citrus fruit, ham, bacon and processed meats until after their first birthday and berry fruits, chocolate, spices, colourings and artificial flavourings until after their second birthday. If your baby is at risk of developing an allergy, avoid using massage oil or nipple cream containing peanut oil, and make sure that the nappy rash products you use are also free from this ingredient. Using these products can sensitise your baby. General precautions ? If you smoke, stop! There is strong scientific evidence that exposure to cigarette smoke can contribute to the development of asthma and allergic disease ? Don't get new pets, seriously consider giving ones you already have away, or at the very least, keep them outside, and don't let them in the car. Cat fur is the most allergenic, but other animal fluff, fur or feathers can also cause problems ? Allergy to dust mites is one of the biggest causes of asthma in New Zealand. Research has demonstrated that lowering the exposure to dust-mite allergens helps to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. The major source of dust-mite allergen is the bedding (mattress, pillow and sheets). Use dust-mite bedding covers on your baby's bed right from birth ? Soft toys should be washable and regularly put into hot water. Alternatively you can freeze them from time to time to eliminate the dust mites. Try to reduce soft toys around your baby and avoid older, long "loved" stuffed animals, because they could contain high amounts of dust-mite allergens