Aren’t peanuts a choking hazard for infants and young children?
Yes, whole peanuts and chunks of peanut butter are choking hazards for infants and young children. Never give an infant whole peanuts, chunks of peanut butter, or chunky peanut butter.
The recommendation is to introduce peanut-containing foods to infants. This can be accomplished by thinning peanut butter with formula, breast milk or other safe foods for infants. Read more on our page about introducing your baby to peanut containing foods in developmentally appropriate ways.
How often should I give my baby peanut-containing foods?
Once you start, give infants two teaspoons of peanut-containing foods 3 times per week. This consistent exposure has been shown to have the greatest likelihood of reducing the chance of an infant developing a peanut allergy.
Is it ever too late to start my baby on peanut-containing foods?
The short answer is no. Maybe you get this information when your baby is 9 months, 1 year, or even 2 years. It is never too late to start. Talk to your healthcare provider if your child has severe eczema and other established food allergies or if you have other concerns.
Are some children at higher risk for a peanut allergy?
Yes. Children with severe eczema, egg allergy, or both are more likely to have a peanut allergy. Children of color, particularly non-Hispanic Black children, are more likely to have a food allergy than non-Hispanic White children.
My baby is a picky eater. What should I do if they don’t seem to like the peanut-containing foods?
It is natural for a baby to make a funny face, spit food out, or even push away new foods. Rejecting food on the first or second try does not mean the baby is picky or does not like the food. Some research shows it can take up to 15 tries before a baby, toddler, or school-aged child will accept a new food. Keep trying.
What about other foods that are major allergens, like eggs, fish, and soy?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that all foods, including potentially allergenic foods, should be introduced alongside other complementary foods. All foods should be introduced in appropriate forms for the child’s development.
