For the older baby, early weaning may be the answer, although it involves the risk of sensitizing the child to even more foods or – if all the high-risk foods are avoided – failing to give the child an adequate diet. Early weaning is only recommended if the baby is suffering quite badly and you have exhausted all other possibilities. It would not be appropriate, for example, in the case of a colicky baby who was otherwise well and growing normally. If you decide to try early weaning, remember the following points:
1. Certain foods seem to contain more potent allergens than others. Do not give the child eggs, fish, chocolate, wheat, oranges, peanuts or other nuts for at least the first six months, and preferably for the first year of life. If you introduce them before a year old, do not give them every day. Test out beef and chicken cautiously, as these can cross-react with milk and eggs respectively. If they seem to cause no problems, you can include them in the child’s diet.
2. Formula feeds commonly contain maize (corn) and tapioca, as well as cow’s milk, so your child may have become sensitive to these. Avoid these foods for at least six months and then try them out carefully. Maize comes in many guises, including cornflour, cornflakes, corn oil, corn syrup, sweetcorn, corn-on-the-cob and popcorn. Some medicines contain corn syrup: ask your pharmacist for advice if you are concerned about avoiding all corn products.
3. No food should be eaten in very large quantities, and it is best not to give any one food every day. This means using your imagination and buying some fairly unusual items. Foods such as millet and sweet potatoes make a good basis for baby foods, and if the baby does become sensitive to them, at least they are no trouble to avoid in later years.
4. Do not force the child to eat any food that is obviously disliked. Most children reject new foods the first time they are offered, but if your child clearly finds the food disagreeable, even after trying it three or four times, then don’t serve it up again. A dislike of the taste is sometimes an early sign of sensitivity.
5. If a child is not eating eggs, milk or fish, there is a risk of protein being in short supply. Make sure that you include other protein-rich foods, such as lamb, pork and other meats. Beans are a good source of protein, but they are also rather indigestible and cause wind; chickpeas (p303) are less of a problem, and have a milder taste.
6. Your child will probably need a calcium supplement, and the overall diet should be checked by a paediatric nutritionist to see if it contains enough of other minerals, as well as vitamins. Ask your doctor to arrange this for you.
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