>>At a recent conference in South Africa, a speaker on allergies told us
about
a possible connection between latex allergy and early feeding of banana or
papaya.  I was concerned about this, because those have been among the early
recommended weaning foods.<<

I don't know about a connection between latex allergy and early feeding of
bananas or papayas, but I *can* tell you that I am mildly allergic to bananas
and other tropical fruits--- causes an itching in the back of my palate and
throat--- and I was fed cereal and mashed bananas starting at 3 weeks of age.
My children and my siblings all have various reactions to bananas, avocados,
etc., and so I have always been concerned as well by the use of bananas and
avocados as "first foods". I always inquire about food sensitivities very
specifically before recommending weaning foods to a mother for baby.

-Lisa Marasco, BA, LLLL, IBCLC