Introducing your baby to peanuts could mean lifelong protection.
Children should be introduced to peanut-containing foods between 4 and 6 months of age.
It’s important to start early.
You can reduce your child’s risk of peanut allergies by up to 86%.
Early introduction only has the potential to reduce peanut allergies. Studies found no evidence of it increasing peanut allergies.
This early protection is sustained over time. Children continue to have lower risk of developing a peanut allergy as they age.
5 easy ways to introduce peanuts to your infant.
Most infants can safely be fed peanut products around six months of age when they are beginning other solid foods. If your infant has severe Eczema, egg allergy or both – discuss with your infant’s healthcare provider before introducing any foods containing peanuts. When you’re ready, try these easy ways to get started:
Mix with water, formula or breast milk
Thin 2 teaspoons of peanut butter with 2-3 tablespoons of hot water, formula or breast milk. Allow to cool before serving.
Mix with food
Blend 2 teaspoons of peanut butter into 2-3 tablespoons of foods like infant cereal, yogurt (if already tolerating dairy), pureed chicken or tofu.
Mix with produce
Stir 2 teaspoons of powdered peanut butter into 2 tablespoons of previously tolerated pureed fruits or vegetables.
Peanut snacks
Give your baby a peanut-containing teething food, such as peanut puffs.
Teething biscuits
Teething infants who are older and self-feeding may enjoy homemade
peanut butter teething biscuits. Find a recipe for teething biscuits at
NationalPeanutBoard.org
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VIDEO: Easy ways to feed your baby peanut-containing foods
Still have questions? Reach out!
Alison Berg
PhD, RDN, LD
Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Associate Professor and Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist