Diversification of food and allergies: key advice for parents

In recent years, food allergies have been on the rise, including among the very young. In Europe, it is estimated that around 6 to 8% of children suffer from them, compared to 2 to 3% of adults. At the same time, in France, pediatricians are observing a marked increase in cases of food allergies 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 and controlled introduction of allergens in babies.

SUMMARY

• Food diversification: what are we talking about?
• Food allergies: why think about them so early?
• How to 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 are we talking about?

The term food diversification refers to the gradual addition of solid food to a baby's plate, in addition to breast milk or infant formula.

Generally started between 4 and 6 months, when baby begins to show curiosity for the grown-ups' plates, it ensures the enrichment and continuity of the nutritional intake necessary for good growth.

Conventional weaning vs. baby-led weaning (BLW)

• Classic food diversification involves the addition of water, smooth or blended purees, compotes, then thicker textures and finally pieces, served with a spoon and by the parents.
• Baby-led weaning (BLW) offers babies a more active lifestyle. Encouraged to taste with their hands, they discover not only flavors but also textures, and learn to manage their own nutrition.

Note that both methods have their own advantages, and it is entirely possible to combine them depending on the baby's rhythm and family preferences.

Food allergies: why think about them so early?

It has long been recommended to delay the introduction of allergens to babies to avoid adverse reactions. However, numerous studies ( The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, National Institute of Health ) now offer a very different point of view: the first months of diversified feeding would be a pivotal period for the immune system, which would then learn 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. However, introducing them early and gradually would reduce the risk by promoting "oral tolerance" considered a natural defense mechanism. When repeatedly exposed to small amounts of an allergen, the body learns not to consider it as a threat.

The challenge is therefore twofold: prevention is better than cure, and reassurance for you as parents. A supervised, step-by-step introduction at home, under your watchful eye, remains the best way to guide your baby toward discovering food with confidence.

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

How to introduce allergens naturally and safely?

First, potential allergens can be introduced from the very beginning of weaning. 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 by one, with at least several days between each discovery. One week with a little egg (white and yolk), another with bottled cow's milk, another with small pieces of shrimp... and so on.

A method that will not only allow you to easily identify a possible reaction, but also allow your child's immune system to get used to these new substances. Moreover, for a clear reading, avoid introducing a new allergen during a fever, after a vaccination or during an infection that could confuse the signs.

Some reactions may appear within minutes or hours of consumption: redness, rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the lips or face, or difficulty breathing. If any of these signs occur, even if mild, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

💡To not miss anything and also to facilitate the medical monitoring of your baby, note down the dates and foods introduced, as well as any effects observed, in a small notebook or on your phone.

Additionally, some solutions have been specially designed to assist you with the introduction of allergens, particularly peanuts or nuts. This is the case with Dalipo.

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

How does it work?

Dalipo comes in small doses of liquid allergens adapted to the infant's age. Simply add them to your baby's puree or compote as they wean. There's nothing to calculate or count, just add.

Each Dalipo pack (turnkey program or starter kit) is designed as a mini-course of progressive awareness. The doses increase over the days and a calendar filled with practical advice to spot signs of intolerance or allergy if they arise.

Why is this reassuring?

• Simplicity: just one thing to do, no mixing to prepare.
• Safety: precise dosage and a formula validated by allergists.
• Adaptation: Ideal for children at risk or parents who have questions.
• Supervision: clear and progressive monitoring, respecting the baby's rhythm.

With Dalipo, introducing allergens is no longer a source of anxiety, but rather a real boost to help your baby move towards a varied and tolerant diet, without rushing and with confidence.

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

Because even when well-informed, the introduction of allergens is often accompanied by a little apprehension, discover some tips for experiencing this step in the best possible way.

• Choose a suitable time

Offer the new allergenic (or non-allergenic) food to your healthy, calm, and curious baby. Also, make sure you can observe him for at least two hours after exposure, in case of a reaction.

• Maintain regular exposure

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

• Opt for 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 daily life.

• Prepare a mini first aid kit

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

Remember: Severe allergies are rare

Although allergists warn of an increase in the number of allergic patients in the coming years, studies on the severity of cases are rather reassuring. Severe reactions from the first exposure are exceptional, even in infants considered at risk.

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

Better still, introducing allergens early and regularly -before 6 months-is one of the most effective measures to sustainably reduce the risk of allergies, including in more sensitive babies. Dalipo's full story.

Create a peaceful mealtime routine

As you know, diversification is not only about what you eat: it is also about the atmosphere you create around the meal. So, for peaceful and even fun meals - this is where DME comes into play - install baby with you and establish simple rituals: same chair, same times, his bottle, his training cup, his cutlery, your soothing voice... Enough to approach new things with confidence.

Also, give him time to explore, touch, taste, and form his own opinion without rushing him. Observe his reactions kindly, without focusing on whether or not he finishes his plate. The more enjoyable meals are, the more likely it is that new flavors will be accepted... including allergens.

Vary foods, even if you suspect an allergy

Finally, even if you have allergies yourself and are worried about your baby, don't limit their food discovery without medical advice. Continue to expose your child to a wide variety of products to help them develop their tolerance. And of course, if in doubt, consult a healthcare professional to safely adapt their meals.

In summary, well-managed diversification contributes to the prevention of food allergies

Adding allergens from the first solid meals, in a gradual, regular and adapted manner for your child, can play a key role in preventing allergies in adulthood.

Also, a well-thought-out introduction isn't just about strict rules, but about a mindful approach. By creating a calm mealtime environment, observing your child's reactions, and moving at your own pace, you're laying a solid foundation for their future health.

And to make your daily life easier, discover different solutions like Dalipo. Because good benchmarks and tools will allow you to approach the subject of allergies with confidence.