For parents and carers

What will the project do?

It is now thought that when different foods are introduced into a baby’s diet affects whether or not they develop a food allergy.

There are lots of important considerations around what babies should be eating at different ages. At present, there is no clear agreement about what the best recommendations are to prevent food allergies.

This is what the Parent and Baby Project is aiming to find out so that we can help prevent food allergies in children.

Can I take part?

We are working with hospitals and GP surgeries in:

• The north-east of England
• Hampshire
• The Isle of Wight

If you have a child under 3 months of age or are expecting a baby before February 2026 and live in one of these areas, you may be contacted about participating. You can only register for the trial once your baby has been born.

You are also welcome to contact us directly if you wish to take part or would like some more information.

What’s involved?

If you join the study, you will be asked some questions about your baby when you first sign up and when your baby is around 3, 7, 10, and 12 months of age. 

Between 4 and 7 months of age, we will ask you to answer a small number of questions every week so we know what your baby is eating and drinking.

If your baby develops any symptoms of food allergy, we would like to assess them in our Rapid Access Clinic using the usual NHS allergy tests.