When Can a Baby Have Peanuts? The New Guidelines

When Can Babies Have Peanut Butter?

Food allergies can be a scary part of introducing solids to your baby. And, there is controversy around when to try out foods that are well known to provoke allergic responses like eggs, strawberries, and—the much-feared—peanut!

In fact, you may have heard that you should totally steer your child clear of peanuts (butter, crumbles, candy, etc.) for the first few years. That advice seems to make good sense: let your child’s intestinal protections get a bit stronger before an exposure to strong allergens.  But, it is actually now recognised to be completely wrong!

The U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Health Service (NHS) advises giving peanut-containing food to babies in the first year. Even more surprising…the higher risk your child has of allergy, the earlier the NIH recommends they try peanuts. 

LEAP Study on Peanut Exposure in Babies

The NIH based its new guidelines on King’s College London’s landmark LEAP study (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) which studied over 600 high-risk infants. Much to their surprise, the researchers found that an early introduction to peanut-containing foods significantly reduced peanut reactions in allergy-inclined babies.

When to Introduce Peanut Butter to Your Baby

Babies with No Peanut or Food Allergies

Babies who have no allergies, eczema, or strong family history can try peanuts during the early introduction of solid foods. Just do not make peanut butter and jelly their first regular meal. Even low risk babies should not launch into gastronomy with peanuts as their first appetizer.

Babies at Risk of Peanut and Food Allergies

The NIH recommends babies with mild-to-moderate eczema have peanuts added to their diet at 6 months.

For children with ‘high risk’—because of eczema, egg allergy, or some other allergic issue—paediatricians now recommend exposing them to peanuts even earlier, at 4 to6 months!

But do not take our word for it! Every child is unique, so it is very important that your paediatrician be the one deciding if, when, and how to introduce high allergy foods. In fact, many infants are also referred to allergy specialists for screening lab tests—like a scratch test or blood work—to create the best, safest plan.

Can Babies Outgrow a Peanut Allergy?

Growing out of a peanut allergy is not very common. In fact, only about 20% of babies outgrow peanut allergies.

How to Introduce Your Baby to Peanut Butter

To be clear, you should never crack a shell and hand a peanut over to a little baby—whole peanuts and even small chunks are a dangerous choking hazard. Inhaling a piece of peanut usually requires emergency anesthesia and removal! Even a spoonful of peanut butter can be risky because its thick, sticky consistency can make it hard to swallow.

How Much Peanut Butter Can a Baby Have

The King’s College Hospital NHS  recommends mixing 2 teaspoons of smooth (not chunky) peanut butter with 2 to 3 teaspoons of hot water to make a thin, baby-friendly goo…and then you can mix that with pureed fruits or veggies to thin it even more. Try out just a small spoonful, then watch your baby for 10 minutes for signs of a reaction. Peanut allergies are pretty quick to show up, but make sure to look out for the following signs of a peanut allergy.

Signs of Peanut Allergy in Babies

• vomiting
• hives
• redness or swelling of the face and tongue

If all goes well, you can try it again the next day.

Of course, every baby is different. Before introducing peanuts or peanut butter, be sure to ask your healthcare provider what is best for your baby.

Note: Also ask your healthcare provider if you should buy some liquid Benadryl to keep in your first aid kit. It can come in very handy in case of a sudden allergic reaction—like to a bee sting—at home and on trips.

Descargo de responsabilidad: La información en nuestro sitio NO es un consejo médico para ninguna persona o condición específica. Solo se proporciona como información general. Si tiene alguna pregunta o preocupación médica sobre su hijo o sobre usted mismo, por favor contacte a su proveedor de salud. La leche materna es la mejor fuente de nutrición para los bebés. Es importante que, en preparación para la lactancia y durante la misma, las madres lleven una dieta saludable y equilibrada. La combinación de lactancia materna y alimentación con biberón en las primeras semanas de vida puede reducir la producción de leche materna y es difícil revertir la decisión de no amamantar. Si decide utilizar fórmula infantil, debe seguir las instrucciones cuidadosamente.