Make Peanut Introduction a Smooth Experience
Peanut allergies are a common concern among parents, but experts suggest that introducing your little one to potential food allergens like peanuts in small amounts around 6 months of age can help reduce the likelihood that they’ll develop an allergy.
The key is to be safe and cautious as you introduce your baby to peanuts using small and carefully measured amounts of either smooth peanut butter or peanut powder. Always make sure you check with your doctor before introducing your baby to potential allergens, but once you’re all clear, introducing your baby to peanut butter can be easy and a lot of fun!
Choose the Right Kind of Peanut Butter
When introducing peanut butter to your baby, it’s important to use plain, smooth peanut butter that doesn’t have added ingredients like sugar or corn syrup. You can also use peanut powder that doesn’t have added ingredients.
Step by step guide to introduce peanut butter to your baby
- Begin with 1-2 teaspoons of either smooth peanut butter or peanut powder in a bowl.
- Mix a little water to create a smooth consistency for your baby
- Offer a First Taste of Peanut Butter on a Small Spoon
- Watch for a Potential Peanut Allergy Reaction
When to Introduce peanut butter
It’s generally recommended to introduce potential allergens, including peanut, around 4-6 months of age. It’s believed that making a gentle introduction at this stage of life could help the body acclimate to the ingredient, and avoid allergic reactions in the future.
Introducing Peanut Butter to 6 month olds
It’s generally recommended to introduce peanut butter between 4-6 months of age, but as always, check with your physician to see when your baby is ready to begin complementary foods. At 6 months, you’ll probably want to give your little one a very small amount of diluted smooth peanut butter.
Introducing Peanut Butter to 9 month olds
As your baby gets older and starts to snack on things like crackers and fruit, you might try putting a very thin dab of smooth peanut butter on a sample of their food.
Introducing Peanut Butter to 12 month olds
One of the most popular ways to introduce peanut butter to an older baby is a piece of toast. Just make sure you spread a thin layer.
What to Look for In a Peanut Allergy Reaction
Watch for hives, swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea. These indicators may appear within minutes of exposure to peanuts or peanut products, or after several hours. If you notice any indicators like these, do not continue giving your baby peanut butter. Depending on the severity, you may want to seek immediate medical attention.
Take it Slow and Steady
Continue to offer small amounts (1-2 tsp of diluted peanut butter) to your baby several days per week. Introducing peanut butter is all about creating positive experiences with food and expanding your baby's palate. So, take it step by step, and don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.
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