Babies & Toddlers

Okay, let's talk about the peanut thing. I know it can feel scary. You've probably heard a hundred allergy horror stories. But here's some good news! Giving your baby peanut early on, instead of avoiding it, may actually help lower their risk of an allergy, just like we talked about with eggs and dairy.

As a pediatric dietitian, I know this first taste feels huge. It's not. Your baby doesn't need to eat much, just enough for their immune system to say "oh, I know this one!"
Yogurt, cheese, milk…dairy brings up a lot of "wait, is this okay?" moments for parents introducing solids. And it's a fair question, especially since cow's milk as a drink should wait until after your baby's first birthday, but yogurt and cheese can be offered once your baby is ready for solids.

Here's some good news to ease the overwhelm! Research now points toward introducing allergens early, including eggs (link to the blog post) and dairy, rather than playing the waiting game. Early introduction may actually help lower your baby's risk of a milk allergy, and dairy also packs in nutrients your baby needs for healthy growth.
If there's one food that sends parents into a slight panic, it's eggs. Trust me, I get it! For years we were told to hold off on common allergens like eggs and peanuts, so it feels almost backwards to hear the opposite now.

But guess what? Research has flipped the script. Introducing eggs early in your baby's first year may actually help lower their risk of developing an egg allergy, not raise it. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the USDA Dietary Guidelines, and allergy experts now all agree that earlier is better than later.
Starting solids is a moment many parents look forward to—and one that can bring a wave of questions. You might find yourself wondering: Is my baby ready? Should I start with purées or finger foods? What if they gag? What if they don’t like it?

Take a breath. You’re not alone, and you’re doing great.

At Treehouse Pediatrics, we’re here to guide you through this exciting stage with confidence, encouragement, and a bit of mess-friendly realism.

Iron for Babies: How to Make Sure Your Baby Gets Enough After Starting Solids Everything parents need to know about baby iron needs, from daily requirements to easy iron-rich meal ideas for babies 6–12 months. by Min Kwon, MS, RDN If there’s one nutrient that deserves a little extra attention when your baby starts solids, […]

Helping Families Sleep Better The Mama Coach Sleep Workshop Hi, I’m Michaela – Registered Nurse, twin mom, and Mama Coach. I know firsthand how exhausting it feels when sleep is unpredictable and you’re running on empty. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting families with gentle, evidence-based sleep training strategies that actually work in real life. […]