At the start of weaning, give your baby food that is very easily digested - cooked, puréed vegetables and fruits are a good start. Also introduce foods one at time to check for any possible reaction. This could be any- thing from a skin rash or eczema, excessive sleepiness, a runny nose, an ear infection, dark circles under the eyes, excessive thirst, overactivity or asthmatic breath- ing. If you notice anything amiss, stop giving that food and then introduce another once the reaction has died down.

You can doublecheck your observations a few months later when the reaction may have disappeared as the digestive system matures. To help you, here' s a list starting with the least allergenic foods to feed your baby. Omit too, for as long as possible, any others that you suspect may not suit your baby for example, because there is a family history of allergy or because you developed an intolerance while you were pregnant.

From 4 to 6 months

Vegetables, except tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and aubergines (from the same family as the deadly nightshade)

Fruits (except citrus) Pulses and beans Rice, quinoa, millet and buckwheat Fish (preferably organic or wild)

From 9 months

Meat and poultry (preferably organic) Oats, corn, barley and rye Live yoghurt Nightshade family vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and aubergines) Eggs Soya (such as tofu or soya milk)

From 12 months

Citrus fruits Wheat Dairy products Nuts and seeds (but not peanuts - wait as long as you can before introducing these, and then, only organic varieties)

Once you' ve established a varied mix of foods that cause no reaction, it' s then important to vary the diet as much as possible, especially with commonly allergenic foods such as wheat, dairy, soya and citrus fruits. Eating the same thing over and over again long term can overtax the system and induce an allergy.

But also, a varied diet will expand your child' s desire for a wider range of foods - and this will ensure they' re getting a broader range of nutrients.