Breast-feeding mothers don't need to avoid eating particular foods to protect their child from an allergic reaction, unless the baby has allergic symptoms, such as profuse diarrhoea, vomiting, rashes or swelling of the eyes or lips, or unless there is a family history of allergies to a specific food. If you suspect your baby's symptoms have been triggered by something you have eaten, however, remove the suspect foods, one by one, from your diet for a week or two to see if things improve. Don't remove more than one at the same time, as you won't be able to identify the trigger. If symptoms don't improve, ask your doctor for advice.

Since the young gut is so sensitive, it is best not to rush the weaning process. Start your child on solid food between the ages of four to six months. It is best to continue to breast-feed or to use a modified infant formula until the child is a year old or taking drinks from a cup. When it is time to introduce other types of milk, whole-fat, pasteurised cow's milk, provided it is fresh, can be given occasionally after the baby is six months old.

In recent years, questions have been raised about the level of pasteurisation of milk. Some people question whether it is safe, in terms of bacterial content, to give it straight from the bottle or carton. I suggested that you boil the baby's milk, and cool it quickly to prevent bugs multiplying in the warm, sweet environment. Yoghurts and cheese can also be introduced after the age of six months but, as with all of the common food allergens, you should try them a little at a time to see whether the baby reacts badly. If you or your partner have a history of cow's milk-related allergies such as asthma, eczema or hay fever, it is best to discuss the introduction of cow's milk with your doctor.

Avoid giving the baby egg whites before he is a year old, as these commonly cause allergic reactions in immature guts. You can give him cooked egg yolks once he is eating a mixed diet, which usually happens at eight or nine months. Fish is best introduced after the age of eight months. Even then, you should try introducing a little bit at a time, as the taste can be surprising.

Nuts in any form should be avoided for the first eight months. One in 200 children is allergic to peanuts. The anaphylactic reaction they cause can be fatal. The most obscure things can contain nuts or nut oils, including the cream used to soothe sore nipples after breast-feeding. Even some formula milks contain nut oils, so check the label before you feed your child. Research seems to show a correlation between pregnancy and nut allergies: peanut-based products and nuts used or consumed during pregnancy are thought to increase the risk of allergies in children.

You should use rice and potato to add carbohydrates to the baby's diet. Millet and potato flours are useful carbohydrate providers, as well as sauce thickeners. Corn, buckwheat or rice flour can make good-tasting bread and cakes once you get the hang of the recipes.

Some babies react adversely to berries and citrus fruit. One patient of mine came out in big red blotches and had severe diarrhoea after eating strawberry yoghurt. If you notice these symptoms, or more severe allergic reactions such as swollen lips, seek medical advice immediately. Bear in mind that if you remove the offending fruit, you are also removing a rich source of Vitamin C.

Reassuringly, babies who develop allergies early in life often grow out of them once their bodies become mature enough to cope. This is usually around two years of age, once their gut is more developed. It can be just a question of time.