Nowadays, it is widely acknowledged that the later a baby is introduced to food that is known to cause an intestinal reaction (maybe because food intolerance or even allergies run in the family), the less likely it is that the baby will develop food sensitivity to this certain type of food. As a result, most doctors recommend postponing the introduction of solids in babies of families that are known to suffer from food intolerance until at least six months. In addition, those foods that are known to trigger a reaction in members of the family should be avoided until baby is at least 12 months old.

If your baby is sensitve to a certain kind of food, you will notice it within minutes, if not even seconds. You will see a rash, sneezing or swelling but the symptoms will gradually disappear.

The following list displays the foods that are likely to trigger food sensitivity:

• Eggs (especially the whites)

• Cow’s Milk (For baby’s first year he won’t be able to digest the milk protein contained in cow’s milk)

• Peanuts or peanut butter (should not be given to babies from families with a history of allergy until they are at least 3 years old. Otherwise, pureed food containing peanuts can be given from 6 months.)

• Shellfish - lobster, prawns, crab and shrimp

• Wheat

• Chocolate

• Soy

• Pork

• Gluten- contained in wheat, oats and barley

• Sulphur dioxides and sulphites (preservatives used in some foods and drinks)

• Mustard

• Fish - particularly plaice, tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines

• Berries - especially strawberries

• Cinnamon

• Citrus fruits - orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime and tangerine

• Sesame seeds/sesame oil

• Coconut

• Corn

• Tomatoes

• Yeast

In addition to this list you should be aware of possible choking hazards like

• Nuts

• Popcorn

• Seeds

• Raisins and small chunks of dried fruit – you should wait until your baby has teeth and is chewing well

The only food that all babies under one year must avoid is honey. Honey is a raw natural product that can contain botulism spores. In babies, the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins. Therefore, do not use honey to sweeten yogurt, or in any other form, before your baby's first birthday.

In addition, you should not give unpasteurized dairy products such as milk, cheese (i.e. soft cheese) or other raw products to your baby.

Likewise, you should avoid adding salt to your baby’s diet until after baby’s first birthday because baby’s kidneys are still too immature to handle large amounts of sodium.

This list may be relatively long. However, with food allergies or rather food intolerance (this is what they really are in most cases) reaching epidemic proportions nowadays, new parents could be tempted to panic about what their little ones should eat. Whilst you may find yourself drowning in worries, never forget one rule of baby feeding: relax and enjoy your baby’s new cuisine experience!