WIC Works Resource System
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Introducing Peanut Products to Babies
Introducing peanut-containing foods in the first year of life reduces the risk that the infant will develop an allergy to peanuts.
If a baby has other confirmed or suspected food allergies or risk factors, caregivers should check with the infant’s healthcare provider before feeding the infant peanut-containing foods. These infants may need to be seen by a specialist (e.g., allergists) who can advise caretakers about the best practices when it comes to introducing new foods.
For babies who have no risk factors, it is recommended to begin introducing potentially allergenic foods, like peanut products, as other complementary foods are introduced. Since both peanuts and peanut butter can be choking hazards for babies and young children, they should be served in age-appropriate ways. Refer participants to their healthcare provider for more information. For children age 1 and older, find more information on Reducing the Risk of Choking in Young Children at Mealtimes.
Start with small tastes. One safe way to introduce peanut products to a baby is by mixing and thinning out a small amount of peanut butter in infant cereal, pureed fruit or plain yogurt. Dissolving a small amount of peanut butter in breast milk or formula and feeding it by spoon is another good option.
What are Risk Factors?
It isn't clear why some people develop allergies while others don't. However, people with certain risk factors have a greater chance of developing a peanut allergy. Peanut allergy risk factors may include age, other food allergies such as egg, family members with allergies, or atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Signs of Peanut Allergy in Babies
An allergic response to peanuts usually occurs within minutes after exposure. Peanut allergy signs and symptoms can include:
Skin reactions, such as hives, redness or swelling
Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting
Tightening of the throat
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Runny nose
What To Do If a Baby Has a Reaction to Peanuts
If the caregiver observes any signs of a food allergy in baby during or after a feeding, they should stop the baby from consuming the food immediately and consult a health care provider. If a caregiver has any concerns about the infant’s response to peanuts, they should seek immediate medical attention or call 911.