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Allergen Weaning Made Simple: A Conversation with Natasha Amoretti from Baby, Are You Nuts?

Towards the end of last year, our co-founder Nadia caught up with Natasha, founder of Baby, Are You Nuts? – a brand designed to make introducing allergens simpler and less daunting for parents on their weaning journey. With Nadia’s little boy, Ralph, just turning five months old, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect to discuss common weaning concerns, like spotting allergic reactions, understanding the link between eczema and allergies, and how to introduce allergens safely and confidently. Read on for a deep dive into our conversation and to hear some practical tips and advice from Natasha around the importance of early allergen introduction.

This is such a timely conversation as I’m about to start weaning my little boy Ralph, who’s just turned five months old. Can you tell us more about Baby, Are You Nuts? and why you started your business?

Sure! I set up Baby, Are You Nuts? because I have lived with a severe nut allergy from the age of four and when I became a parent, I realised how intimidating it is to introduce allergens, especially with all the myths and anxieties surrounding the process along with the prevalence of allergies in the media.

Like many, I assumed allergies were hereditary and thought my daughter would automatically have the same nut allergy as me. But after doing some research, I learned that the biggest risk factor for developing a food allergy isn’t family history – it’s actually eczema in infancy. The earlier it appears, especially within the first few months of life, and the more aggressively it needs to be treated, the higher the likelihood of developing a food allergy. You don’t inherit specific allergies from your parents.

The best way to help prevent allergies is through early introduction of allergens, with regular exposure once or twice a week, alongside a diverse diet. This was shown by a LEAP study, which looked at peanut allergy prevention in high-risk babies with eczema and egg allergy, which found a dramatic reduction in peanut allergy when this approach was followed (1).

This knowledge inspired me to create a product that simplifies allergen introduction for parents. The kit is designed to make the process quicker, safer, and more manageable, giving parents the confidence to introduce allergens into their little ones' diets.

Many of our customers at Lune & Wild express nervousness about introducing allergens. What do allergic reactions typically look like in babies, and how can parents feel more prepared?

Great question. Most reactions in babies between 6 and 12 months are mild and involve the skin or stomach, rather than a severe reaction called anaphylaxis where the airways are restricted and they are unable to breathe. For example, you might notice redness around the mouth, mild hives, or some swelling on the face. Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea can also occur. To help parents feel prepared, the kit includes a symptoms chart that shows exactly what to look for, step by step. Having this knowledge in advance can make a huge difference.

It’s important to know that severe reactions that affect airways (anaphylaxis) are incredibly rare in babies under one, which is reassuring. That’s why early introduction is not only safe but also crucial in preventing allergies later on. The current UK public health advice states:

“[Allergens] can be introduced from around 6 months as part of your baby's diet, just like any other foods.Once introduced and if tolerated, these foods should become part of your baby's usual diet to minimise the risk of allergy. Evidence has shown that delaying the introduction of peanut and hen's eggs beyond 6 to 12 months may increase the risk of developing an allergy to these foods.” (2)

That’s so reassuring. You mentioned eczema earlier – can you explain the link between eczema and allergies?

Absolutely. The earlier your baby's eczema starts and the more severe it is—especially within the first three months of life and if it needs treatment with steroid cream—the higher the risk of developing a food allergy. This happens because allergens can enter your baby’s body through broken skin, such as a simple touch or kiss from someone who’s eaten that food.

It all comes down to how their immune system is first exposed to the allergen. If it enters through the skin rather than the gut, the body doesn’t realise it’s food. Instead, it sees it as a threat and reacts defensively. But if the allergen is introduced through food first, the body would have ignored it and treated it as food.

That’s why introducing allergens early through food is so important—it helps the immune system learn that these foods are safe and can significantly reduce the risk of developing allergies in the future.

Great - so can you tell us a little more about your kits? How can parents use them to safely introduce allergens?

The kit is designed to follow NHS guidelines, which recommend introducing allergens on two occasions close together but with a 24-hour break window in between to confirm that they are safe and then to regularly integrate them into your child's diet. Each allergen in the kit comes in two sachets, allowing for a structured introduction. It’s really straightforward to use - our recommended guidance is below:

Begin in the morning, when your baby is alert, well-rested, and not due for a nap
Mix a small amount of the allergen powder into a food your baby has already tried and enjoys, like a puree
Dress your baby in lightweight clothing so you can easily check for any skin reactions
Observe them for two hours for any symptoms, like redness, hives, or changes in their digestion
Remember an allergic reaction normally happens quickly within the first 20-30 minutes of feeding

If there’s no reaction, you can gradually increase the amount over a few days. This step-by-step approach helps parents feel more in control and ensures a safer experience.

In my experience, pairing with purees or meals makes it really simple to introduce allergens - I thought I might try mixing the single-ingredient vegetable purees from our first taste box with your sachets when I start introducing Ralph to allergens.

That’s a fantastic idea! Pairing allergens with familiar foods helps babies' immune system to see these foods as “normal” and safe. Plus, introducing allergens with nutrient-rich, organic meals like yours ensures a healthy start to weaning.

Wonderful. Do you have any final tips for parents feeling anxious about starting this process?

Yes, definitely! My top tips to parents who are about to start the process are:

To not delay in introducing nut and seed allergens once you start weaning
To test one allergen at a time mixed with a puree for effective immune training
To test allergens early in the day and avoid doing it before nap times
To leave a day or two between introducing new allergens to monitor for delayed reactions
To try and have two adults at home when introducing allergens, just in case
To choose a calm time when you can focus on observing your baby without distractions
To ensure regular exposure of those nuts and seeds once successfully introduced

Most importantly, don’t let fear hold you back! Early introduction of allergens is safe and incredibly beneficial. By taking it step by step, you’ll feel much more confident.

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To learn more about Baby, Are You Nuts? or to purchase one of their allergen weaning kits, visit: https://babyareyounuts.co.uk/