lucy-upton-weaning-guide - Flipbook - Page 12
Vitamin D
Bone health,
immune function
Oily ('fatty') fish (e.g., salmon,
mackerel, sardines, pilchards), fortified
milk, fortified cereals, egg yolks,
sunlight (for synthesis in the skin)
All babies are recommended a
Vitamin D supplement – see below
What about supplements?
In the UK, babies from 6 months of age are recommended to have a combined
vitamin supplement containing vitamins A and D unless they have>500mls
(~18oz) of formula milk daily. This is because formula milk already contains these
nutrients.
Introducing common food allergens during weaning, including cow9s milk
One aspect of weaning many parents find nerve-racking is the introduction of
common food allergens. Historically, parents were advised to hold back on
introducing foods like peanuts to their babies; however, scientific evidence now
supports the proactive introduction of common allergenic foods to your baby
during weaning and ideally before 12 months of age.
What are the common Food Allergens:
ï Cow's milk
ï Eggs
ï Gluten (wheat, barley, rye)
ï Soya
ï Fish
ï Shellfish
ï Sesame and other seeds
ï Peanuts
ï Tree nuts (almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, etc.)
When to Introduce These Foods? Most babies in the UK are at low risk of
developing food allergies. Once your baby is ready for weaning and has adjusted to
initial foods, you can introduce common allergens. For babies at higher risk4those
with eczema or a history of food allergies4introducing allergens like egg and
peanut from before 6 months may be recommended under the advice of a health
professional.
How to Introduce Each Allergen: Introduce allergens one at a time, starting with
small amounts. Gradually increase the amount over a few days to monitor for any
reactions. Here are some examples of ways to introduce common allergens:
