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Introducing peanut to your baby

It sounds scary, but US guidance (NIAID, endorsed by the AAP) says to introduce peanut early: around 6 months, when solids start — and even at 4–6 months for high-risk babies, under a doctor's guidance. Early and regular introduction sharply reduces the risk of a peanut allergy.

Why introduce it early?

The landmark LEAP study showed that babies who got peanut early and regularly were about 80% less likely to develop a peanut allergy than babies for whom it was delayed. That's why the NIAID guidelines (endorsed by the AAP) recommend early introduction rather than avoidance.

How to build it up

• Use smooth peanut butter with no added salt or sugar — never whole nuts or chunky pieces. Thin it with a little warm water or stir it into a purée your baby knows.
• Day 1: half a teaspoon stirred into a familiar purée.
• Days 2–3: increase a little each time, up to about a teaspoon.
• After that: keep peanut coming regularly (roughly 3 times a week per NIAID, or at least weekly) — one-off introduction without follow-up undoes the protective effect.
• No whole nuts before age 4 — choking hazard.

Severe eczema or egg allergy?

Babies with severe eczema and/or an egg allergy are the high-risk group: NIAID recommends introducing peanut as early as 4–6 months for them, but after checking with your pediatrician — allergy testing or a supervised first feeding may be advised.

What to watch after serving

Offer a new allergen earlier in the day so you can watch your baby for a few hours. Mild reactions (a few hives around the mouth) are usually harmless but worth mentioning to your pediatrician. With swelling of the face or tongue, trouble breathing, repetitive vomiting or floppiness: stop and call 911.

Also handy: introducing egg to your baby and the full starting-solids guide with 60-day plan

Guidance by age: 0–6 weeks · 6–12 weeks · 3–4 months · 4–6 months · 6–9 months · 9–12 months · 12–18 months · 18–24 months · 2–3 years · 3–4 years · 4–5 years