Introducing Allergens into Your Baby's Diet

Being a first-time mother is already filled with emotions. Doing this far from Brazil, in another language and another culture, can bring even more insecurity—especially during food introduction.

If you're afraid of making mistakes, causing allergies, or doing something different from what you learned in Brazil, take a deep breath: you are not alone. Science today helps make this process safer and calmer.

What are allergenic foods?
These are common foods that can cause allergies in some children, such as:
Egg (卵), Cow's milk (牛乳), Wheat (小麦), Soybean (大豆), Peanut (ピーナッツ), Fish and shellfish (魚・甲殻類), Nuts (ナッツ類)

In Japan, these foods are taken so seriously that they appear highlighted on labels, specifically to protect babies and children.

When can I start offering these foods?
In most cases, from 6 months old, when the baby:

• Holds their head up well

• Can sit with support

• Shows interest in food

Pediatricians in Japan follow international recommendations and do not advise delaying allergenic foods, as long as the baby is ready.

But isn't offering these foods dangerous?
This fear is very common—and completely understandable.
For many years, it was believed that avoiding these foods was safer. Today, scientific studies show that offering them at the right time helps the baby's body learn that the food is safe, reducing the risk of future allergies.

How to offer safely (without complication)
You don't need special recipes or expensive products.
✔ Start with small amounts
✔ Well-cooked and well-mashed food
✔ One new food at a time
✔ Observe the baby for 24 to 48 hours

Simple examples in Japan:

• Hard-boiled and mashed egg

• Cooked and flaked fish

• Mashed tofu

• Peanut powder mixed in porridge or rice gruel

Avoid raw, hard, or whole foods—this helps prevent choking.

When to see the pediatrician?
Talk to the 小児科 (shōnika) before introduction if the baby has:

• Moderate or severe eczema

• Strong family history of allergies

• Previous food reactions

In Japan, pediatric follow-up is accessible through health insurance, and asking for help is part of the care.

Why is this important?
Proper allergen introduction can help:

• Reduce the risk of food allergies

• Facilitate adaptation to daycare and school food

• Make meals more varied

• Bring more peace of mind to you

A final message for you, mother
You don't need to know everything, you just need to take one step at a time.
Raising a baby in Japan is a daily learning process. Correct information, support, and affection make all the difference—and you're already doing your best for your child.

Scientific and Institutional Sources

• Du Toit, G. et al. – New England Journal of Medicine

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

• European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Japan