4 Day Rule

Hey Sara

We used a week-long rule (yes, we expanded the 4-day one!), not because of history of allergies in the family (though there are a few of those), but because it is our first child, and we wanted to be ABSOLUTELY sure. Just like our daughter isn't around smoking, and just like we washed her clothes in separate detergent, we wanted to be VERY sure she wasn't allergic to anything.

And so far, she's not. BUT, she *was* picky when we introduced some of the food, and didn't take very well to baby food (but then again, neither did I at that age). She's 2 now, and she's particular about certain foods even now - she very rarely eats meat or other stringy foods - so you'll want to watch for that as well. (Textures, I mean)

And I think it's VERY practical - not everyone can drink milk, not everyone can have wheat products, one of her grandmothers is slightly allergic to strawberries, and I have a friend who can't drink most soda (allergic to caffiene), and another who can't have chocolate (poor her!). Now, I know most of that stuff isn't intro'd for a while, but it can be important to know, ESPECIALLY with the gluten/caesin (wheat/milk) thing! Allergies might be mild in some people, but cause anaphalactic shock in others from just the SLIGHTEST amount.

I'd be careful, just to be sure!
Jes

Hey Sara. I never used the 4 day rule. I really didn't have any problems but if you are concerned about your boy getting a reaction I suggest keep using the 4 day rule. Well good luck!

Sara, this is a good rule if you have allergies in your family or have a sensitive child. We do not have any of those issues, though my second child was a big more gastrointestinally (if that's a word) sensitive and so I did wait for her. My others, I was not so strict. I would give it a day or two, but not sweat it otherwise. If you have any concerns about allergies, this is probably a good rule to use, though.

Hey,
I have to disagree b/c I did follow the rule and think its worth it b/c my son was allergic to a few things and it would have been really hard to know what it was if I hadn't of waited. I have two children and used the rule both times...my son is the only one that had allergies. I say its better safe than sorry. ...

Hi Sara. I never used the 4-day rule, in fact I don't think I've ever heard of it. I wouldn't worry about it so much unless you are concerned because family members have some major issues with food allergies. If that's the case, then it's always better to be safe than sorry. Good luck!

How strict you are with the 4 dy wait rule really comes down to a lot of family history...in my household, because I am allergic to numerous foods and environmental thing, we are very strict with this rule. I've found it most helpful the younger my babies are, because their systems might react at 6 mths but be fine with the food after 1 yr. I used the food charts in the book "Super Baby Food" to help me guage when to introduce which foods by month/age. My pediatrician was impressed with how thorough these charts where, and it helped remind me of all the great foods out there, so I don't rely on the same 'ole thing day after day. Allergies are so prevalent these days, I'd encourage you to try to wait at least 3 days...the less you introduce all at once at very young age, the less likely your child will develop allergies. This holds true because allergic reactions are tied to exposure to an irritant...so the more you expose your child to the food, the more chance they could develop an allergy. Sorry, this is such a long answer..feel free to email me with more questions. I've lived with food allergies for 10+ yrs, and have some experience with childhood allergies too.

Hi Sara,

I did use the4 day rule (well I used a 3 day rule) and I know at the beginning might be hard because you want there is not much variety in the baby's diet, but after introducing more things it gets easier. I think it is worth it because you never know how your child will react. My daughter ate everything without any problems; however, my son was al little bit more allergic and suffered from reflux. Some foods affected his digestion more than others and I was able to figure out what they were with out making him suffer unnecessarily. Good Luck,
L.