When it comes to infant nutrition and food allergy prevention, few experts have had a greater impact than Dr. Carina Venter, PhD, RD.
Dr. Carina Venter, PhD, RD, is one of the world’s leading experts in Pediatric food allergy and infant nutrition. Her research has helped shape how clinicians and parents approach early allergen introduction, dietary diversity and healthy immune development.
She helps families introduce allergens early and consistently through whole-food nutrition. She is also a co-founder of GrowHappy, where she helps families introduce allergens early and consistently through whole-food nutrition.
We asked Dr. Venter to answer some of the most common questions new parents have about introducing allergens, building a varied diet, and supporting healthy immune and skin development.
1. We hear a lot about eczema and food allergies. What is the connection?
Dr. Venter: "Babies with eczema have a weakened skin barrier, which can allow food proteins in the environment to come into contact with the immune system through the skin. Research suggests that this may increase the likelihood of developing a food allergy, particularly when eczema is moderate to severe. The good news is that managing eczema and introducing common allergens when your baby starts eating solid foods can both play important roles in supporting healthy immune development."
2. If my baby has eczema, should I delay introducing allergens?
Dr. Venter: "Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergenic foods at around 6 months of age, but not before 4 months, once your baby is developmentally ready for solid foods. If your baby has moderate or severe eczema, it is important to speak with your pediatrician or pediatric allergist first, as they may recommend an individualized approach to introducing certain allergens safely."
3. Once my baby tolerates peanut, egg or tree nuts, do I need to keep feeding them? How often should families continue offering allergens?
Dr. Venter: "Yes. Introducing an allergen is only the first step; continuing to offer it regularly for at least 6 months is just as important. Research, including the landmark LEAP study, showed that children continued eating peanut several times each week over a number of years, which is why we often talk about introducing allergens “early and often”. The exact amount and frequency may vary, but making tolerated allergens a regular part of your child’s diet is an important habit to establish."
4. What is one thing you wish every parent knew about starting solid foods?
Dr. Venter: "Remember that feeding is a journey that both you and your baby should enjoy, not a single milestone. Babies often need multiple exposures to a new food before they learn to enjoy it, so do not be discouraged if a food is refused the first time. Stay relaxed, continue offering a wide variety of foods, and focus on making mealtimes positive and pressure-free."
5. If parents remember just one thing about food allergy prevention, what should it be?
Dr. Venter: "Start introducing allergens once your baby is ready to eat solid foods and has tried a few other foods. Then keep going, and do not let perfection get in the way of consistency. Once your child is eating an allergen, continue offering it regularly as part of everyday family meals. Small, repeated exposures over time are far more important than getting every meal exactly right."
6. Beyond food allergens, are there any recommendations you can give to avoid reactions to bath or personal care products for babies?
Dr. Venter: "Yes. A baby's skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult's, so choosing gentle personal care products can help reduce the risk of irritation. Look for products that are fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin, as added fragrances are a common cause of skin irritation. It's also helpful to keep routines simple—using only the products your baby needs and introducing new products one at a time so it's easier to identify the cause if a reaction occurs.
If your baby develops persistent redness, swelling, blistering, or a rash after using a product, stop using it and consult your pediatrician or a board-certified dermatologist. If you suspect your child has a true allergy to an ingredient, an allergist can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate alternatives.
If your baby has eczema, very sensitive skin, or a history of allergic reactions, choose products designed for sensitive skin and avoid those with unnecessary ingredients. For example, fragrance-free options such as Babo Botanicals' Sensitive Baby collection are formulated with sensitive skin in mind and may be a good choice for families looking for gentler personal care products."
Shop: Babo Botanicals’ plant-based products designed to soothe and protect sensitive skin
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The landmark LEAP study (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy)