These measures can help to prevent allergies developing in babies born into atopic (allergic) families.
Plan the timing of birth for September-February; avoid March or April. Don’t eat too much of any one food while pregnant. It may also be worthwhile avoiding foods that are potent allergens (listed below), but there is no firm evidence that this is of benefit during pregnancy. Give up smoking before becoming pregnant. Once the child is born, make
sure that no-one smokes in the house. Breast-feed for the first year if possible. Give nothing but breast milk for
the first 4-6 months. If breast-feeding is not possible, discuss with your doctor the possible
alternatives, such as hydrolysate formulas. While breast-feeding, avoid eating foods that are likely to cause allergic reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons etc), wheat, beef and chicken. To this list, add any food to which a previous child is allergic.
After 4-6 months, introduce some solid foods, but withhold those listed
above until 9-12 months. Introduce these foods gradually, one at a time, so that reactions can be
noted. Do not give new foods when the child is ill. For the first year, have no furred pets, keep dust to a minimum and keep the house free of moulds (see p67 for details). If the child has an infection, take special care to keep allergens to a minimum. Where possible, avoid exposing the baby to air pollution. Avoid unnecessary surgery, during the first year of life. As far as possible, avoid exposure to people with throat and chest infections during the first three years of life.
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