be times in the first few days of life when additional feeding is recommended for medical reasons.

Historically, this often meant introducing formula. More recent recommendations, however, are moving towards preferred alternatives such as expressed colostrum, specialised formula or donor milk where available.

If regular formula is introduced for medical reasons in a baby who is otherwise exclusively breastfed, current ASCIA guidance indicates there is no need to continue that formula once it is no longer medically required.

There is, however, some very interesting and emerging research in this area, so it’s important to have a conversation with your GP or child and family health nurse about what’s right for you and your baby.

Helpful resources for starting solids safely

Introducing solids and allergenic foods can feel daunting, and it’s normal to have questions about reactions, choking and what to watch for.
We’ve put together some resources to help you feel more confident as your baby starts solids.

Explore the resources below for step-by-step support.

Is my baby ready for solids?

How to introduce common allergy-causing foods

What if my baby/family member has a known allergy?

How to spot an allergic reaction

What to do if you think your baby is having a reaction

How to prevent and respond to choking – our FREE Guide download

Gagging vs choking – how to tell the difference

Reference

Updated ASCIA Guideline: Infant Feeding for Food Allergy Prevention – published January 2026

Don’t forget… We also cover introducing common allergy-causing foods and recognising and responding to allergic reactions in our baby and child first aid classes,  as well as choking prevention and first aid, helping parents feel more prepared and confident.