Dietary diversification and allergies: key tips for parents

In recent years, food allergies have been on the rise, even in the youngest children. In Europe, it is estimated that 6-8% of children suffer from them, compared with 2-3% of adults. At the same time, pediatricians in France are observing a marked increase in cases of food allergy and anaphylaxis (hypersensitivity to a substance) among their young patients. Two good reasons to take an interest in the subject, especially when we know that when it comes to allergies, prevention can be effective. This is where Dalipo comes in, with its targeted program for the gradual, controlled introduction of allergens to babies.

CONTENTS

• Food diversification: what does it mean?
• Food allergies: why think about them so early?
• How do you introduce allergens 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 does it mean?

The term "dietary diversification" refers to thegradual addition of solid foods to a baby's plate, in addition to breast or infant milk.

Generally started between 4 and 6 months, when baby begins to show curiosity about the grown-up's plate, it ensures the enrichment and continuity of the nutritional intake necessary for healthy growth.

Classic vs. child-led diversification (CDD)

• Traditional dietary diversification involves the addition of water, smooth or blended purées, compotes, then thicker textures and finally chunks, served with a spoon and by the parents.
• Child-led dietary diversification (CDD) offers baby a more active posture. Encouraged to taste with his hands, he discovers textures as well as flavors, and learns to manage his own diet.

Both methods have their own advantages, and can be combined to suit the baby's rhythm and family preferences.

Food allergies: why think about them so early?

It has long been advocated that the introduction of allergens to babies should be delayed to avoid adverse reactions. However, numerous studies(The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, National Institute of Heath) now offer a very different point of view: the first few months of a diversified diet are a pivotal period for the immune system, which then learns to recognize what is harmless and what is not.

Cow's milk 🐄, eggs 🥚, peanuts 🥜, nuts 🐿️, fish 🐟, gluten 🥖... These foods are among the most commonly cited in allergic reactions. Yet introducing them early and gradually, would reduce the risk by promoting an "oral tolerance" considered a natural defense mechanism. When repeatedly exposed to small quantities of an allergen, the body learns not to regard it as a threat.

The challenge is therefore twofold: to prevent rather than cure, and to reassure you as parents. A supervised, step-by-step introduction at home, under your watchful eye, remains the best way to help baby discover food with confidence.

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

How do you introduce allergens naturally and safely?

First of all, potential allergens can be integrated right from the start of diversification. The only condition? Proceed slowly, and take the time to observe any reactions your baby may have.

🦐 The idea is simple: offer each food in very small quantities, one at a time, with at least several days between each discovery. One week with a little egg (white and yolk), another with bottled cow's milk, yet another with small pieces of shrimp... and so on.

This method will not only enable you toeasily identify a possible reaction, but also to let your child's immune system get used to these new substances. Incidentally, for a clear reading, avoid introducing a new allergen during a period of fever, after a vaccine or during an infection that could blur the signs.

Certain reactions may appear in the minutes or hours following consumption: redness, patches, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the lips or face, or breathing difficulties. If any of these signs occur, however mild, consult a health professional immediately.

💡To make sure you don't miss a thing, and also to facilitate your baby's medical follow-up, note down the dates and foods introduced, as well as any effects observed, in a small notebook or on your phone.

What's more, some solutions have been specially designed to help you introduce allergens such as peanuts and nuts. Such is the case with Dalipo.

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

How does it work?

Dalipo comes in small, age-appropriate doses of liquid allergens. Simply pour them into your baby's purée or compote as he diversifies. There's nothing to calculate or count, just add.

Each Dalipo pack (turnkey program or starter kit) is designed as a mini-course in progressive awareness. Doses increase with each passing day, and a calendar is provided with practical tips for spotting signs of intolerance or allergy should they arise.

Why is that reassuring?

• Simplicity: just one thing to do, no mixing to prepare.
• Safety : precise dosage and a formula validated by allergists.
• Adaptation: ideal for at-risk children or parents with questions.
• Supervision: a clear, progressive approach that respects baby's rhythm.

With Dalipo, the introduction of allergens is no longer a source of anxiety, but rather a real helping hand to guide baby towards a diversified and tolerant diet, without haste and with confidence.

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

Because even when you're well informed, the introduction of allergens is often accompanied by a little apprehension, so here are a few tips to help you get through this stage in the best possible way.

• Choose the right moment

Offer the new allergenic (or non-allergenic) food to your healthy, calm and curious baby. Make sure you canobserve your baby forat least two hours after exposure, in case of a reaction.

• Maintain regular exposure

Once the food has been introduced without reaction, make sure your baby eats it regularly - a few spoonfuls, once or twice a week - to help build and maintain tolerance.

• Choose ready-to-use products 

Ready-to-use products like Dalipo, designed to introduce certain allergens with ease, can bring you real comfort... and a little more peace of mind in your day-to-day life.

• Prepare a mini first-aid kit

On medical advice, have available an antihistamine suitable for infants. Although there are few pediatric molecules, desloratadine (Aerius®) can be used from the age of one in its syrup version. 

Remember: severe allergies are rare

Although allergists are warning that the number of allergy sufferers will multiply in the coming years, studies on the severity of cases are reassuring. Severe reactions on first exposure are exceptional, even in infants considered to be at risk.

In 2021, the journal Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology points out that systematic screening before allergens are introduced is not recommended, precisely because the probability of a severe reaction at this stage is very low. 

Better still, introducing allergens early and regularly - before 6 months of age - would be one of the most effective measures to reduce the risk of allergy in the long term, even in the most sensitive babies. Dalipo's whole point.

Create a serene mealtime routine

As you know, diversification doesn't just happen on the plate: it also takes place in the atmosphere you create around the meal. So, for peaceful and, why not, playful mealtimes - this is where DME comes into play - get baby settled in with you and establish simple rituals: same chair, same times, his bottle, his learning cup, his cutlery, your soothing voice....It's the perfect way to approach new things with confidence.

Give him time to discover, touch, taste and make up his own mind without rushing him. Observe his reactions with kindness, without focusing on whether or not he finishes his plate. The more pleasant meals are, the better new flavors are accepted... including allergens.

Vary your foods, even if you suspect an allergy

Finally, even if you're allergic yourself and are worried about your baby, don't limit the discovery of foods without medical advice. Continue to expose your child to a wide variety of products to help develop tolerance. And of course, if in doubt, consult a health professional to adapt his or her meals in complete safety.

In short, proper diversification helps prevent food allergies.

Adding allergens to your child's first solid meals, gradually and regularly, can play a key role in preventing allergies in adulthood. 

A well-thought-out introduction is not just a matter of strict rules, but of a careful approach. By creating a calm mealtime environment, observing your child's reactions and proceeding at your own pace, you lay a solid foundation for his or her future health.

And to make everyday life easier, discover different solutions like Dalipo. Because with the right tools, you can tackle the subject of allergies with peace of mind.