When and how do I introduce peanuts to my baby?
Current Canadian guidance is that there is no reason to delay introducing common food allergens, including peanut, and that offering them around six months — once a baby is developmentally ready for solids — may help reduce the risk of developing a food allergy. If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your provider before introducing peanut.
要点速览
- Current Canadian guidance is not to delay common allergens: the Canadian Paediatric Society advises introducing peanut around six months (and not before four months), once a baby is ready for solids, which may lower allergy risk.
- Whole peanuts and thick globs of peanut butter are choking hazards — use smooth peanut butter thinned with water or mixed into a familiar food, or a peanut puff product, and offer one new allergen at a time.
- Babies with severe eczema, a known food allergy, or a strong family history should be assessed by a provider before peanut is introduced.
The shift toward earlier introduction
Guidance moved away from delaying allergens years ago. The Canadian Paediatric Society advises that common allergenic foods can be introduced around six months (not before four months), alongside other first foods, and that delaying them does not prevent allergy — earlier introduction may in fact lower the risk.
Once introduced and tolerated, keeping the food a regular part of the diet is part of the guidance.
What "how" looks like
Whole peanuts and globs of peanut butter are choking hazards for babies, so smooth peanut butter is thinned with water or mixed into a food the baby already eats, or a peanut puff product is used. New allergens are commonly offered earlier in the day so any reaction can be watched, and one new allergen is introduced at a time.
This page describes common practice. It cannot tell you whether it is safe for your baby.
When to talk to your provider first
If your baby has severe eczema, an existing food allergy, or a strong family history that concerns you, discuss a plan with your provider before introducing peanut — some babies are assessed first. This is exactly the kind of decision to make with a clinician, not from a web page.
家长还会问
- Can I give my baby whole peanuts?
- No. Whole peanuts and thick globs of peanut butter are choking hazards for babies. Use thinned smooth peanut butter or a peanut puff product instead.
- What if my baby has severe eczema?
- Babies with severe eczema or a known food allergy should be assessed by a provider before peanut is introduced. Talk to your clinician about a plan first.
来源
- Canadian Paediatric Society — Caring for Kids
There is no evidence that avoiding certain foods prevents allergy; common food allergens can be introduced around six months of age, but not before four months.
- Canadian Paediatric Society — Caring for Kids
Mix a little smooth peanut butter with water, breast milk, or a purée the baby has had before, or offer a peanut puff product; whole peanuts and thick globs are choking hazards.
- Canadian Paediatric Society — Caring for Kids
For infants at high risk of food allergy, consider introducing allergenic solids such as peanut around six months, and not before four months.
- American Academy of Pediatrics — HealthyChildren.org
Introducing peanut-containing foods early, with clinician guidance for high-risk infants, can reduce allergy risk.