Weaning and Food Allergies: Common questions answered

With National Weaning Week taking place from 13–17 May, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes from last year, packed with practical, evidence-based advice for parents. We’ve also pulled together some of the most common allergy-specific questions into this shorter version, making it even easier for families to find the information they need.We’re joined by paediatric specialist dietitian Karen Wright, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, whose expertise in allergy spans both NHS practice and international research.Karen explains why early, regular exposure to these foods is important for allergy prevention, how to spot signs of an immediate allergic reaction in infants, and when to seek medical help. She also discusses babies who may be at higher risk of developing allergies and offers practical tips for families already managing allergies at home.For further guidance, visit our website’s Infant Weaning Guide, where you can download a step-by-step resource and access the latest recommendations from the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/infant-weaning/Episode highlights:00:56 – What is the likelihood that my child will have an allergic reaction? 01:46 – What are the best foods to introduce first? 04:22 – How often and how much of an allergen should I give my child? 06:46 – What makes a child higher risk for allergies? 08:30 – If my child is at higher risk, when should I start weaning? 10:50 – If a parent has a food allergy, is my child at higher risk? 13:23 – How can we safely wean if there are allergies in the household? 16:32 – What if my child doesn’t like the allergen? 18:45 – What’s the difference between gagging and an allergic reaction, and what should I do if I suspect a reaction? 22:15 – Does redness around the mouth indicate a reaction? 23:20 – Karen’s top tips for parents