Over the past 20 years, food allergies have become much more common in the United States. Recent research shows that introducing foods like milk, eggs, and peanuts to babies between 4 and 6 months old can help prevent these allergies as they grow. This is a shift from older recommendations before 2017, which advised waiting until children were 1, 2, or even 3 years old to introduce such foods.
This project aims to close the gap in pediatric feeding practices by creating a nutrition education program that focuses on safely introducing allergenic foods during complementary feeding. It will provide parents and caregivers with clear, evidence-based guidance, helping them confidently make informed decisions about their baby's diet. Additionally, this project seeks to benefit rural and underserved communities by offering a cost-effective and sustainable approach to food allergy prevention through education and practical support.