2004 - The results presented here do not support the recommendations given by the guidelines for the prevention of asthma and allergy in general populations stating that the introduction of solids should be delayed for at least 4–6 months. This is supported by findings from other negative studies suggesting that these guidelines are based on scarce scientific evidence. Not only is there doubt about the efficacy of late feeding of solids in infancy, recent findings from a large birth cohort in New Zealand suggest that breast feeding may likewise lack protective effects for the development of asthma and allergies. Therefore, paediatric guidelines for infant feeding practices with respect to the primary prevention of asthma and allergies may have to be revised.