Infant Feeding Advice to prevent allergies

The Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy ( ASCIA) has released practical advice for all parents on how to prevent the development of allergies in their children. It covers breast feeding, infant formula feeding and when to introduce solid foods and is based on the most up to date available evidence ( as at September 2008).

The key points in this advice are: 1. Breast feed you baby for at least 6 months and longer.  2. If you choose not to breast feed in the first few months before introducing solids, and there is no family history of allergy ( in parents or siblings) use a standardised cows milk based infant formula. If there is a history of allergy a partially hydrolyzed formula ( HA) may reduce the risk of allergy. 3. Soy milk and milks from other animals such as goat are not recommended to prevent allergy 4. Solids should be introduced around 4 to 6 months of age, preferably while breast feeding which may help to prevent an allergy to those foods. 5. Evidence suggests delaying solids beyond 6 months does not decrease allergy with the suggestion that it may actually increase it.  6. Potentially allergenic foods such as peanuts, nuts, eggs, wheat, cows milk and fish do not need to be avoided as previously recommended. This also applies to infants who have a sibling with allergy or eczema.  7. New foods should be introduced every 2-3 days regardless of whether the foods is considered allergenic or not. Give foods one at a time so reactions if any can be noted. If your child reacts to a food see your doctor. 8. Breast milk or infant formula should remain the main milk source for the first 12 months. Cows milk can be used in cooking and with other foods.

Reference.

ASCIA . Infant Feeding Advice  www.allergy.org.au

For further information on food allergy you may wish to visit the patient information section on the ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au