How destructive can a simple iPhone that everybody owns be?

 

A great deal of advertisement, press and media attention has been lavished on a new approach to infant feeding. Some research may indicate early, small, multiple feedings of solids including peanuts might prevent the development of food allergies.

 

The words “may” and “might” bother me enough so that I cannot jump on the band wagon at this time.

 

I have studied the articles. They indicate that the majority of infants tolerated the feedings without apparent immediate effects. I am not sure that the theory will prevent food allergies in the long run. Furthermore, the research to date cannot answer the long term question. If the proposed feeding practice prevents the development of food allergies, GREAT. If it does not, but no harm is created, nothing is lost. But, if we find early feedings have some deleterious effect on the health of the child, the child loses, and we cannot turn the clock back.

 

In my practice I have never experimented on my patients. And, as a parent I have never pursued experimental approaches on my own children. I see no reason to start now.

 

Also, if these feedings contain several foods, it may be difficult to determine which of the foods to blame for a reaction. And thus, which food to avoid. Let us wait until the band wagon is on a solid, well defined road before jumping on. I have always believed in the care of patients, to not be the first to try something new. But we should not be the last either. Basically, the major tenor of practicing medicine or being a parent is “do the child no harm”.