Guidelines for When to Introduce Babies to Peanut Products
What parents should know about timing, safety, and allergy risk
Important note: This article provides general consumer information only and is not medical advice. Always consult your child’s pediatrician or another qualified health professional before making feeding decisions, especially if there are concerns about allergies or medical conditions.
For many years, common advice was to delay giving babies peanut products in order to avoid allergies. Research over the past decade has changed that guidance. Studies now show that introducing peanuts early, under the right conditions, may reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. Because the change is significant, parents and caregivers often have questions about when to begin, how to do it safely, and which children may need extra caution.
How guidance has changed
In the past, parents were often told to wait until age three before offering peanuts. This was based on concerns that early exposure could trigger allergies. Large clinical studies have since shown that earlier introduction, often between 4 and 6 months, can lower the likelihood of a peanut allergy developing. As a result, professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics support early introduction for many infants, provided it is done safely and with guidance from a health care pr...
When it may be safe to start
Most babies are ready for solid foods around 4 to 6 months of age. At that stage, if the baby is otherwise healthy and does not have risk factors for severe allergies, small amounts of peanut containing foods can be introduced. Risk factors include severe eczema, an existing food allergy, or a strong family history of peanut allergy. Babies with those factors should be evaluated by a pediatrician or an allergy specialist before peanuts are given. In some cases, testing or the first exposure in a medi...
Safe ways to introduce peanut products
Whole peanuts and chunky peanut butter are choking hazards and should never be given to infants. Safer options include smooth peanut butter thinned with warm water, breast milk, or formula so it is easy to swallow. Peanut puffs softened with liquid can also be an option for some infants. Start with a very small amount, wait a few minutes, and watch closely for signs of reaction. If no symptoms appear, a few small servings each week can help maintain tolerance. It is best to introduce peanuts at home ...
- Do offer: Smooth peanut butter thinned with water, formula, or breast milk; peanut puffs softened with liquid.
- Do not offer: Whole peanuts, crunchy peanut butter, or large amounts that could cause choking.
- Watch for: Symptoms such as rash, hives, swelling, or vomiting that require medical attention.
Who should consult a doctor first
Parents of infants with severe eczema, known food allergies, or a family history of peanut allergy should talk with a pediatrician or allergist before giving peanut products. A doctor may recommend allergy testing or a supervised first introduction in a clinical setting. This does not mean these children must avoid peanuts forever, but rather that the first exposure should be done with medical support to keep them safe.
Quick checklist
- Consult a doctor before introducing peanuts if your baby has severe eczema, known food allergies, or a strong family history of allergy.
- Introduce peanut products only after your baby is ready for solids, usually around 4 to 6 months.
- Use safe forms such as thinned smooth peanut butter or softened peanut puffs.
- Never give whole peanuts or chunky peanut butter to babies.
- Offer small servings regularly once tolerated to help maintain tolerance.
Introducing peanut products at the right time can help reduce allergy risks, but every child is different. Parents should make decisions together with their health care provider and should use safe, age appropriate forms of peanuts. With careful planning, parents can help their children explore new foods while lowering the risk of serious allergy.