Second, the particular foods that you introduce will be in a slightly different order, as your baby will be started on foods that are least allergenic. The order typically begins with vegetables, followed by meats, then fruits, and finally cereals/grains. This elimination diet approach helps identify food sensitivities, allergic reactions, or food intolerances before introducing more complex foods, such as those containing milk proteins or soy products.
When introducing new foods, wait 3-5 days before introducing another new food to monitor for any signs of food allergy, blood in stool, or trouble digesting. Symptoms such as difficulty gaining weight, gassiness, eczema, or diarrhea may indicate an underlying food intolerance or MSPI symptoms.
Birth to 6 Months of Age
At this stage, babies should be exclusively fed breast milk or a hypoallergenic formula, such as an amino acid-based or extensively hydrolyzed formula. If a breastfeeding mother is nursing an MSPI baby, she may need to follow a dairy-free diet, a soy-free diet, or both. This means eliminating dairy products, soy protein, cow milk, and even hidden soybean oil or milk products found in processed foods.
For formula-fed babies, choosing a special formula such as elemental formula can help ensure they get the necessary protein while avoiding milk protein and soy protein intolerance triggers.
6-9 Months of Age
Start with the following vegetables first, as they are easier on a baby’s digestive system and less likely to trigger food allergies:
Vegetables:
- Squash, sweet potatoes, yam, potato, carrot, beet, broccoli, green beans, cabbage
After working through all of the above, then offer the following meats, which are excellent sources of protein for a baby gaining weight:
Meats:
- Turkey, chicken, or lamb
If tolerating all of those foods well, add the following fruits, which provide essential nutrients while being dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free:
Fruits:
- Pear, peach, banana, apricot, nectarine, blueberry
9-12 Months of Age
Babies at this age enjoy textures such as ground or chopped “finger” foods. By this age, the baby will likely have worked through all of the above foods, and if tolerating these well, could progress to the following foods (this may be sooner than 9-12 months of age).
Vegetables:
- Avocado, asparagus, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Meats:
- Veal, ham, pork, beef
Fruits:
- Plum, prune, pineapple, grape, apple (cooked)
Grains:
- Start with gluten-free options such as rice, millet, arrowroot, or amaranth, especially if your baby may have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
12-24 Months of Age
At this stage, babies may still be on a dairy-free or soy-free diet, depending on their MSPI diagnosis or food allergy story. It’s essential to continue monitoring for food allergies and intolerances.
Vegetables:
- Green peas, spinach, tomato, celery, cucumber, lettuce, onion, lima beans, other legumes (including soy, if tolerated)
Meats:
- Processed meats, fish, eggs
Fruits:
- Citrus (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime), berries (strawberries, raspberries)
Grains:
- Corn, wheat, and other grains (if tolerated, otherwise continue with gluten-free options)
Dairy:
If tolerating all other foods and if advised by the baby’s health care provider, add dairy products in the following order:
- Yogurt (plain)
- Butter
- Soft cream cheese
- Processed cheeses
- Cottage cheese
- Cow’s milk
- Lastly, ice cream
Since ice cream contains milk proteins and often soy proteins, it is best introduced later to avoid triggering milk intolerance or soy protein intolerance.
Older Infants
For older infants, focus on foods that allow for self-feeding while ensuring they meet dietary restrictions:
Soft fruits and veggies:
- Ideal for babies milk allergy or babies with food sensitivities
Meats:
- Non-breaded meats (Hormel Naturals sliced ham or turkey, Hormel cubed ham)
- Tyson’s chicken nuggets (check labels for dairy-free and soy-free options)
- VanDeKamp’s fish sticks (ensure they are free from milk proteins)
Grains:
- Gluten-free breads (Rotella, some Hy-Vee brand breads/buns, some Wal-Mart and Sara Lee brands—always watch labels!)
- Cooked pasta (check labels for dairy-free or gluten-free versions)
- Potato or Corn chips (watch for hidden soy ingredients)
Check the “gluten-free” sections of grocery stores—many gluten-free products are also dairy-free, making them safe for MSPI babies.
MSPI Baby Tips for Dining Out
When dining out, be mindful of hidden dairy, soy, or gluten in common fast-food items.
- Avoid McDonald’s and Burger King’s buns (contain soy)
- Avoid McDonald’s chicken nuggets and chicken breast sandwiches (contain milk)
- Avoid McDonald’s French fries (contain milk for flavoring)
- McDonald’s Chicken Selects are dairy-free
- Burger King’s Chicken Fries are dairy-free
By staying informed and making careful food choices, MSPI babies can thrive on a dairy-free diet, soy-free diet, and gluten-free options while ensuring they are getting the protein, calories, and nutrients needed for healthy growth.