Introducing peanut-containing foods during infancy may help reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. For many babies, peanuts can be introduced when they are developmentally ready for solid foods. Babies with severe eczema, egg allergy, or other concerns may need evaluation by their pediatrician or allergist before trying peanuts. Never give babies whole peanuts or spoonfuls of thick peanut butter because they are choking hazards; instead, use an age-appropriate form such as thinned peanut butter or softened peanut puffs.
A child holds a bag of peanut snacks in her pediatrician’s office at age nine-months, in Columbus, Ohio.
Most babies should start eating peanut-containing foods well before their first birthday, say guidelines released Thursday that aim to protect high-risk tots and other youngsters, too, from developing the dangerous food allergy.
The new guidelines from the National Institutes of Health mark a shift in dietary advice, based on landmark research that found early exposure dramatically lowers a baby’s chances of becoming allergic.
The recommendations spell out exactly how to introduce infants to peanut-based foods and when — for some, as early as 4 to 6 months of age — depending on whether they’re at high, moderate or low risk of developing one of the most troublesome food allergies.
“We’re on the cusp of hopefully being able to prevent a large number of cases of peanut allergy,” said Dr. Matthew Greenhawt of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, a member of the NIH-appointed panel that wrote the guidelines.
Babies at high risk — because they have a severe form of the skin rash eczema or egg allergies — need a check-up before any peanut exposure, and might get their first taste in the doctor’s office.
For other tots, most parents can start adding peanut-containing foods to the diet much like they already introduced oatmeal or mushed peas.
No, babies don’t get whole peanuts or a big glob of peanut butter — those are choking hazards. Instead, the guidelines include options like watered-down peanut butter or easy-to-gum peanut-flavored “puff” snacks.
“It’s an important step forward,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which appointed experts to turn the research findings into user-friendly guidelines. “When you do desensitize them from an early age, you have a very positive effect.”
Peanut allergy is a growing problem, affecting about 2 percent of U.S. children who must avoid the wide array of peanut-containing foods or risk severe, even life-threatening, reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I introduce peanut foods to my baby?
Peanut-containing foods can be introduced during infancy once a baby is developmentally ready for solid foods. The original guidance discussed introduction as early as 4–6 months for certain high-risk infants, with timing depending on the child’s risk factors.
Can introducing peanuts early prevent peanut allergies?
Research has found that introducing peanut-containing foods during infancy can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing peanut allergy in children at increased risk. This evidence led to a major shift away from older advice to delay peanut introduction.
Should babies with eczema be given peanut foods?
Babies with severe eczema are at higher risk of developing peanut allergy. The article recommends that these infants be evaluated by a healthcare provider before peanut introduction and notes that some may have their first peanut exposure in a medical setting.
What if my baby has an egg allergy?
Egg allergy is another risk factor for peanut allergy discussed in the guidelines. Babies with egg allergy should be evaluated by their healthcare provider before parents introduce peanut-containing foods.
Can I give my baby peanut butter?
Peanut butter can be offered in an age-appropriate form, but babies should not be given a large spoonful of thick peanut butter because it can be a choking hazard. The article suggests options such as peanut butter thinned with water.
