Ahh, motherhood. As a mom of three, I can attest that absolutely nothing can prepare you for the unbelievably sweet snuggles, the middle-of-the-night feedings, the way your heart feels like it suddenly beats outside of your body, and how long the days and how short the years can feel…the list goes on and on. 

What I was *not* prepared for: the increased anxiety and fears that creep in after you welcome a little one, from SIDS, feeding and nap schedules, and developmental milestones concerns to cold and flu seasons, choking hazards, when can they eat peanut butter, drink water safely...what don’t we worry about as new moms and dads!?

Well, I’m here to help ease your concerns around one specific topic: food allergies. As a new mom, it wasn’t really on my radar. But as a former journalist, I’m a researcher at heart and I’ve been learning everything there is to know about food allergies for a LONG time. My now-teenage daughter is allergic to most nuts, and in the decade since her food allergy diagnosis at age 3, so much has changed when it comes to feeding guidelines and the possibility of prevention.

In fact, Mission MightyMe co-founder Dr. Gideon Lack’s groundbreaking research in 2015 – which found most peanut allergies could actually be avoided with early peanut introduction and regular consumption –  inspired our lightbulb moment for Mission MightyMe: we knew there needed to be an easier and safer way to introduce nuts early and often with less stress (because we all know busy parents have more than enough going on already)!

Let’s bust these common myths.

• Babies are born with food allergies.

False. Most babies are not born with food allergies. They develop over time. Research increasingly suggests that there is a magic window, starting as early as 4-6 months, when introducing baby-friendly peanut foods and other common food allergens can help prevent allergies from developing in the future.* There are certain factors considered “high-risk” for developing peanut allergies, including severe eczema and/or egg allergy. In these cases, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends evaluation by a doctor, and possible allergy testing, before introducing common allergens.  

• Avoid introducing common allergens to babies for the first few years of life.

WRONG! In the last couple of decades, food allergies in children have doubled  and nut allergies have tripled, and many experts believe old – and later rescinded – feeding recommendations to avoid peanuts and other common food allergens in infancy may have unintentionally contributed to the increase. Fast forward two decades and the guidance to avoid common allergens in infancy has been reversed by groundbreaking research (LEAP Study) showing that most peanut allergies are preventable if peanut foods are introduced in the first year of life and eaten regularly until age 5*. In the words of lead LEAP Study researcher and Mission MightyMe co-founder Dr. Gideon Lack, “The research is clear. It is possible to prevent peanut allergies in the majority of children, and potentially other food allergies as well.” But we have to stop avoiding these foods in infancy first, and change the culture of food fear that has developed over the years. Let babies enjoy all the diverse foods you do (in baby-friendly forms of course)!

• One-and-done exposure is all it takes to check the box for early allergen introduction.

Nope! If you introduce your little one to peanut foods once, it’s a great first step, but you need to keep peanuts in little diets on a regular basis, as research shows that continued exposure through age 5 is important. Consistency is key, and the amount of peanut protein matters. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 6 grams peanut protein per week for high-risk infants (those with severe eczema or an existing egg allergy).* That’s the equivalent of one pouch of MightyMe peanut puffs per week. Most major medical organizations now recommend introducing all common allergens when babies start solids and once introduced, keeping them in the diet regularly. 

• Avoiding eating peanuts during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding, helps prevent your baby from developing food allergies.

Again…not accurate. This is likely another case of rumors based on long outdated guidance. In 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised moms to avoid peanuts and tree nuts during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, to help prevent their babies from developing allergies. This was well before the latest research and early allergen introduction guidelines (we’re talking the aughts, the time of low-rise jeans and flip phones!), and the latest guidelines say that avoidance diets during pregnancy do not prevent allergic disease, so pregnant and nursing women don't need to avoid common food allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk or wheat. What’s more: nuts can actually be a smart food choice for pregnant women – peanuts specifically contain protein and folate for your growing baby, and other nuts have plenty of nutritional benefits. Unless you are allergic to nuts yourself, feel free to get your snack on!

• Food allergies aren’t serious. 

As a food allergy mom, I can tell you from personal experience that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Symptoms of food allergies can range from hives and a stuffy nose, to vomiting, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness. Severe reactions can result in anaphylaxis, which can quickly turn life-threatening and is only treatable with epinephrine. A diagnosis itself is also life-altering: people with food allergies must always be vigilant to avoid accidental exposure that could lead to reactions. The daily management and burden of a food allergy is heavy and lifelong, especially for kids – families poring over product labels in the middle of grocery store aisles, triple checking with waiters about ingredients, avoiding treats at birthday parties, carrying an EpiPen..the list goes on. Trust me, it’s worth doing everything you can NOW to help your little ones avoid food allergies later.

Gimme the facts!

Here’s what IS true: many food allergies can be prevented, which is amazing news for everyone and a fact I wish I had known when my kids were babies. It means we can be proactive. Keep these three main takeaways in mind…

1. Check with your pediatrician to make sure your little one is ready. Talk to your pediatrician about whether your baby is ready for early allergen introduction so you can get started early and don’t miss the magic window.  Most babies are ready for baby-safe forms of peanut and other common allergens when they start solid foods, around 4-6 months. So start those conversations well before the 4 month check-up so you have a plan in place.

2. Early, often and ongoing is key. Remember, research shows that most peanut allergies can be prevented by starting peanut foods in the first year of life and eating them regularly until age 5. The “regularly” part is key in that equation! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends serving 2 grams of peanut protein, 3 times per week for high-risk infants, for a total of 6 grams peanut protein weekly.*  

3. We only know what we know right now. Like all science, research is constantly evolving in the food allergy field. I love the Maya Angelou quote, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better. Do better.” This applies to so many parenting challenges. Do your best with what you know, follow the science as much as you can, and give yourself grace as a new parent starting your feeding journey. 

We’re here for you - reach out with any questions at info@missionmightyme.com! 

Spread the word about food allergy prevention!

Knowledge is power and prevention is everything when there’s no cure – and now that you’ve read this, you’re officially “the smart friend” on your text thread! So spread the word with your mom tribe and share our Early Allergen Introduction Guide and Early Allergen Introduction Checklist, available as free online resources. Your mama friends – and their little ones – will thank you.

Have more questions about food allergies that we didn’t cover? We recommend checking out Baby’s First by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a non-profit that educates, funds research and advocates on behalf of the 32 million Americans experiencing food allergies. Prevent Peanut Allergies by the National Peanut Board is also an excellent resource.

*FDA HEALTH CLAIM: For babies with an increased risk of peanut allergy (babies with severe eczema, egg allergy or both), introducing age-appropriate, peanut-containing foods as early as 4 months may reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. Caregivers should check with the baby’s healthcare provider before feeding the baby peanut-containing foods.

Mission MightyMe products must be avoided by anyone who has a known or suspected allergy to any of the ingredients. If you have any questions about what you’re feeding your baby, consult your pediatrician.

Please note: This blog post is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be used as personal, health, nutritional, or medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician with any questions about what to feed your child.