The Hazards of Peanut Butter for Babies

Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. It’s also delicious. However, introducing new foods to babies can be tricky and especially with peanut butter. Here are a few things to consider before you give peanut butter to your baby.

The list of foods that offer nostalgia, comfort, and convenience is short and on the top of that list is peanut butter. It’s a household staple that lasts a lifetime and never gets tiring. It’s only natural that you want to share this magical food with your baby or young child. Before you offer them a spoonful there are just a few precautions you should consider before doing so.

There are several reasons why you should be cautious about giving peanut butter to a baby or a young child. We take a closer look at those reasons below along with some methods of how to safely give peanut butter to babies and young children.

Allergy

The main reason why people are cautious about giving peanut butter to babies and children is due to allergic reactions. In fact, 1.4% of children in the US have a peanut allergy. An allergic reaction can occur anywhere from a couple of minutes after exposure to 2 hours. Children who have a history of eczema or skin rashes are more likely to be allergic to common food allergens such as peanuts, wheat, eggs, and shellfish. Some symptoms to look for include:

• Hives
• Swelling
• Trouble breathing
• Skin rashes
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

20% of babies and children with a peanut allergy outgrow it.

You can start introducing your child to peanut butter after 6 months with many recommending waiting until they are 1-3 years of age. However, the longer you wait to introduce certain foods the more likely the child will be to have an allergic reaction to it. Start by incorporating foods that contain peanuts or peanut butter in small doses every 3 or 4 days. This will give you enough time to ensure there is no reaction and the system processes the food correctly.

If giving peanut butter to your child seems like too much of a risk you can always consult your doctor. Allergists are able to conduct tests to determine if a child is reactive to peanuts and can offer personalized advice. Learn more about peanut allergies HERE.

Choking

Peanut butter is thick and even adults feel the impact of eating too much at one time. That feeling of peanut butter stuck in your throat and the panic that follows. The same goes for infants, babies, and young children. Their throats are not as wide or as capable of pushing food through. It’s best to give peanut butter in a watered-down form by adding a bit of water and blending or stirring it together. This will be easier for babies and children to consume and digest. Always make sure someone is present while the child is eating so you can monitor how much food is being consumed and at what pace.

Whole peanuts on their own are also a choking hazard so make sure they are crushed small enough for safe consumption. This applies to all children under the age of 5.

Incorporating Peanut Butter

When first introducing your child to peanut butter go slowly. Feed the child yourself and allow several minutes between bites. Add peanut butter to their meals once every 3 days so their system can adjust to the new food. Also, be sure to choose a peanut butter that is as natural as possible. You want to avoid sugar alcohols, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and added sugar. Here are some ideas on how to safely introduce peanut butter.

Mash sweet potato with 1 teaspoon of peanut butter

Mix 1 teaspoon of peanut butter with 2-3 teaspoon warm water, formula, or breast milk

Mash banana with 1 teaspoon peanut butter

Combine 1 teaspoon peanut butter with 3 teaspoons yogurt. Give fresh or freeze for a slow eating, cool treat.

Combine 1 teaspoon peanut butter with cooked oatmeal or rice