The 3-Day Rule

When introducing new food into your baby’s diet, always follow The 3-Day Rule.

Offer the new food at least once a day for 3 days.  If a new food is irritating your little one’s system, it can take up to 3 days to show up as a symptom.

Offer the new food earlier in the day, for breakfast or lunch.  If baby has an uncomfortable reaction (like gas) you’re less likely to spend the whole night awake helping her deal with it.

Watch for symtoms of an allergic reaction.  Common symptoms include but aren’t limited to:

• nausea
• vomiting or spitting up
• rash (anywhere on body, but especially around mouth and in diaper area)
• sneezing
• coughing
• runny nose
• changes in stools (amount, odor, color, frequency)
• changes in energy
• changes in mood

Let her rest for 3 days.  Some of these symptoms are also associated with teething, so follow your gut.  If you notice any symptoms that seem unusual for your child, cut the new food from their diet immediately and pay careful attention for the next 3 days to see if those symptoms disappear.  You can re-introduce the new food after all symptoms have subsided to rule out the possibility of another factor like teething or a cold.