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New research from Harvard Medical School in the US indicates that you don't have to wait 2 or 3 years before giving your baby eggs, diary, seafood or peanuts – there is no benefit in doing so.

In fact, giving babies known allergens such as peanuts earlier in life makes them less likely to develop a peanut allergy. But if your baby has eczema, blood in the stool, vomiting, rashes, or becomes fussy after eating any of these foods, talk to your doctor – also if one of their siblings or parents is has a food allergy.

Note that you should never give your baby a peanut – they may choke. But do give them a teaspoon of peanut butter or mix eggs, dairy and seafood into other foods.

Read more about allergy treatments.